What is Concussion?
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), resulting in temporary physiological changes to the brain at a cellular level. Concussion occurs as a result of a knock to the head or neck, or a knock to any other part of the body resulting in transmitting force to the brain. These changes to the brain are not detectable on normal imaging (eg. MRI) in mild cases and therefore can be difficult to diagnose. Considering this, a thorough assessments by relevant health professionals is important to accurate diagnose a concussion and ensure a fast recovery. Concussions are not always associated with a loss of consciousness
Concussion Symptoms
Concussion symptoms can present as physical, cognitive or behavioral. Common symptoms you may experience after a concussion include:
PHYSICAL
- Headache
- Dizziness or unsteadiness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Sleeping (excessive sleeping or inability to sleep)
- Balance issues
- Tinnitus or ringing in ears
- Sensitivity to light or noise
COGNITIVE
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating
- Issues with problem solving or planning/organizing
- Mental fatigue
BEHAVIOURAL / PSYCHOLOGICAL
- Moodiness
- Anxiety/depression
- Irritability or agitation
- Excessive sleeping or inability to sleep
Post-Concussion Syndrome
What is it and how do I know if I have it?
While it is normal to experience multiple of these symptoms after a concussion, symptoms often resolve spontaneously within 10-14 days. Post-concussion syndrome occurs when you are experiencing prolonged symptoms of concussion which often interfere with your day-to-day activities. If your symptoms do not fully resolve within 14 days of a concussion, we highly encourage you attend Unley Concussion Clinic for a comprehensive assessment for guidance on how to manage your concussion from here.
Assessment
Given the mechanism of a concussion injury, one or multiple body systems can be affected. At Unley Concussion Clinic, we will complete a thorough assessment of your symptoms to identify what systems are affected to best direct your rehabilitation.
What does an initial assessment involve?
Our experienced physiotherapists will complete a thorough assessment to determine what systems may have been affected by your concussion. We allow 1 hour for our assessments and they include
- Screening questionnaires (physical, psychological)
- Vestibular assessment
- Visual assessments (eye movements)
- Neck range of movement or pain / whiplash
- Balance and coordination
- Exercise tolerance assessment
We understand the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in concussion management and work closely with other health professionals to assist you in returning to what is important to you. Our team will refer you to other relevant health professionals, if and when it is appropriate to do so. These may include a neurologist or neurosurgeon, occupational therapist, optometrist or ophthalmologist, neuropsychologist or GP.
Concussion Baseline Assessments
Unley concussion clinic have collaborated to create Your Brain Health for all of your baseline testing needs. For further enquires or to book your baseline assessment, visit https://www.yourbrainhealth.net/your-brain-health-network
We offer comprehensive concussion baseline assessments for athletes of all levels, schools, workplaces, or anyone who may be at risk of a concussion and seeks to be proactive in concussion management. These assessments provide our physiotherapists with a baseline measure of current function, to then allow for easy reassessment and comparison of suspected concussion.
Concussion baseline assessments take up to 20 minutes to complete and look at
- Concussion and medical history
- Balance (static, dynamic and dual task)
- Coordination and reaction time
- Visual assessment – utilizing NeuroFlex® technology
The nature of these assessments means they can be completed anywhere – whether this is at our Unley Clinic, or why not have us attend your sports club, work place or school for your convenience. Enquire about our Concussion Baseline Assessments today via email or give us a call.
Rehabilitation
Following your initial assessment, our physiotherapists will determine the most appropriate rehabilitation pathway for you. This may involve specific vestibular, cervical (neck), balance, posture or exercise plans and individualized return to work/school/sport pathways. With extensive experience in rehabilitation within these areas, our team are most equipped to assist you and your specific rehabilitation needs.
Referrals
We understand the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in your care and therefore work closely with other health professionals in concussion rehabilitation. Our team can refer you to any other health or medical professions, if and when it is appropriate to do so. Other professionals who may be included in your care include Neuropsychologists, Neurologists, Optometrists or Ophthalmologists, Occupational Therapists or GPs.
