by Lisa Bodratti, PT, DPT
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a trauma to the head. Trauma can occur in a direct (your head hits another object) or indirect (your head rapidly moves in one direction followed by another, i.e. if you are rear-ended in a car) manner. A concussion can occur during a motor vehicle accident, sporting event (i.e. during a head-on-head football collision), a skiing or snowboarding accident, a fall, or any blunt force to the head. Concussions may or may not involve a loss of consciousness.
What is post concussion syndrome (PCS)?
Not everyone who sustains a concussion experiences PCS – approximately 38% of people who experience a concussion experience more significant symptoms and take a bit longer to heal. PCS involves a cluster of symptoms that can occur weeks to months after a concussion has occurred.
Common symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Noise intolerance
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Poor concentration
- Imbalance
- Headache
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Nausea/vomiting
What can physical therapy do?
Your physical therapist can help to decrease the severity of your symptoms through graded exposure to different activities and motions. You can expect to slowly increase your tolerance to physical activity back to your normal level. You will begin to work on normalizing your dizziness and imbalance through short duration balance activities. Your therapist can also help you lessen any remaining headaches and neck pain or stiffness you may be experiencing through soft tissue work and gentle neck range of motion.
When to seek treatment?
PCS typically presents within 7-10 days after the concussion has occurred. If you believe you are beginning to feel some of the symptoms listed above, you may visit your primary care physician to discuss how you are feeling. Your doctor can provide you with a physical therapy referral as well as recommendations or referrals to other appropriate health care professionals such as a psychologist. You may also come to the PT clinic without a referral through direct access.
If you are dealing with PCS, contact us at one of our two offices in Malta or Queensbury for more information.
Contact Our Upstate NY Physical Therapy Clinics
Schedule your appointment at our Upstate NY PT clinics with our experienced staff to discuss your physical therapy needs. call 518-289-5242. Schedule a visit at one of our Capital Area clinics in Malta, Saratoga, and Queensbury. serving the Saratoga, Ballston Spa, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park region, Glens Falls, Lake George, Hudson Falls, Fort Edward, Corinth, Latham, Troy Watervliet region.
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