Concussion Screening
It’s never too early or late to pursue a healthy and pain free quality of life!
What is a Concussion?
A concussion (or traumatic brain injury) is a disruption in neurological (brain) function following a blow to the head, a sudden acceleration/deceleration event, sudden rotational force of the head and neck or even from an explosion. This causes a change in brain function due to chemical imbalances within the brain cells, decreased blood flow and temporary energy deficits. In addition, concussion sufferers nearly universally suffer some form of whiplash injury. Symptoms often include one or more of the following – headache, feeling “off”, suffering balance issues or dizziness, neck pain, mood and sleep disturbances, and difficulty with concentration and memory.
The current recommended approach for concussions is the 4 “Rs”:
1. RECOGNIZE
Recognize that a concussion may have occurred.
2. REMOVE
Remove the sufferer from activities.
3. REST
Remember to rest, rest, rest!
4. REHABILITATE
Take your time and rehabilitate based on your doctor’s recommendations.
The first three R’s should be all done immediately, until an assessment can be performed by a trained and knowledgeable health care professional, best done within 24-48 hours. Rehabilitation can begin as soon as an evaluation has been conducted.
While most concussions can wait 24-48 hours to be evaluated, some may be severe enough to require immediate medical attention. So called RED FLAG SYMPTOMS include worsening headache, weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, convulsions, seizures, inability to recognize people, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting or any rapid worsening of these symptoms.

Both doctors at Back to Health has received post doctorate training in the evaluation and treatment of concussions.
Baseline Testing & Post-Concussion Evaluation
Baseline testing and concussion evaluation look very much the same. Your trusted health care professional will take a history and perform tests that include the evaluation of range of motion, coordination, memory, concentration, balance and visual movements among others. The advantage of baseline (or preseason) testing is it gives your provider a baseline of normal function for you, to compare to your post-concussion function. The results of your evaluation will help guide your recovery, both while in the office, and when at home.
Concussion Management
Concussion recovery is different for every sufferer – ranging from as quick as 1 week, to as long as 6 or more. Fortunately, most return to full activity within 2-3 weeks. While previous care included a prolonged period of rest, current international consensus states that recovery is best done slowly and gradually, with patients after 24-48hrs encouraged to increase activity, as long as they do not increase symptoms. A step-by-step protocol will be used by your provider, starting with return to school/work, followed by a return to full activity/sport. Office visits will include evaluation, treatment and recommendations for home care exercises. The biggest factor to recovery is not the severity of the concussion, but rather how soon after your concussion do you begin care.