Concussion Treatment

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a temporary change in brain function caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, neck, or body. Most people think of concussions as injuries that happen during sporting events, but a concussion can happen anywhere, at any time. Some of the more common non-sport causes of concussion include:

• Falls
• Workplace accidents
• Playground accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents (car crashes)
• Assault

One of the biggest differences between sport related and non-sport related concussions is that athletes can usually depend on coaches, athletic directors, and trainers to recognize the signs of concussion. That's not necessarily true at home, in the workplace, or on the street (whether as a pedestrian or driver.)

How Long Does a Concussion Last?

When managed properly, most individuals of all ages recover from a concussion within a few weeks. However, some individuals take much longer to recover, either because of persistent symptoms that require more specialized evaluation and management or because of pre-injury risk factors that worsen and prolong the effects of the concussion.

How to Treat a Concussion

Just as every patient and injury is unique, the treatment plan needs to be tailored to the individual symptoms and needs of each patient. During recovery, it is important to know that many people have a range of symptoms that affect them in different ways.

Some symptoms may appear right away, while others may not be noticed for hours or even days after the injury. You may not realize you have problems until you try to do your usual activities again, which is why our treatment plan includes routine follow-up and care coordination with schools and teams, in addition to referrals as needed in order to expedite recovery.

Symptoms Treated in Concussion Therapy

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Neck pain
• Vision changes
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and/or movement
• Fatigue or feeling sluggish, hazy, or foggy
• Memory and/or concentration problems
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in mood

A growing base of research suggests that an early, gradual return to activity may be helpful after an initial 24-72 hours of rest after injury. Studies have shown that extremes of prolonged strict rest or intense bouts of cognitive or physical activity may be associated with longer recovery. Current evidence also suggests that early treatment may significantly reduce recovery time following a concussion. Therapists can help you make short-term changes to your routine and provide specific exercises to help reduce your symptoms as you recover. 

Goals of Concussion Therapy

Return to learn, return to activity, return to work, return to play.

To reach these goals, your therapist will:

• Provide early education on modifying your activities and managing your symptoms to allow a return to normal activities as quickly as possible.
• Develop a program to directly improve your concussion symptoms.
• Provide individualized guidance to gradually return to learn play, work, activities, and sport.

Concussion Treatment Team

Concussions involve a variety of symptoms and parts of the body, and the effects are different for each individual. This makes it particularly difficult for any one medical or educational specialist to appropriately evaluate the injury effects of a concussion. Our concussion treatment teams bring together medical professionals who work collaboratively to provide interdisciplinary, evidence-based care to expedite an individuals return to school, work, and play as quickly and as safely as possible.

Concussion Therapy Team

UnityPoint Health's multidisciplinary concussion team includes providers who specialize in concussion care for individuals of all ages. When you are referred to therapy, you will first see an Occupational Therapist or a Physical Therapist who will talk to you about your current injury, medical history, history of concussions, symptoms you are experiencing, and how they impact your life. A thorough examination will be completed to help identify both areas of strengths and challenges. The therapist will tailor activity and exercise recommendations to your needs. Depending on your individual symptoms and challenges, additional specialty providers may be involved in your care. All therapists can refer to other specialists to make sure your needs are met.

• Occupational Therapist
• Vestibular Physical Therapist
• Orthopedic Physical Therapist
• Speech and Language Pathologist
• Case Manager