Concussion Management: Separating Myth from Fact
Jun 05, 2019
Concussions are a brain injury that cause a temporary disturbance in brain cell activity. These injuries can be caused by many different things but prime among them are the head or body getting hit in a way that causes the brain to be moved against the inside of one’s skull. Common signs and symptoms of concussions are: dizziness or vertigo, confusion, headache, neck pain, vision problems and confusion. 1
Concussions have been all over the news, especially when pertaining to concussion in sport. In fact a movie about concussions and CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) was made recently touching on the concussion issue going on in the NFL (Will Smith stars in it – highly recommend it). This is an excellent example of one of the many issues surrounding concussion however. Because it is so prevalent in the news, many myths and non-factual ideas surrounding concussion have come to light. Beliefs surrounding concussion don’t always prove to be factual. In fact, I would hazard to guess that even people in the healthcare industry have heard something regarding concussion that is false. This is because brain injuries are complex. They are complex in nature, outcome, affect and how to simply deal with them. Education is important when treating concussion. An understanding as to what is true and what just sounds believable is a good step forward in managing one’s concussion.
Below I have outlined some common misconceptions and myths surrounding concussions or traumatic brain injury (TBI).2
- Myth: A concussion occurs only when someone experiences a loss of consciousness. Fact: Concussions can occur with or without a loss of consciousness
- Myth: You must be placed in a dark room to recover from a concussion. Fact: There is no evidence that a dark place is appropriate treatment. Evidence-based activity for treating concussion include cervical therapy, vestibular therapy and vision therapy
- Myth: Having one concussion places you at risk for future concussions. Fact: Proper clinical management and treatment is the best form of prevention. Proper rest, recovery and therapy can prevent someone from suffering future concussions
- Myth: Concussions only occur as a result of a direct blow to the head. Fact: Concussions can be caused by any blow to the head, face, neck or any part of the body as long as the force is transmitted to the head
If you or anyone you know has suffered from a concussion please contact Active Physio Works. We have trained Complete Concussion Management Certified clinicians that can help treat and manage concussions.
Call 780-458-8505 or visit activephysioworks.com/onlinebooking to schedule an appointment.
Galen Bryant (Student of Julia Kanik)
Reference:
- Schneider KJ, Iverson GL, Emery CA: The effects of rest and treatment following sport-related concussion: a systematic review of the literature British Journal of Sports Medicine 2013; 47:304–307.
- Collins M: Neuromythology: Debunking the top concussion myths. UPMC Sports medicine concussion program. 2016
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