Concussion Management in Bend, OR
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries, or TBI, that occur when the brain is violently shaken due to rapid movement changes or when the head is directly hit. Loss of consciousness may occur. This shaking or hitting of the head causes injury to the brain through compression or stretching of the brain’s tissues, resulting in immediate or delayed changes in the brain’s chemistry and function. Often unpredictable, concussions may lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the region of the brain affected and may have temporary or lasting effects on one’s function.
All concussions are serious and should be treated promptly by a medical professional or team of professionals specially trained in concussion management. An undiagnosed and untreated concussion can result in repeated injury, which increases the risk of experiencing a long-term brain injury. Recovery from a concussion can take several weeks to months, depending on its severity and the affected person’s age.
Most commonly, concussions occur due to sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, falls, or physical altercations. Traditionally, the standard treatment for concussions was rest until a complete resolution of symptoms. However, current medical evidence supports and encourages a more active approach with a strong emphasis on physical therapy.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of a Concussion?
The most commonly reported signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Reduced activity tolerance
- Blurred vision
- Headaches and muscle tension
- Brain Fog
- Nausea or vomiting
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty with balance and dizziness
- Confusion/Trouble concentrating
- Impaired memory
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Mood, behavior, or personality changes
How Physical Therapy Can Help with Concussion Management?
Physical therapists play a vital role in the management of concussions and are often part of a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists dedicated to your recovery from injury. Treatment consists of an evaluation that establishes a diagnosis, identifies specific impairments, and implements a plan of care that monitors progress and recovery along with a return to activity and sports participation guidelines.
Supervised exercise has become a vital component in the treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries as research supports multiple benefits for concussed patients. Two of the most important effects of exercise are improved blood flow and oxygenation (which promotes improved brain metabolism) and improved regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which is often disrupted following a concussion (normalizing your body’s stress response).
Intolerance to activity is a common presentation following a concussion where affected individuals may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, brain fog, and fatigue during exercise or a specific daily activity. Your therapist will develop a plan to address return to activity without symptom provocation and avoiding reinjury or prolonged recovery, as well as teach you strategies to regulate your body’s response should you trigger post-concussion symptoms.
As post-concussion symptoms may vary, your recovery may also include treatment of:
- Neck/Headache Pain
- Vision/Oculomotor Rehabilitation
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Strength/Coordination Exercise
- Return to sport Guidelines
Let’s Get Started. Finding a Concussion Management Specialist in Bend, OR
Our physical therapists come from various backgrounds, each with areas of expertise. When you call our office for an appointment, we can help pair you with a physical therapist best suited to your concern. Our concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation therapists in Bend, OR, look forward to meeting you.