Concussion Management

Concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury, can often result from different types of trauma, where the brain or nerve tissues are suddenly exposed to changes in force (i.e. hit to the head, sudden quick rotation, etc). Symptoms are varied, but can include sensitivity to light, sound, dizziness or vertigo, nausea, changes in hearing or vision, as well as cognitive difficulties. Most concussions will resolve on their own with little intervention, but for those patients whose symptoms seem to persist, an assessment by a physiotherapist with training in concussion can be helpful to clarify what may be causing some of your ongoing symptoms, and provide direction or recommendations for further treatment. This could involve balance or strength exercise, vision or vestibular training drills, education on symptom management, or referral to other professionals who can be part of your recovery team.

Resources

• Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation
• CanChild Post Concussion Guidelines