Everyone is susceptible to concussions, but they are most prevalent in contact sports, workplace environments, and also often the elderly population (people older than 65).

Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occurring due to an impact on the head. Concussions can also occur when your head and brain are shaken quickly back and forth during a whiplash-type accident. These injuries often cause headaches, confusion, or even loss of consciousness. Concussion symptoms are not always serious and generally will resolve on their own with rest, break from specific activities, and symptom management techniques. However, approximately 10% of concussions can cause lingering symptoms, known as post-concussion syndrome. Symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, vertigo, difficulty concentrating, and difficulties in social environments can occur. At this time, it is important to seek out treatment to reduce the likelihood of symptoms worsening or persisting! Continuing to read this blog to learn more about how concussion physiotherapy can help you!

Symptoms of Concussions

• • Migraines, headaches

• • Feeling nauseous or vomiting

• • Disorientation or confusion

• • Become drowsy or fatigue

• • Blurred or double vision

• • Intolerance of light or noise

• • Poor balance

What is post-concussion syndrome? (PCS)

Individuals can sometimes experience lingering symptoms following a concussion. Multiple systems of the body can be affected by PCS such as vestibular, visual, and balance – all can be relating to the autonomic nervous system. In concussion physiotherapy, a detailed assessment will often involve tests providing information on head and eye movement, balance, neck stabilization, and proprioception. Treatment will include breaking down activities that provoke symptoms and utilizing exercises to improve capacity and tolerance for those specific movements involved in the tasks.

What is the vestibular system?

Concussion-like symptoms can also be exacerbated by issues in the vestibular system. A vestibular apparatus is located in the inner ear and maintains balance, spatial orientation, gaze stability, and postural support.

It is also comprised of three semicircular canals and the otolithic system. The two systems determine your position in space by tracking your head movements angularly and linearly. If this is disrupted, symptoms such as these may occur:

1. 1. Disequilibrium: The sensation of floating
   2. Oscillopsia: Objects moving around you while you are still
   3. Vertigo: a spinning room or spinning yourself
   4. Imbalance

What is vestibular rehabilitation, and how can it help post-concussion symptoms?

A common issue that can occur in the vestibular system is known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), caused by crystals that have dislodged in the inner ear’s semicircular canals. Normally, the fluid inside these semicircular canals provides the brain with information on head movements. A dislodged crystal can cause vertigo if it becomes loose and disrupts the movement of this fluid, therefore providing inaccurate information to the brain.

Fortunately, some physiotherapy vestibular therapists can perform some maneuvers to reposition the crystals within the semicircular canals. Often, vertigo subsides once this is accomplished. However, sometimes residual dizziness can occur, which must be treated with vestibular rehabilitation involving habituation exercises. If that is the case, further assessment is likely required for a more personalized treatment plan.

Conclusion

Vestibular and concussion conditions can often be persistent and difficult to manage independently, therefore causing problems with even the most simple of day-to-day tasks. However, it does not mean you have to live with these symptoms! We hope this information can be helpful if you are experiencing a concussion or vestibular symptoms. At Train with Purpose, we have therapists experienced in treating this population group and can help you! Don’t be afraid to reach out if you have any questions, and let’s get you back to doing things that you enjoy!