Rehabilitation edit
Rehabilitation following a concussion depends on conditions and are to be determined by the physician. The first would be overall rest, physically and cognitively followed by physical and cognitive therapy.
Neuropsychological Testing edit
A possible route to recovery following a concussion is Neuropsychological Testing of the athlete.[1] The amount of time this type of recovery is used depends on the severity of the injury. The testing will discover any defects in the brain due to the concussion, as well as predict how long the defects will last depending on the type and severity of symptoms present. With the use of neuropsychological tests that defects from a concussion brain injury usually lasts between 7-14 days.[2]
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans edit
Along with Neuropsychological testing the concussed person may be given a computerized tomography scan or CT scan, depending on certain factors such as type of injury and age.[3] The CT scan gives a detailed picture of the brain and helps assess any possible brain injury. Although a study done by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that CT scans done on children are not always accurate due to delayed intracranial sequela.[4]
Physical Therapy edit
Following clearance of neuropsychological testing, it is important that people are able to perform physically at the level at which they were, prior to the injury.[5] This is especially true for athletes. Part of post-concussion rehabilitation includes physical therapy because it involves cognitive functioning. [6] Cognitive functioning is mentally being able to have awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment.[7] In other words, mental functioning needs to be at or near full strength. Just as the Neuropsychological testing explained above, physical therapy also depends on the severity of the brain injury. Exercises performed aim to reduce dizziness and headaches as well as improve balance.[8]
- ^ Collins, Michael, Michael McClincy, Mark Lovell, James Pardini, Molly Spore. “Recovery from Sports Concussion in High School and Collegiate Athletes.” University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Vol. 20, No 1. Pp. 33-39, 2006.
- ^ Gronwall, D., P. Wrightson. “Delayed Recovery of Intellectual Function After Minor Head Injury.” Science Direct, The Lancet. Vol 2, No 7881. Pp. 605-609. 1974.
- ^ Field, Melvin. Michael Collins, Mark Lovell, Joseph Maroon. “Does Age Play a Role In Recovery From Sports Related Concussion? A Comparison of High School and Collegiate Athletes.” The Journal of Pediatrics. Vol 142, No 5. Pp. 546-553. 2003.
- ^ Davis, Robert, Michael Highes, Dean Gubler, Patti Waller. Frederick Rivara. “The Use of Cranial CT Scans in the Triage of Pediatric Patients with Mild Head Injury.” Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Vol. 95, No 3. Pp. 345-349. 1995.
- ^ Leddy, John. Harkeet Sandhu, Vikram Sodhi, John Baker, Barry Willer. “Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome.” Sports Health. Vol 4, No 2. Pp. 147-154. 2012.
- ^ Collins, Michael, Michael McClincy, Mark Lovell, James Pardini, Molly Spore. “Recovery from Sports Concussion in High School and Collegiate Athletes.” University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Vol. 20, No 1. Pp. 33-39, 2006.
- ^ Leddy, John. Harkeet Sandhu, Vikram Sodhi, John Baker, Barry Willer. “Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome.” Sports Health. Vol 4, No 2. Pp. 147-154. 2012.
- ^ Davis, Robert, Michael Highes, Dean Gubler, Patti Waller. Frederick Rivara. “The Use of Cranial CT Scans in the Triage of Pediatric Patients with Mild Head Injury.” Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Vol. 95, No 3. Pp. 345-349. 1995.