A concussion is a type of brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt to the head. Concussions can range from mild to severe and can have a number of short- and long-term effects. Concussion Management Provider Chiropractor Dr. Arielle Petropolis practices at our PROTx Sackville location. Arielle is certified through Complete Concussions, the largest global provider of concussion treatment and rehabilitation, and is ready to help find the root-cause of lingering symptoms.
The most common symptoms of a concussion are headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and problems with memory and concentration. In some cases, concussions can also lead to sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. There are a number of therapeutic interventions that can be used to treat the symptoms of a concussion, including physiotherapy, massage, and chiropractic care.
Causes of Concussions
Concussions are most commonly caused by a blow to the head, but they can also be caused by a sudden jolt to the head or body. Some common causes of concussions include falling from any height or slipping and falling causing a head injury, sports injuries common in contact sports such as football, soccer, hockey, and boxing, car accidents, or physical assaults.
The symptoms of a concussion can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but some common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and noise, memory problems, concentration problems, sleep disorders & depression and anxiety.
Treatment for Concussions
If you suspect that you have suffered a concussion, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. The healthcare professional will evaluate your symptoms and may order imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI to assess the severity of the injury. Treatment for concussions may include rest, medications, exercise and manual therapy.
Rest is an important part of the recovery process. You may need to take time off work or school until your symptoms have improved. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve headaches and other symptoms. Following a short period of rest and symptom-limited activity, guided sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise has been shown to improve brain function and increase brain chemicals needed for repairing injured tissue.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help improve physical and cognitive function after a concussion. Manual therapy can resolve symptoms of whiplash, which are nearly identical to those of concussion. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage therapy may also be helpful in targeting and treating the symptoms of a concussion.
Preventing Concussions
Preventing head injuries is the best way to prevent concussions. Some ways to reduce the risk of concussion include wearing a helmet when participating in sports that involve contact or high speeds, always wearing your seatbelt when driving or riding in a car, use age-appropriate car seats and ensure that children are supervised when playing to prevent falls and other accidents. If you work in an environment where head injuries are a risk, be sure to always wear protective gear and follow safety protocols.
A concussion is a serious condition that can have long-lasting effects on your health and wellbeing. If you suspect that you have suffered a concussion, seek medical help as soon as possible. With proper treatment and care, you can recover fully from a concussion and prevent future injuries.
Come see Dr. Arielle at our Sackville location for the Complete Concussions management program, or contact any of our locations to get assessed today.
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