According to Brain Injury Canada, there are over 200,000 concussions a year in Canada. So it's important to recognize the symptoms, understand why they occur and know how to treat a concussion, especially since it involves such a delicate part of the human body as the brain.
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about concussion and the possibility of treating it with physiotherapy.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. It causes a temporary loss of total brain function, sometimes resulting in decreased consciousness or altered mental status.
In general, the effects and symptoms of a concussion can be felt almost immediately, but they can also appear days or hours later.
The first mentions of concussion date back to ancient Greece. So it's a condition that's been researched for centuries, and for which we've found a myriad of concussion treatments.
What causes a concussion ?
Brain injuries can be caused by a variety of situations, including cardiovascular accidents. However, the causes of concussion are almost always external.
In this way, your brain is protected by the cerebrospinal fluid and your skull. When you suffer a concussion , you receive a violent blow or impact to the head that causes your brain to shake. This movement disorients you and, depending on the severity of the blow, your brain can literally move inside your skull.
People who play sports with excessive physical contact, such as soccer or rugby, are more exposed to this type of injury. So it's very important that they use the right protective equipment.
Similarly, motorcyclists must wear their helmets at all times. Children and the elderly at risk of falling can also suffer concussions.
What's more, a person who has already suffered a concussion is at greater risk of a blow or fall causing another concussion.
Symptoms of a concussion
After a concussion, you need to pay attention to how you feel. A concussion can't be seen with the naked eye, but the symptoms of a concussion are pretty clear. They can also appear some time after the accident that caused them, so you need to be aware of them.
First of all, you may feel disoriented and confused. In some cases, you may faint. You may also not remember the incident or see any lights.
Other symptoms of concussion include slurred speech or slowness in answering seemingly simple questions.
Symptoms of a concussion that may occur a few days later or last longer include nausea, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and sound. In addition, you may feel more exhausted than usual.
Finally, other common symptoms of concussion include difficulty concentrating, short-term memory difficulties, and the sensation that food tastes or smells strange.
If you've suffered a traumatic blow to the head, you need to see a doctor for concussion treatment , especially if your symptoms last several days or even weeks.
Concussion treatment from a physiotherapy perspective
Physiotherapy is an excellent option for concussion treatment, but it must be carried out by certified, experienced professionals.
However, if you suspect a concussion, it's essential to see your doctor for diagnostic imaging that will allow your physiotherapist to help you fully understand the nature of your injury.
In principle, your physiotherapist and doctor will probably recommend that you rest. It's important to take care of your head and limit your use of electronics. Rest allows your brain to recover, and avoiding the use of technology reduces your exposure to light.
Your physiotherapist can also help you regain your strength and coordination through massage and physical or occupational therapy. After rest, concussion symptoms improve and you can gradually increase your physical activity under the supervision of a physiotherapist who will administer concussion treatment .
The exercises and therapy recommended by your physiotherapist will also help you regain your balance after suffering dizziness or confusion due to a concussion.
In the case of massage, it has been shown to be effective in reducing headaches, a common symptom of concussion.
Your doctor may prescribe pain medication while you continue concussion treatment with your physiotherapist. The key to these painkillers is that they do not contain anticoagulants like aspirin, as this can hinder the healing process and, in severe cases, worsen your condition.
A concussion is, in most cases, easily recoverable if you receive appropriate care. However, if the symptoms of your concussion do not improve over the course of several days under the supervision of medical professionals, you should go to the emergency room and will probably be hospitalized or placed under surveillance.
If you would like to consult a physiotherapist for your concussion in the Canadian region, we recommend the Physiobalance clinic, which has highly qualified professionals to treat an injury of this type. You can also visit our blog for more information on other conditions treated by physiotherapy.
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