Concussion Treatment | East Vancouver Chiropractic Clinic
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a biomechanically induced alteration of brain function which may involve loss of consciousness
Concussions can occur in any activity but are most common among 10-14 year olds playing sports
High risk sports include football, soccer, hockey, rugby and basketball
Girls suffer concussions more often than boys
Children under 16 take longer to recover from concussions than adults
On average children take 3 weeks whereas adults take 1 week
Interesting fact: In the 30 second delay before an MMA (mixed martial arts) fight is stopped the loser endures an average of 18.5 additional strikes, of which 92.5% are to the head!
Signs and Symptoms
Immediately After
Confusion or Disorientation
Headaches
Fatigue
Within 24 hours
Slowed reaction Time
Impaired balance
48 hours to 16 days later
Enhanced Sensitivity to Light and Sound
Sleep Disturbance (mainly for the first week)
Within 90 days
Many of these symptoms subside within a week and people return to their normal function within 90 days.
Stay vigilant however as some people experience worsened post concussive symptoms which can include: persistent vomiting, worsening headache and increased disorientation.
Previous concussions are a risk factor for suffering another concussion with longer lasting and more severe symptoms
What to do if someone you know has had a concussion?
If you suspect an athlete has had a concussion it is best to remove them from play
They should be watched for the first few hours after injury and should not be left alone
The person should be advised to avoid activities that require excessive stimulation and concentration
These include, but are not limited to, working at a computer, watching TV and exposure to bright or flashing lights
As Vancouver Chiropractors, our chiropractors are trained to evaluate and manage people who sustain musculoskeletal injuries.
Returning to normal activities involves starting with light walking and then progressing to higher intensity exercises (ie: running, resistance training)
Avoid contact activities unless signed off by a healthcare provider
Our Vancouver Chiropractic Care Centre
If you are experiencing whiplash or headaches as a result of a concussion, come in and see our Vancouver Chiropractor. Don’t hide your symptoms and continue playing your sport. Get yourself checked out so you can get back in the game!
