A hot topic related to football as of late has been concussions.  A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain moves too much and hits the inside of the skull.¹  Events that can cause this can be a hard hit to the head or back, car accident, or a fall.²  Some people will lose consciousness and other will not.

Because a concussion can change the way your brain works, concussions can affect a person physically, emotionally, and cognitively.  Below is a list of common symptoms:

Physical symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Difficulty with balance
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fatigue
• Difficulty with sleeping
• Double or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Cognitive symptoms may include:

• Difficulty with short-term or long-term memory
• Confusion
• Slowed “processing”
• “Fogginess”
• Difficulty with concentration

Emotional symptoms may include:

• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Aggression
• Decreased tolerance of stress¹

Diagnosing a concussion can sometimes be difficult.  Tests like MRIs and CT scans will have results that are normal.  It is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible.  Your doctor can get you in touch with other health care professionals that can help treat your symptoms, like a neurologist or physical therapist.¹

It is also important not to resume activity too soon because post-concussion syndrome can occur.  Post-concussion syndrome is a condition where a combination of concussion symptoms last anywhere from weeks to up to a year or more after the initial concussion.³  The symptoms are similar to ones seen from a concussion.  Exerting yourself too soon, whether physically, like returning to physical activity, or cognitively, like returning to school or work, can delay the brain’s healing.¹  It is important to resume activities slowly when your symptoms subside and keep good communication with your doctor, physical therapist, and/or athletic trainer.  If you begin to increase your activity and your symptoms worsen, you have done too much and need to back off in order to give your brain sufficient time to heal.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy can help treat some of the symptoms of a concussion.  Headaches, one of the major symptoms of a concussion, can be complicated by neck or back injuries.  A physical therapist can evaluate your neck and back and work on any limitations they find, like poor joint mobility of the vertebra, tight and sore muscles, decreased flexibility of muscles, and weakness of muscles in the area.

Dizziness can also be treated by physical therapists.  Some physical therapists are specialized to treat the vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and helps keep your balance when you move your head and eyes.  These physical therapists can give you specific exercises to help decrease your dizziness and also improve your balance, which may also be affected.¹

It is important to know the symptoms of a concussion, especially if you or someone you know has been hit in an athletic event or in a car accident.  Being able to recognize the symptoms and getting to a doctor is the first step towards recovery.  Once a concussion is diagnosed, it is important to communicate with your health care providers when resuming activity in order to allow the brain to heal successfully.

by Lindsey Cook, Physical Therapist

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1. http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=4f2ebb00-f1c0-4691-b2ab-742df8dffb99
2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/concussion/DS00320

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/post-concussion-syndrome/DS01020

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