Do you suspect or have been confirmed that you suffered a concussion?
If yes, it is important that we start working together as quickly as possible to manage your condition.
Although you may feel that you can “push” through your recovery, there is a real risk that doing too much too quickly can result in a relapse or in rare cases a potentially fatal condition – 2nd Impact Syndrome.
I will ensure you are properly assessed, treated and provide guidance on what you can do to optimize your recovery.
Contact me for more information or to book a session.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) also called mild TBI.
It is caused by acceleration or deceleration of the brain within the skull following a significant impact to the head or elsewhere on the body.
After a concussion it is normal to have these symptoms:
- headache
- sensitivity to light or sound
- neck pain
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness or balance problems
- vision changes
- trouble thinking clearly or remembering new information
- fatigue
- trouble sleeping
- feeling irritated, nervous, sad or more emotional than usual.
Many people experience 1 or 2 symptoms while others may have more. Symptoms can start right after the concussion or later.
Clinical Management
Several systems within the body may have become compromised during a concussion related injury. Specifically the:
- Muscular-Skeletal,
- Vestibular,
- Ocular-motor, and
- Cognitive/emotional systems.
Ensuring that each system is properly assessed and treated can involve a team of health professionals.
I collaborate with primary care physicians and other health care specialists to co-manage concussions, helping patients and athletes safely Return to Learn, Work and Play.
Treatment/ Assessment Tools
I use a variety of treatment options to address compromised systems and symptom management.
I have experience with a number of protocols, strategies and evaluation tools useful to assess your progression and manage your return to normal activities. Tools I use include
- Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT 5),
- Baseline Testing,
- Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT),
- Chicago Blackhawks Concussion Test Protocol.
Concussion Based Education
There is significant research happening internationally and within Canada. The landscape is constantly evolving and staying up to date on current trends and research findings requires constant attention.
As part of my commitment to learning I completed a concussion management workshop put on by the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Complete Concussion Management (CCMI) Practitioner Certification Course.
Most recently I attended the 2022 Traumatic Brain Injury Conference hosted by the University Health Network, Toronto Ontario. This conference discussed advances in research and clinical practice in mild traumatic brain injury through a variety of virtual workshops.