Post-Concussion Rehab
What is a concussion?
The definition of a concussion: a traumatically induced change in mental status that may or may not involve a loss of consciousness. It’s important to stress the point that you need not be knocked out to have a concussion. There is no correlation in any of the medical literature to the severity of a concussion and loss of consciousness. Truly, then, a concussion is a functional injury to the brain, not a structural one.
Some of the Signs and Sx of a concussion:
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting
- Feeling “slow”
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Visual blurring
- Memory deficits
Click to see an article on concussions written by Matt Seabrook, PT, MS
Dresher PT’s Concussion Services:
- Dresher Physical Therapy utilizes the ImPACT computerized neurocognitive assessment for baseline testing as well as post-concussion situations. Baseline testing is a simple and cost-effective way to gather information on an athlete in the unfortunate situation where they subsequently suffer a concussion(or an additional concussion). It can help the PT’s, MD’s and Athletic trainers make more informed judgments about returning that athlete (or non-athlete) back to their sport, school, or other everyday activities. Post-concussion testing is also very important and should generally be completed within 24-72 hours after injury.
Click to Visit ImPact Website - Dresher PT specializes in post-concussion rehabilitation with a focus on a safe and effective return to play, or everyday function in those cases where sport is not involved. This involves a very specific protocol of gradual increases in activity level, and eventually sport-specific skills and simulation.This may also involve balance and/or vestibular re-training, depending on the athlete’s specific symptoms. Formal return to play must be signed off on by the attending physician. Before that can even be considered, the patient must first pass the first four levels of the Return to Play Protocol and also show ImPACT assessment scores have returned to within a normal range of their baseline testing (or within range of standardized averages).
Dresher PT works with athletes in Stages 2 – 4 of the protocol below…
If you have any questions about concussions, please contact us at Blue Bell & Ft Washington, PA centers today.