HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU’VE HAD A CONCUSSION? There are often signs and symptoms that go along with a concussion. The following are the most common. One doesn’t need to have all of these symptoms to have a concussion

  • Dizziness
  • Headaches/Pressure in Head
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Amnesia
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Loss of Conciousness

Baseline Testing

Having a baseline of how your brain functions is the best way to determine if you’ve suffered a concussion. Results from the baseline tests will also provide information about when a return to sport or work will be possible.

Baseline testing can be performed at our clinic or on-site for your team or office.

There are several components involved in baseline testing:

  1. Neurocognitive Testing: By perfroming various computer based tests, we can measure things like memory, reaction time, attention, and processing speed. This testing can show decreased brain function even once symptoms have disappeared.
  2. Balance Testing

Post-Injury Testing

If you suspect you’ve sustained a concussion, it’s recommended you be evaluated by a medical doctor as soon as possible for a medical evaluation. The person should be monitored for several hours after the trauma. They should not be left alone and should not drive.

WHEN TO GO FOR EMERGENCY CARE:

  • decreasing cognitive function – increased confusion, difficulty recognizing people and places
  • headaches increasing in intensity
  • increased nausea or vomiting
  • increasing lethargy or drowsiness

WHEN TO GET CONCUSSION TESTING:

Assessment and treatment of concussion should begin as soon as possible. Even without a baseline test, it is still important to evaluate the injury and determine the best course of action to return you to pre-accident status. We will assess your injury and provide you with a management strategy to return your health.

Treatment

Treatment for concussion should begin as soon as possible, following assessment for neurocognitive function. Sitting in a dark room is often the starting point for the healing process, but will only get you so far. Recovery from concussion will have some ups and downs, but is important to understand. Because every injury is different, your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs to get you healthy as quickly as possible. Treatment may include any or all of the following:

  • rest strategies
  • school or work recommendations
  • chiropractic and cranial adjustments for related complaints
  • vestibular training
  • visual motor training
  • exertion testing for return to sport

Exertion testing usually occurs after symptoms disappear and is done to prepare the athlete for return to sport. It is done gradually to avoid symptom relapse and prevent a premature return to sport. We will guide you through this process.