What is Concussion?
A concussion is caused by a blow to the head, neck or body resulting in an impulsive force being transmitted to the brain. 90% of concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness, and symptoms can vary in onset, immediate symptoms are common but can be delayed in presentation for up to a week post event. Concussion is what is known as a functional, traumatic brain injury, meaning that despite the trauma sustained by the brain, there is no structural pathology or damage on brain MRI scans, with one singular concussion.
What are the Symptoms?
Concussion symptoms are non-specific, meaning they can overlap with symptoms from potentially co-existing conditions, making diagnosis at times difficult.
There are a variety of common signs and symptoms to be aware of when someone has experienced a concussion, including:
- headache
- neck pain
- nausea/vomiting
- dizziness
- blurry vision
- sensitivity to light/noise
- low energy/increased fatigue
- trouble sleeping
- increased emotional status (sadness, anger, anxiousness)
- confusion
- repeating self
- balance problems
It is important to know some signs that may indicate a more serious brain or neck injury.
- Any loss or decreasing consciousness
- palpable tenderness to the neck and inability to rotate 45 degrees to either side
- multiple vomiting episodes
- worsening headache
- motor/sensory changes in peripheral limbs.
If anything out of the ordinary is observed, if in any doubt, please transport the player immediately to Emergency, to clear serious pathology that requires more medical attention.
What is the Recovery Time?
All of that doom and gloom aside, 90% of concussion-related symptoms resolve within 2-4 weeks for adults, and up to 6 weeks in children. It is important to access a qualified concussion practitioner within the first 7 days post injury, as this allows for early recovery to take place, decreasing overall symptom burden.
Commencing post concussive injury care within 3 days, versus waiting 7+ days, promotes earlier symptom resolution, with each extra day in delayed presentation increasing the risk of delayed recovery by 34%.
Early rest within the first 24-48 hours is necessary, but after that light aerobic exercise (i.e. gentle walking) should be introduced, as prolonged rest leads to worse outcomes. In turn, not allowing for this period of rest does not allow the brain to heal, leading to longer symptom duration. There is no need to constantly wake the person when sleeping in the first 24-48 hours to monitor their condition, this is a myth!
Good sleep within the first 10 days post injury is correlated with better outcomes and quicker return to activity.
When Can Return to Sport Happen?
In order to return to sport, all return to school/work markers must have been attained first. Starting with half days then increasing break times at work are typical ways to re-expose the brain to cognitive load. Individuals must be symptom free for 14 days prior to returning to competition sport. This does not exclude them from all phases of training, with a gradual re-introduction into exercise and sport specific activity used, with low level symptom presence safe to push through.
How Restore Function Physiotherapy Can Help
Here at Restore Function Physiotherapy, we are equipped to help diagnose, manage and return people back to their activity of choice safely. Education, manual therapy, exercise prescription, return to work/learn/spot planning, as well as baseline testing, are all part of the individualised management process.
Call our friendly team on (07) 3148 4417 to book an appointment or use the link below to book online.