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A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can have lasting consequences if left untreated. Although its symptoms are generally temporary and go away on their own, they can significantly interfere with your daily life.
Common causes of concussions include:
- Falls
- Blow or bump to the head
- Car accidents
- Impact due to contact sports
A concussion can result in physical, cognitive, and/or emotional symptoms. It can also disrupt your sleep which may worsen your other symptoms. Some symptoms require emergency medical care and potential treatment, while you may go to see your physical therapist for milder concussions.
Physical Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Double or blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Labored speech
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Reduced balance and/or coordination
- Sensitivity to light and/or sounds
Cognitive Symptoms
- Confusion
- Grogginess
- Memory loss
- Trouble concentrating
Emotional Symptoms
- Aggressiveness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Other personality or behavior change
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Potential Concussion
Most people show symptoms right away, although the degree of severity can vary greatly. It is also possible for someone’s symptoms to come and go, or even to only appear a few days after the injury. If you experience symptoms that do not improve in the following days or worsen, you should go see a doctor. A physical therapist can perform a thorough examination to check for physical, cognitive, and emotional signs.
Although many people can recover from a concussion on their own, seeing a doctor ensures that you receive any necessary medical attention and professional advice. If your physician determines that you need concussion therapy, you may start your treatment right away.
Symptoms that require going to the ER include:
- Convulsions or seizures
- Excessive sleepiness
- Inability to recognize some people or locations
- Increasing confusion or agitation
- Loss of consciousness even for a brief period
- One pupil is significantly larger than the other
- Severely unusual behavior including lack of logic or impulsiveness
If your child cannot stop crying or refuses food after a fall or a bump to the head, you should also take them to the emergency room.
If you usually engage in sports and suspect or know you have a concussion, you should not resume your practice without your doctor’s authorization, even if you do not need concussion therapy.
What Does Concussion Therapy Involve?
At ProFysio Physical Therapy, we can assess whether you have a concussion and need therapy.
Concussion recovery usually involves the following three phases:
- Rest. Abstain from strenuous physical and mental activities to allow your head and brain to heal. Avoiding screens is important during this time. We can let you know after 46 to 72 hours whether you can slowly get back into your routine.
- Regaining physical and cognitive skills. If your concussion is moderate to severe, your symptoms may take up to two weeks depending on your age, to disappear. Treatment can involve physical therapy or vestibular therapy.
- Rebuilding physical endurance. You may need physical therapy after a severe concussion to fully return to your daily activities. This is especially important for people who practice sports as they can require more physical stamina and specific physical abilities.
Whether you need check-ups and minimal advice to ensure proper recovery at home or need a customized recovery program with in-office appointments, ProFysio Physical Therapy is here to help restore your health after a concussion.
If you need medical attention for a potential concussion that does not require going to the ER, contact ProFysio Physical Therapy today at (732) 812-5200 to schedule an appointment in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties!