Concussions are the most common form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The
brain is cushioned in the skull by spinal fluid that gently absorbs the
impact of everyday activities. However, if a significant force of trauma
occurs to the head, this can have a moderate to severe impact on the brain.
Traumatic brain injury is characterized as a blow or jolt to the head that
disrupts the normal function of the brain. Many events can cause traumatic
brain injury including falls, sports injuries, and car accidents. While
some people need immediate medical care following a traumatic brain injury,
many people do not experience severe symptoms initially.
How can I recognize a concussion?
Look for one or more of these symptoms that could indicate a concussion:
Loss of consciousness
Changes in vision
Pressure in the head
Dizziness or loss of balance
Light or noise sensitivity
Neck pain
Ringing in the ears
Seizures or convulsions
Over time, patients may report new symptoms that can also be linked to
a concussion, such as:
Changes in taste and/or smell
Feeling foggy
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Low energy
Confusion
Sadness, nervousness, or anxiety
How is a concussion diagnosed?
Ogden Clinic physicians use a variety of tests to evaluate patients who
may have experienced a concussion. They may choose to test the patient’s
memory, vision, concentration, hearing, balance, coordination, strength,
sensation, and reflexes. Not all head injuries require imaging like a
CT scan or an MRI; your physician will determine if additional tests are needed.
How is a concussion treated?
If a concussion is sustained, treatment should be sought promptly to avoid
future cognitive, physical, and/or behavioral deficits. Our Northern Utah
sports medicine physicians are trained to recognize the symptoms of traumatic
brain injury and create a comprehensive treatment plan specific to each
patient’s needs.
Vestibular therapy is related to the inner ear and its connections to the brain. Your sports
medicine specialist may use cranial release, myofascial release, or muscle
energy techniques to restore mobility to the vestibular system.
Manual physical therapy also includes the techniques above with the goal of decreasing cranio-cervical
dysfunction in the patient’s head and neck.
Aerobic and cardiovascular therapy helps to restore normal cardiovascular activity following head injury.
Your Ogden Clinic sports medicine specialist will help establish guidelines
to resume physical activity safely and gradually.
Concussions can be scary but treatment is possible and starts with a visit
to a professional. If you or a loved one suspects that a concussion has
been sustained, call our office today to schedule an evaluation.
Select providers are now using Telemedicine.
Visit
Telemedicine to see if your next visit can take place over video chat.
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