Concussion Management Services
What to do if you’ve sustained a Concussion
Following a suspected concussion, it is recommended that you consult a Medical Physician (Family GP or Sport Physician) as early as possible for medical evaluation. Most sport-related concussion injuries do not require emergent care. It is also important that the athlete remain under close observation over the first few hours following their injury, and should not be left alone or allowed to drive. See FAQ about Concussion to find a full list of concussion signs and symptoms.
When to go to the hospital
Emergency evaluation is warranted in situations of deteriorating mental status such as increasing confusion and difficulty recognizing people or places. Other symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include worsening headache; worsening nausea or vomiting, and excessive drowsiness or lethargy.
When a concussion is suspected, we also recommend booking an initial assessment as early as possible with one of Shift’s healthcare providers. Even if you have not had a baseline assessment with Shift, we will assess your injury and provide you with a management strategy to aid in your recovery.
Assessments and subsequent visits/therapy are covered under most extended healthcare benefit packages under Chiropractic. Please contact the clinic @ 906-668-8884 or you may book online
What to expect at your Assessment
Our Healthcare Providers will conduct a thorough post-injury evaluation in order to gain a complete picture of your injury and how it’s impacted you. This includes a detailed interview in order to obtain information on:
• How the injury occurred
• How you felt immediately after
• How you’re feeling currently
• History of previous concussions
• Current and past medical conditions
• Previous trauma/injury
• Medications
The physical examination provides us with insight into the severity of your injury, as well as specific impairments that may need to be addressed as part of an ongoing management strategy. This portion of testing may include a combination of the following:
• Computerized neurocognitive testing (ImPACT – Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing)
• Balance testing
• Strength and Coordination testing
• Screening of visual motor skills
• Vestibular (or equilibrium) testing
• Gait assessment
• Generalized neurological screen
• Orthopedic assessment of secondary injuries (e.g. neck, shoulders)
The above testing procedures may not all be completed on the first visit. The assessment methods used are tailored to the immediate needs of the athlete and each Healthcare Provider uses his/her discretion on a case-by-case basis.
Management Strategies
Following a concussion, the “sitting in a dark room” approach is only effective for so long. Concussions, like other sports injuries, should be properly managed and rehabilitated. While complete physical and cognitive rest is the mainstay of concussion care, having a health professional guide you through this step-by-step may prove to be invaluable.
Recovering from a concussion can be a difficult and frustrating time. At Shift, we understand that each athlete is affected differently and as such, requires individualized care. Management strategies are used to limit the amount of impairment as well as expedite recovery as much as possible. These strategies may include any one or a combination of the following and are case-dependent:
• Individualized resting strategies and home instruction
• Specific recommendations around employment/academic demands
• Manual therapy for associated complaints (neck pain, whiplash etc.)
• Visual motor rehabilitation
• Vestibular therapy
• Physical exertion testing and exercise plans for return-to-sport
Once symptom free, it is recommended that each athlete undergo a step-wise process of physical exertion testing. Similar to weight training, athletes recovering from a concussion should not skip to 100% exertion from 0% in a short time frame. Physical exertion testing is important not only for physical re-conditioning, but to guard against symptom relapse and help prevent premature return-to-sport. Our Shift professionals can guide you through this process.**www.shiftconcussion.ca
Baseline Testing
Because concussions can be difficult to diagnose and test for, many health professionals recommend that athletes obtain a baseline test before the start of the sport season. A baseline test gives health professionals a point of reference or “snap shot” of your pre-season cognitive and physical function so that if you sustain a concussion, the after-injury results can be compared to your baseline test. Having a baseline test helps health professionals more accurately gauge the severity of your injury, objectively monitor your recovery, and determine when it is safe for you to return to play.
