Concussion

A concussion, also called mild head trauma or cranio-spinal trauma is a brain injury that brings several signs and symptoms on the physical, emotional, cognitive and sleep patterns. Neurons and brain tissues are affected by compression forces, stretching and shearing.

The mechanisms of a concussion injury cause by violent shaking of the head and neck are:

• a direct hit to the head
• an indirect impact (eg. Checking, whiplash car …)

Among the most common signs and symptoms include:

• headaches
• dizziness
• fatigue
• confusion
• memory and concentration problems
• irritability ans changes in sleep patterns

When there is suspicion of a concussion in an athlete, the player must be removed from the activity immediately and be evaluated by a qualified health professional such as a physician, neuropsychologist or physiotherapist. The critical period of symptoms is 24 to 72 hours after the injury. Although, it is important to consider that there may be a latency period in the symptoms.

During a concussion, good management and a gradual return to the activities are important at all ages, but particularly in children and adolescents whose brains are in constant development. A premature return to physical activity (sports) or cognitive activities (school, work) can cause persistent symptoms and delay healing.

A physiotherapist can advise you on the steps to follow in order to return to the cognitive activities and physical activities safely. These protocols will allow the injured to make a gradual return respecting the signs and symptoms. For adults, the protocol starts after 24 hours without signs and symptoms. For children and adolescents (under 17 years old), after 24 hours without symptoms, it will take 7 days off before starting the protocols.

Physiotherapy can be helpful during a concussion because of the following:

• Knowledge of concussions and their signs and symptoms
• Guide the patient in return protocols cognitive activities or sports
• Joint work with doctors, kinesiologist, neuropsychologist
• Overall assessment of the athlete and subsequent treatment
  • Previous history of head injury (Concussion, lacerations, headaches, dizziness)
  • History of neck injury, oculomotor, jaw, vestibular (AVM, whiplash, checking, fall, neck pain…)
• SCAT (assessment tool used for concussions for health professionals)
• Cranial Nerves
• Thoracic region