Table 1
| Impairment | Etiology | Symptoms | Associated Problems/Risk Factors | Physical Therapy Treatment |
| Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo ( 6 ... | Mechanical disruption in the vestibular ... | Vertigo with changes in head position | Older age High impact forces | Canalith repositioning maneuvers |
| VOR Impairment ( 76) | Disrupted function in the VOR pathways, ... | Dizziness | Labyrinthine Concussion | Gaze Stability Training |
| Visual Motion Sensitivity ( 84) | Impaired central processing/integration ... | Dizziness | Post- Trauamatic Migraine Anxiety | Graded exposure to visually- stimulating ... |
| Impaired Postural Control ( 85) | Disruption/damage to vestibular-spinal r ... | Impaired balance, particularly with: - v ... | Common early finding after concussion; t ... | Balance rehabilitation strategies Sensor ... |
What therapy is needed After a concussion?
Sep 03, 2020 · Concussion Physical Therapy Physical therapy is usually not a stand-alone therapy in concussion rehabilitation. It’s often used in combination with other therapies targeting specific symptoms. In general practice and sports medicine, physical therapy involves a set of exercises designed to rehabilitate a muscle or a part of your body.
What is the best concussion treatment?
Controlled aerobic exercise rehabilitation after establishing symptom-free exercise capacity via treadmill testing has helped athlete and nonathlete PCS patients recover. 66 Exercise testing and rehabilitation should be employed only if patients have persistent symptoms for 3 to 6 weeks or more. 38,65,66 A similar rehabilitation program has been established for children with PCS …
What are the treatment options for a concussion?
More than half of those who are diagnosed with concussions experience vestibular symptoms. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy comprises: Vision therapy to improve motor control of the eyes (oculomotor control). Teaching both eyes to shift focus smoothly as an object moves progressively closer (convergence training).
What to know about recovering from concussion?
6 rows · 1) Concussion rehabilitation policies are largely consensus based 2) Emerging evidence is ...
What is the rehabilitation process for a concussion?
If you have sustained a concussion, immediate rest is the most important first step in recovery. Your doctor will determine if and when you can return to activity, school, work or athletics. Most concussions resolve independently with many individuals reporting no symptoms after 7-10 days.
How long is physical therapy for a concussion?
Most people only need two weeks to complete concussion rehabilitation, but this all depends on your individual symptoms and your progress. We know what's common for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) recovery and whether your experiences are normal for your condition.Mar 11, 2021
What are the stages of a concussion?
There are three grades: Grade 1: Mild, with symptoms that last less than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 2: Moderate, with symptoms that last longer than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 3: Severe, in which the person loses consciousness, sometimes for just a few seconds.Aug 25, 2020
What are two forms of treatment for a concussion?
Physical and mental rest Your doctor will recommend that you physically and mentally rest to recover from a concussion. Relative rest, which includes limiting activities that require thinking and mental concentration, is recommended for the first two days after a concussion.Feb 17, 2022
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that affects the brain’s ability to function. Concussions are caused by a sudden blow to the head, or body, which causes the brain to bounce rapidly or twist in the skull.
How do you treat post-concussion syndrome?
Our physical therapists provide post-concussion care through an individualized patient evaluation to determine the presence of post-concussion symptoms that last beyond the anticipated recovery time.
What is a vestibular disorder?
Vestibular disorders refer to medical concerns that affect an individual’s sense of balance, specifically their inner ear. At UMMC, our vestibular rehabilitation therapy is directed toward improving post-concussive symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and visual and balance impairments.
How to recover from a concussion?
Early intervention of various therapies can significantly improve recovery following a concussion. Through a thorough assessment and the right treatment approach, trained healthcare practitioners can help patients safely return to learn, work and play.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Further, physical treatment and rehabilitation may begin as early as 5-10 days after a concussion. Recognized practitioners work closely with patients to develop a personal approach to concussion care, and avoid cognitive or physical activities that may make symptoms worse.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Headaches, balance and visual issues, dizziness and blood flow abnormalities are symptoms of both concussion and neck injuries (or whiplash). Oftentimes ongoing symptoms are coming from your neck, which can be treated with manual therapy.
How does a physical therapist treat a concussion?
Physical Therapists can provide treatment in the following ways: Neck rehabilitation. A concussion can result from multiple types of head trauma, and what affects the head usually also affects the neck. To protect the head, a patient’s neck will often tense or stiffen before, during, or after an impact, often resulting in chronic shoulder ...
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Most adults (75-85%) recover from their concussion within 10-14 days, and for children, the expected recovery time frame is four weeks. However, for patients who are still experiencing symptoms beyond that threshold, seeing a physical therapist may also be warranted. Physical Therapists can provide treatment in the following ways: ...
How soon after a concussion can you see a physical therapist?
Physical therapy as early as a few days after concussion. Recent research suggests that working with physical therapists can be beneficial as early as a few days after the injury. An article by Ellis et al. published in 2018 discusses how it can be important, especially for athletes, to see a physical therapist within the first week ...
How can a physical therapist help the neck?
From manual therapy to progressed therapeutic exercises, PT interventions can help improve neck function. Balance/dizziness rehabilitation.
Why do athletes need physical therapists?
Physical therapists, in particular, are well suited to help the athlete retain and maintain their physiological conditioning as much as possible during the recovery process .
How long does it take to recover from a traumatic brain injury?
The normal time frame for recovery is 10-14 days for adults, and four weeks for children. Symptoms that last beyond these time frames are considered "persistent symptoms.". There is not yet a consensus on the expected time frame for recovery for adolescents.
Can a physical therapist do oculomotor exercises?
If a patient has been examined and there are no cognitive red flags that would warrant a visit to a neurologist, a physical therapist can provide oculomotor exercises in a controlled environment to slowly retrain the individual to be able to tolerate complex moving visual environments.
What is recovery from a concussion?
Recovery from a concussion is when your child is able to do all of their regular activities without experiencing any symptoms. Also, be sure to: Schedule a follow up appointment for your child’s doctor or nurse.
How long does it take for a concussion to heal?
Most children with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. However for some, symptoms will last for a month or longer. Concussion symptoms may appear during the normal healing process or as your child gets back to their regular activities. If there are any symptoms that concern you or are getting worse, be sure to seek medical care as soon as possible.
How to help a child with a brain injury?
Rest. Your child should take it easy the first few days after the injury when symptoms are more severe. Early on, limit physical and thinking/remembering activities to avoid symptoms getting worse. Avoid activities that put your child at risk for another injury to the head and brain.
What to do after a concussion?
For years, well-meaning doctors have told patients that the best thing to do after a concussion diagnosis is to retreat to a dark, quiet room, where they should avoid electronics, noise, and most other activities, including exercise and socialization, until their symptoms disappear.
What to do if you reinjure yourself after a concussion?
Seek the assistance of a health care professional immediately if you reinjure yourself before fully recovering from your concussion. Physical and cognitive activity that is too intense could be a setback for the recovering brain. That’s why it’s helpful to have someone knowledgeable guide you through active recovery.
How to treat a mild traumatic brain injury?
The only treatment most people have heard of for a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is “cocooning”. Cocooning requires you to sit quietly in a dark room, avoiding electronics and other sources of stimulation, until your symptoms disappear. Only then are you allowed to start becoming active again.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Most people only need two weeks to complete concussion rehabilitation, but this all depends on your individual symptoms and your progress. We know what’s common for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) recovery and whether your experiences are normal for your condition.
What is the best way to heal a brain injury?
Cardio and Breathing Techniques. As we explained above, getting blood flowing to the injured regions of the brain is a key component of the healing process after a brain injury. We want your brain to get the oxygen it needs, and we also want to take advantage of that post-exercise cognitive boost.
What is the effect of aerobic exercise on the brain?
Mild aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain, providing it with the oxygen the cells need to function and to communicate with each other. Aerobic activity also results in something called a post-exercise cognitive boost (PECB) — a vital component of the healing process.
Who led the study of sports related concussions?
Dr. John J. Leddy led a study of 103 adolescent athletes who sustained sports-related concussions (SRC). He and his team found that those who did supervised, low-level aerobic exercise shortly after injury recovered four days faster than those who were only allowed to do stretching exercises. Dr.
What to take for headaches after concussion?
If you have a headache, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may ease the pain. Avoid taking other pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) if you suspect you've had a concussion. These may increase the risk of bleeding. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Concussion care at Mayo Clinic.
How long do you have to stay in hospital after a concussion?
If your doctor agrees that you may be observed at home, someone should stay with you and check on you for at least 24 hours to ensure that your symptoms aren't worsening.
How long does it take for a concussion to show up?
Signs and symptoms of a concussion may not appear until hours or days after the injury. Tests your doctor may perform or recommend include a neurological examination, cognitive testing and imaging tests.
How long after a concussion can you get headaches?
Headaches may occur in the days or weeks after a concussion. To manage pain, ask your doctor if it's safe to take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Avoid other pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin, as these medications may increase the risk of bleeding.
How long after a sprain can you do physical activity?
Usually after the first few days after injury, you're allowed to do light physical activity — such as riding a stationary bike or light jogging — before your symptoms are completely gone, so long as it doesn't significantly worsen symptoms.
What to do if your child has a head injury?
If your child has received a head injury that concerns you, call your child's doctor immediately. Depending on the signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care. Here's some information to help you get ready for and make the most of your medical appointment.
How long after a head injury can you exercise?
Light exercise and physical activity as tolerated starting a few days after injury have been shown to speed recovery; however, you should avoid any activities that have a high risk of exposure to another head impact until you are fully recovered.
A Guideline for Safe Return to Activity Following Concussion
Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.
What Is a Concussion Protocol?
As a codification of how concussions are to be treated and managed, concussion protocols help doctors and caregivers establish a timeline for recovery. The idea is to make completely sure that the patient has completely healed from the brain injury and that it’s safe for them to return to their usual activities. This means establishing: 1
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Concussions can be challenging to diagnose, as symptoms can mimic those of other conditions or may be missed entirely. Diagnosis typically occurs in the emergency room setting or on the athletic field following the fall or head impact. This involves three basic steps: 3
What Are The Protocol Steps?
The CDC’s concussion protocol details a gradual timeline for return to normal activities, school, and athletics. Progress is monitored at every stage, with doctors clearing patients for more activity once they’re certain it’s safe. For athletes, it can be broken into six stages, following an initial rest period of 28 to 72 hours: 4
When To See a Doctor
If you have a concussion, you may not necessarily require emergency medical attention. That said, you do need emergency help if someone is unconscious for any period of time following a blow to the head. 2
FAQs
A concussion protocol is a set of guidelines for the medical management of concussion established by an organization such as the CDC or NFL. It lays out the tools and assessments needed for evaluation, as well as the benchmarks a patient must meet before it’s safe for them to resume full activity.
