Summer sports, cycling, playground activities, and outdoor recreation can increase the chance of a collision or fall. A concussion is a brain injury that can occur after a direct hit to the head, face, or neck, or after a force to the body that causes the brain to move within the skull.
A person does not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over the following hours, so a suspected concussion should be taken seriously.
Possible Signs and Symptoms
A concussion can affect how a person feels, thinks, sleeps, and moves. Symptoms may include:
- Headache, pressure in the head, dizziness, or nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Balance problems or unsteadiness
- Fatigue, sleep changes, or feeling slowed down
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or completing school or work tasks
- Irritability, nervousness, or other mood changes
Symptoms differ from person to person. Anyone with a suspected concussion should stop the activity and be assessed by an appropriate medical professional.
Red Flags That Require Emergency Care
Call emergency services or seek immediate medical attention for worsening or severe headache, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, unusual behaviour, seizure, increasing drowsiness or difficulty waking, slurred speech, new weakness or numbness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness.
Recovery Should Be Gradual
Complete isolation in a dark room for an extended period is generally not the goal. After a short initial period of relative rest as directed by a medical professional, daily activities are usually reintroduced gradually without causing a significant or prolonged increase in symptoms.
Returning to school, work, exercise, and sport may require separate steps. Medical clearance is required before unrestricted return to sport.
How Physiotherapy May Help
Once appropriate medical assessment has occurred, physiotherapy may address physical problems that continue during recovery. Depending on the symptoms and the clinician’s training, care may include:
- Assessment of balance, neck movement, and symptom response to activity
- A gradual aerobic exercise program within appropriate limits
- Balance or vestibular rehabilitation when indicated
- Treatment for neck-related pain or headaches when appropriate
- Guidance for pacing daily, school, work, and physical activities
- A staged progression toward exercise and sport-specific demands
Recovery plans should be individualized. Pushing through significant symptoms or returning to contact sport too early can place the person at risk and may delay recovery.
When to Book an Assessment
Seek medical assessment for any suspected concussion. Physiotherapy may be appropriate when dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, headaches, or difficulty tolerating activity continue after the initial medical evaluation. The physiotherapist should communicate with the broader healthcare team when needed.
Contact Us Today!
At Health Plus Physiotherapy in Woodbridge, our team can assess physical symptoms that may continue during concussion recovery and provide a gradual, individualized rehabilitation plan within the appropriate scope of care.
If another location is more convenient, ask about availability at our North Brampton and South Brampton clinics.
Contact our Woodbridge clinic today to schedule an assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
