What is Concussion?
A concussion happens when an impact to the head, a fall, a car accident, or even just a jolt to the head stretches and deforms brain tissue. This deformity causes brain cells to open up channels, sending a huge amount of signals to other brain cells. Millions of brain cells get tricked into entering what is called the Excitatory Phase. As a result, the energy stores of the brain are rapidly decreased. In the hours and days following a concussion, energy stores in the brain plummet. This energy depletion is the cause of concussion symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Noise or light sensitivity
- Irritation
- Forgetfulness
- Concentration issues
- Blurred vision
- Restlessness
- Sleep disturbances
- Neck pain
- Imbalance
The good news is this brain deformity does not cause permanent damage to the brain, which is why MRI and CAT scans are negative after suffering a concussion. However, the brain is very vulnerable during this recovery phase, and it is vital that a subsequent injury does not occur during this time frame. Permanent brain damage can occur if a second concussion is suffered during the recovery period. It can take up to 22 days for 70% of the people who have suffered a concussion to fully recover their brain energy stores. 30% of concussion patients take longer to recover, which is called Post- Concussion Syndrome.
How can 1st Choice Physical Therapy Help?
Physical Therapists play a vital role in concussion recovery. Concussion symptoms occur from a combination of 5 main issues:
- Decreased blood flow to the brain
- Visual and vestibular deficiencies
- Metabolic/inflammatory/hormonal problems
- Neck injury from whiplash
- Psychological issues
1st Choice Physical Therapists are trained in Post-Concussion Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and the Nasal Release Technique (NRT). NRT is a structural technique that addresses the problem of trauma affecting the fluid movement to the brain by releasing the sutures of the skull mechanically through inflation of a small balloon inserted into the nasal passages.
A 1st Choice Physical Therapist will perform specialized assessments to determine which issue or issues are causing the specific concussion symptoms, then develop an individualized treatment plan to address each symptom. They can also refer to a specialized doctor if further evaluation is appropriate.
Current concussion research emphasizes the importance of early and individualized sub-symptom threshold exercise therapy for complete concussion recovery. If you or a loved one is suffering from lingering concussion symptoms, call 1st Choice Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment so your life can get back on track.
