Prevention is first and foremost! As summer is approaching we are outdoors more! 

Young children, tweens, and teens are most likely to have concussions from direct impact sports. Emergency room visits have skyrocketed!

Older adults who fall are also at risk for concussion at the time of the fall and often go unnoticed!

It’s important whatever the age, that we check out the individual and make sure that they have not had a concussion.

What are some of the most common signs of concussion you ask?

Drowsiness, blurred vision, unsteadiness with walking or balance, and/or headache.

Some other common signs of concussion may include: 

1. Light sensitivity
2. Vomiting or sick to your stomach
3. Trouble remembering or feeling confused (“foggy”)
4. Feel more emotional 
5. Difficulty sleeping 

After a concussion it’s important to monitor the person for 24-hours to make sure that they do not have consequences such as going into a deep sleep or coma because of a more severe bleed inside the brain.

For a few days and weeks after the concussion, we gradually recommend progressing back to activity and /or sport.

Tips for return to actively or sport:

1. Remove from play or activity and REST for the day ~ both cognitive and physical exertion.
2. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen. You may need a CT or MRI.
3. Protect from additional injury
4. Neurocognitive assessment
5. Balance testing
6. Medical and/or physical therapy if recovery is incomplete after 2-3 weeks.

Up to 79% report dizziness and 56% experience balance impairment following a concussion. Baseline testing is highly recommended.

If you want to learn more about concussions. please join us for our May workshop on “Concussion Health” on May 12, 2018 @ 10:00 am. RSVP 210-833-8336.