As the seasons begins to change a lot of us start to think about one thing…. Snow! For anyone hitting the slopes this season injury prevention and awareness is important. An increasingly common injury among skiers and snowboarders are concussions.
A concussion is a brain injury that results from a bump or blow to the head. Wearing a helmet is important for prevention, but concussions are still possible with helmet use. Understanding the signs and symptoms is key for diagnosis and recovery.
Signs and symptoms of concussion include confusion, memory loss, loss of consciousness, headaches, dizziness, vision changes, nausea, loss of balance, emotional changes and concentration difficulties.
90% of concussions resolve in 7-10 days, but for the other 10% symptoms can take weeks or months to fully recover. Having previous concussions can increase chances for another injury and can make recovery much longer.
Healing requires total rest from physical and mental activity. This includes work, school and play. This is key to recovery, ignoring symptoms will delay healing and prolong symptoms.
If you suspect you have a concussion consult with your doctor. There is a gradual return to sport approach taken after symptoms have completely resolved. Talk to you doctor or physiotherapist about this process. It is very important to not go back too soon!
Pre season assessments can be done by health professionals and are helpful to interpret post injury scores. If you or your child is at high risk of concussion, talk to your doctor or physiotherapist about pre season testing.
Physiotherapy can help with symptoms and management depending on the specific injury. Treatment may include manual therapy, acupuncture, balance exercises, visual exercises and graded return to activity. Click here to make an appointment.