Among health care professionals who specialize in the management of concussion injuries, we have a saying: “If you have seen one concussion patient, you have seen one concussion patient.” The same applies to concussion assessments; no two concussion injuries are alike.
The Unique Nature of Concussion Injuries
Concussion injuries in children and adolescents are managed differently from those of adults. Certain principles can be applied based on the best available scientific evidence, but the assessment and management of each injury must be personalized according to how each individual presents and how the concussion was sustained. In this blog, we will dispel some common myths about this challenging injury and provide some truths and facts about its assessment and management. Above all, it cannot be overstated enough: if you think you have experienced a concussion, always seek the advice of a trusted health care professional who has specialized experience and training in this field of medicine and rehabilitation.
Just like snowflakes, no two concussion injuries are alike, nor should they be managed the same way. A personalized assessment is absolutely necessary.
Common Myths About Concussion Injuries
Myth: A loss of consciousness is necessary for a concussion injury to have occurred.
Fact: Most concussion injuries do not involve a loss of consciousness. In fact, only 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness. If so, an immediate medical assessment is necessary.
Myth: Head impact is necessary for a concussion injury to have occurred.
Fact: Although head impact can cause concussions, it is not the only way to sustain this injury. Blows to the face or jaw and any high-speed acceleration/deceleration forces can cause concussions, like whiplash injuries.
Myth: All concussion injuries should be managed with bedrest for at least a week.
Fact: No absolute statements can be made regarding concussion injuries since every injury presents very differently. A personalized assessment is necessary and vital. In the past, absolute rest or staying in a dark room was thought to be helpful. However, we now know that after 1-2 days of relative rest, a personalized plan of activity that does not aggravate symptoms will lead to a faster recovery.
Myth: Most concussion injuries are related to sports or car accidents.
Fact: In Alberta, the highest number of concussions are due to falls. Sports activities and motor vehicle accidents were second.
Myth: Helmets and mouth guards prevent concussion injuries.
Fact: Mouth guards are an important piece of equipment that will prevent damage to the teeth. However, they cannot fully prevent concussion injuries. Similarly, helmets can protect against skull fractures but they cannot completely prevent concussions. As stated above, helmets cannot protect against the brain moving inside the skull from sudden impacts and whiplash.
Myth: Mostly adults experience concussions. Most concussion injuries in children and youth occur in physical or sporting activities.
Fact: Most concussions in young children do not happen in sports. Common causes include everyday falls from furniture. Only 2 out of 10 concussions in young children occur during physical or sports activities. In Alberta, the highest average number of concussion emergency department visits occurred between the ages of 10 and 24. Alberta residents between 10 and 14 years of age have the highest number of fall-related concussion emergency department visits.
Myth: Concussion injuries are not serious. They usually resolve in a few days.
Fact: Anyone showing signs of a suspected concussion should seek an assessment immediately from a qualified health care professional with relevant training. Up to 30% of concussion patients can experience persisting symptoms beyond the usual 4 weeks. Persisting symptoms have the potential to cause long-term difficulties. A personalized assessment is necessary.
Myth: If you don’t have symptoms immediately, you don’t have a concussion.
Fact: Concussion symptoms do not always appear immediately. They can be delayed by hours, days, or even a week. Common symptoms include confusion, headaches, and dizziness in the early stages. Additional symptoms like light sensitivity, sleep disturbance, irritability, fatigue, difficulties with memory, and concentration can often ensue.
The Importance of Personalized Concussion Assessment
In conclusion, the questions regarding the nature, extent, and severity of concussion injuries can only be determined with a careful and personal assessment followed by close monitoring of the individual. Since symptoms can take days and weeks to develop and progress, a one-time assessment is insufficient to truly determine the extent of these injuries. Like all injuries, concussion injuries especially need to be taken seriously. If any individual experiences red flag symptoms like loss of vision or hearing, worsening headaches, persistent dizziness, gait disturbances, or difficulty with speech, hearing, swallowing, or eating, then 911 should be contacted immediately.
Here at Elevation Physiotherapy, we provide concussion assessment and treatments regardless of the mechanism of injury and in all age groups. We work closely with family doctors, sports medicine doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical specialists in the management of concussion injuries.
Since balance, vestibular, and visual problems often occur with concussion injuries, we have a physiotherapist on-site with an Advanced Vestibular Physiotherapy Certification to manage these complex and challenging conditions.
Your health and recovery are our top priorities! Contact us today!