What a concussion is and how NOT to treat one
Let’s get real for a second. Concussion knowledge is a rapidly evolving field and we’ve realized that a lot of the science prior to now hasn’t been ermmmm… correct.
Please raise your hand if you’ve had a concussion and you were told to go rest in a dark room for an arbitrary period of time. An ideal environment for a mushroom to sprout.. You can’t see me but I’m raising my hand right now. I was that mushroom… multiple times.
New science points in a different direction for concussion management. And we’re still learning. But before we get into what these new finds are, let me first explain what a concussion is and WHY concussion research and management is SO important.
What A Concussion IS
A concussion can be defined as a traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanical forces (Berlin Consensus Guidelines, 2016). It is caused by either a direct blow to the head, face or neck. It’s important to note a blow to anywhere on the body, transmits an ‘impulsive’ force to the head and can cause a concussion.
Why Concussions Are Important to Treat
To put it simply, a concussion changes the way our brain functions - causing it to work less optimally. 80%-90% of people recover from a concussion relatively quickly. However, cumulative effects of multiple concussions could cause long-term, irreparable damage. This is why concussions NEED to be taken seriously.
We never assume that our kid is going to get multiple head injuries from playing competitive sports. Or at least we hope they don’t. But sometimes, this is the case. Your next steps post-concussion are important. Anyone who sustains a concussion can and absolutely should be treated by a physiotherapist who specializes in concussion management.
How NOT TO Treat a Concussion
1.Sitting in a dark room is OUT
Rest is no longer considered the best approach to treat a concussion. Research has found that sitting in a dark room for an arbitrary period of time doesn’t really contribute to much at all. Exercise therapy of the appropriate duration and intensity is often the most important intervention for faster, complete recovery. However, this requires professional expertise provided by a healthcare provider specializing in concussion management.
2. Diet and exercise are prescribed to be the best medicine
I mean is anyone really shocked to hear this at this point? While some medication may be prescribed to ease symptoms, there are currently no pharmaceutical options that improve outcomes. But diet IS important. Remember, the goal is optimal brain function so we need food and hydration that supports that. Trained physiotherapists in concussion management will outline a personalized diet plan that will aid in your recovery.
3. Don’t forget about your neck
Research has shown that 100% of concussion injuries also cause some degree of whiplash. So if you’ve had a concussion, manual therapy and exercise treatment are going to be important for a full rehabilitation.
Bolton Physiotherapy offers an extensive Concussion Management Program. Check it out here. We are affiliated with Shift Concussion Program who offers us current research and education on all things concussions.
If you or one of your kids has suffered a concussion, let’s chat. We can help manage current symptoms and in some cases, create a care plan to help prevent future ones.
Call us today at (905) 857-3927 to book a free consultation to see if our program is a good fit for you.