Sports Concussion

A sports concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, post-concussion syndrome can occur. This is when symptoms from a concussion do not resolve within the expected recovery time and can persist for months.

typical causes:

The sports with the highest incidence of concussions in the state of Michigan are football, soccer, hockey, and wrestling. Competitive cheer, gymnastics, and basketball are also listed as sports with higher concussion rates. To help prevent sports concussions, it is important to wear the proper safety gear and to practice proper technique when participating in contact sports.

how physical therapy can help:

Physical therapy treatment for a concussion or post-concussion syndrome will vary depending on the individual’s presentation. Concussion systems may vary greatly from person to person depending on the areas involved. Neck pain, balance deficits, vision changes, dizziness, and headaches are all common symptoms of a concussion that a physical therapist can address. A physical therapist will perform a thorough assessment to develop a treatment plan to restore proper function to these areas.

A Parent’s Guide to Sports-Related Concussions

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Tips to aid recovery process:

Avoid dark room treatment: Darkroom treatment is often times advised to concussed athletes. This stems from the sensitivity to light that many athletes experience following a concussion; however, this is no longer recommended. Treatment has shifted towards gradually exposing the athlete to stimuli, including physical activity.
Minimize screen time, especially if it aggravates your symptoms: As mentioned above, light sensitivity is a common symptom following a concussion. Blue lights from devices can provoke these symptoms and contribute to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. It is important to minimize screen time as needed and gradually increase this time as tolerated.