A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that, contrary to popular belief, can occur from a variety of reasons besides a blow to the head. It can cause headaches, fatigue and dizziness, among other things. A variety of healthcare professionals can treat your symptoms and guide you through your recovery.
What is a concussion?
A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is a brain injury that can be caused by a direct impact to the head or an indirect impact to the body, if there's enough force to move the brain and lead it to collide with the brain case.
How do you know if you have a concussion?
Concussion symptoms are very varied. You may experience headaches, extreme fatigue, sensitivity to light or sound, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, difficulty concentrating or memory loss. Loss of consciousness is also possible, but rarer.
The duration of these symptoms varies greatly from person to person. For some, they disappear after a few days while for others, it can take several weeks or even months.
This situation can often be a source of concern and misunderstanding, both for you and for those around you.
How is a concussion treated?
Expert tip: Avoid overstimulating the brain
To recover from a concussion properly, you must first avoid stimulating your brain, both physically and cognitively, such as working or going to school, being in front of screens, light, noise, physical activity, etc.
This rest period is important, even if your symptoms disappear after only a few hours, because your brain needs about 14 days to recover minimally from this type of injury.
If you don’t rest long enough, the symptoms may reappear. Often, this relapse is related to resuming activities too rapidly, causing the nervous system to be unable to adapt.
It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional trained in concussion management, especially if your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, in order to receive the appropriate advice and treatment.
Which professional should you consult?
Different professionals often work together to maximize results. When in doubt, we recommend that you first consult a physiotherapist after a concussion so that they can assess your needs and the treatments required for your specific condition. If necessary, they will recommend other professional(s) to consult in order to optimize your rehabilitation.
Why consult a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat disorders and disabilities that occur as a result of a concussion. Your physiotherapist will guide you through every step of your recovery so you know exactly how and when you can resume your activities.
Concussion treatment
Many therapists have advanced training in the treatment of concussions (also called mild traumatic brain injuries). In addition to providing you with information and advice on your condition, your therapist will suggest a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms. He will accompany you in the resumption of your activities (such as reading, using a computer, working, driving, playing sports, etc.) by ensuring that your nervous system adapts well to each new stage.
