What Happens in a Concussion?
The brain can move to some extent inside the skull. Under normal circumstances, it is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which serves to cushion it against light trauma. However, cerebrospinal fluid provides limited cushioning, meaning that a sufficiently strong force can still concuss someone in spite of its presence.
Since concussions tend to be spread out over a wide area of the brain rather than focused on a single part, they can have a wide range of physical, mental, and even emotional effects. For example, headaches, dizziness, and nausea are common complaints, along with mobility issues and vision problems. Furthermore, concussions can cause confusion, an inability to focus, and even post-traumatic amnesia. Generally speaking, concussions tend not to cause long-term effects, but there are exceptions to this rule.
Fortunately, whether you are suffering from the short-term or the long-term effects of a concussion, you should be able to find relief by getting physical therapy from a skilled and experienced medical professional.
How Can Physical Therapy Help with the Consequences of Concussions?
No concussion is exactly the same as the next. As a result, the physical therapist's first task is to examine the patient so that they can come up with a personalized treatment program for said individual's exact symptoms.
For example, a physical therapist might examine a patient for neck as well as spine-related injuries sustained in the same incident as the concussion, particularly if said individual has been complaining about headaches as well as other characteristic symptoms. If the physical therapist concludes that neck and spine-related injuries were indeed the cause, they can prescribe treatments that will restore the affected areas' full function while making sure that they are implemented so gradually that they will not unduly stress the patient's body.
Similarly, if the patient has been complaining of dizziness, nausea, and a lack of balance, the physical therapist can assess for damage done to their vestibular organs, which are more commonly known as the inner ear. Such assessments are carried out using a number of methods, which range from checking the patient's gait and balance to conducting eye-head coordination tests. Once again, if the physical therapist determines that problems with the vestibular organs are indeed the cause, they can prescribe treatments that will retrain the brain, strengthen the muscles, and desensitize the balance system.
Of course, a physical therapist can also help people with other problems caused by concussions, restoring their lost capabilities step by step without ever putting their recovery into jeopardy. With the right assistance, people suffering from the consequences of concussions can feel like themselves again, particularly if they are determined to do so.
Contact Us
If you are interested in physical therapy, please contact us at your earliest convenience. We will provide you with the answers to your concerns so that you can make a fully informed decision about your personal well-being.
