Concussions: What are they?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions may cause short-term and long-term physical (body), cognitive (thinking), and behavioral symptoms and problems. Every concussion is considered a serious injury by health care providers. If you have experienced a head injury, seek medical help immediately.
A concussion occurs when a force strikes the head or the body. They most commonly occur via sports injury, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and domestic violence/assaults. Symptoms can start immediately or take hours to a few days to appear. Knowing the warning signs can help people access care as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Common Symptoms:
There are many symptoms related to concussion. Symptoms can affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being and may include : (but not limited to)
Physical Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Problems with Balance/Coordination
- Light and Sound sensitivity
- Blurred or Double vision
- Changes in Sleep, Fatigue
Cognitive (Thinking) Symptoms:
- Brain “fog”
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes to short term or long-term memory
Emotional Changes:
- Mood swings/Irritability
- Anxiety and Depression
- Changes in personality
Concussion and Therapy?
Concussion is most often diagnosed through careful testing by your health care provider, such as a physical therapist and/or speech language pathologist.
Physical therapists can evaluate and treat many problems related to concussions. A physical therapist will examine your neurological, orthopedic, and cardiovascular systems to best prescribe a routine to address your specific symptoms and needs.
Speech language pathologists will evaluate cognitive communication abilities in order to determine appropriate treatments to help individuals post-concussion regain independence in thinking, communicating, and functioning in daily life and return to prior activities such as school or work.Treatment may include:
- Vestibular retraining
- Balance training
- Cardiovascular assessment and aerobic activity (return to sport)
- Manual techniques to address joint and soft tissue restrictions
- Vision retraining
- Stretching and mobility exercises
- Strength and Conditioning
- Memory and Cognitive retraining
- Information processing
- Return-to-work energy conservation techniques
How do I make an appointment?
If you believe you have or are experiencing signs of concussion, therapy can help.
To schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Southside Virginia Beach specializing in concussion management, call 855-852-9066, or walk ins welcome at:
- Centerville
- Oceanfront
- Healthy Way
- Marina Shores
- Lynnhaven
- Neuro Rehab
- Town Center
- Sports and Orthopedics Center