I think I might have a concussion. What should I do?
Do you think you’ve had a concussion? Or wondering what the next steps would be if you or someone you know has a concussion? With any concussion, getting treatment as soon as possible is best. If someone is suspected of having a concussion, they should be evaluated by a medical professional — such as a physiotherapist — if possible. A physiotherapist (particularly one with advanced training in concussion or vestibular rehab) can assess your symptoms and determine whether or not you have a concussion.
What does a concussion assessment look like at Foundation Physiotherapy?
One of our specially trained physiotherapists will guide you through the steps of the assessment at your initial appointment. We will start with taking a thorough history, which includes descriptions of the injury, any previous injuries or concussions, any underlying health issues, your current lifestyle and what your goals are in terms of returning to school/work/sport. We will then assess your vision (eye tracking and focus), neck range of motion, neck strength, balance, co-ordination, and more. The exact assessment will be tailored to your injury and your goals. We will also modify the assessment as needed depending on your symptom severity.
What does a concussion treatment plan look like?
After the assessment, we will come up with a treatment plan to help you reach your goals. This treatment plan can vary from a couple of sessions to frequent sessions over the span of a few months, depending on the severity of your injury. As you progress through your treatment plan, we will work through progressing your exercises. For example, we may start with working on your ability to focus on an object as you move your head from left to right in a seated position. By the end of your treatment plan, we may be working on your ability to focus on an object as you move your head left to right, as you walk on a treadmill, or as you perform a cognitive task. The goal is to get you back to work/school/sport, so your exercises and treatment plan will be specific to what you need to return to.
Get started your concussion treatment and recovery
If you think you have had a concussion, or have any questions about our concussion program, don’t hesitate to contact us. If you are a new client, use the form below to request your first appointment at one of our locations in Toronto.