Concussion Evaluation / Therapy

Performance Therapy offers concussion evaluation including baseline and post-concussion neurocognitive testing, and post-concussion rehabilitation to athletes and patients with head trauma. Computerized baseline tests (prior to the start of the season) are helpful to provide normative data and function of a child’s brain and are comparted to data administered from a current test with a concussed brain. A baseline test is not required, but is helpful to determine the safest timeline for return to physical activity. Patients without baseline are compared to norms provided from C3 Logix research to age and gender.

Baseline Testing: C3 Logix

The C3 Performance Polygon dramatically demonstrates a player’s road to recovery from the concussion “incident” (red) back to baseline state (black perimeter.)

Balance Test: capture and grade traditional athletic performance measurement – in real time – through direct physical contact with a player’s sacral region.
Processing Speed Tasks: Evaluate processing speed, short -term memory, visuo -spatial scanning, and rate of learning.
Visual Acuity Test: measure static and dynamic visual acuity.
Reaction Time test: evaluate simple and choice reaction time.
Trails Test: provide standard neuropsychology testing using a 2 -part “connect the dots” pattern.

Having a baseline is optimal however, if injury is sustained normative values can be used for concussion management with good results.

The Performance Therapy staff works closely with your health care professionals using the state of the art C3 Logix software which offers a comprehensive solution to assess, manage and document concussions. The combination of the software with the expertise for the Performance Therapy staff we can determine the proper timeline for physical activity, and return to play avoiding further damage to the brain. Contact us to set up an appointment to get your baseline measurements prior to concussion for best management following injury.

Concussion Therapy, Recovery and Management includes:

Examination of the cervical spine, and treatment for headaches, neck pain and dizziness with manual therapy and modalities (electrical stimulation, Rezzimax Pro)
Examination of the vestibular ocular motor systems and treatment
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy to target vertigo, carsickness, visual disturbances, light sensitivity, headaches, and confusion
Work/ school accommodation recommendations for re-entry to work/ school
Return to sport guidelines
Educate parents/ athlete/child about concussion recovery

What to expect after getting a concussion

Signs and Symptoms:

Headache
Confusion
Vision disturbances (blurry, glassy eyes, vacant stares)
Dizziness
Nausea/vomiting
Difficulty concentrating
Sensitivity to light/noise
Drowsiness
Sleeping more or less than usual
Fatigue
Feeling “foggy, slowed down”
Unusually emotional/ personality changes (irritable, nervous, or sad)

Rest (rest is critical in the early stages after a concussion, the brain needs time to heal and disconnect from the outside world.) Having trouble sleeping at night? Naps during the day are encouraged if you cannot reach the full 9 hours during the night.
Don’t completely avoid things that make symptoms worse. Sitting in a dark room and avoiding social contact can actually make things worse. The brain needs adequate blood flow and appropriate stimulation. Walking for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a day stimulates and provides blood flow to the brain along with appropriate adaption with return to school and physical activity.

The healing process takes time. Don’t avoid returning to school, but you may want to consider some accommodations if certain classes increase your symptoms:

Frequent breaks (every 20 minutes)
Written instructions/ notes
Extra time for assignments
Avoid excessive reading

Avoiding screen time (phones, electronics, computers, tv, video games, etc.) is also necessary if they increase symptoms.

Returning to mental and physical activity is very appropriate to allow the brain to accommodate and adapt. Those who specialize in concussion therapy can help athletes return more quickly with full recovery by monitoring your physical, mental, and emotion state.

What can I do to help my child?

Parents play a crucial role in the healing process. Making sure your concussed child gets plenty of rest and avoids certain physical and cognitive stressors. Sleep is critical to the recovery process and should be encouraged with at least 9 hours a night. Understand that the symptoms your child are experiencing are real and significant. Make sure your child gets plenty of food (small meals work best) and water. Avoid any spicy foods, as they tend to increase the metabolic rate in some people. If your child’s condition worsens, he/she should be taken to the hospital. No child should return to activity/sport without clearance from a PT, ATC, or Physician with appropriate training.

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a big part in healing the body!

Hydration: Majority of your body consists of water, maintaining hydration is key for health and recovery. Fluid loss as little as 2% has been shown to impair cognitive performance and induce headaches.

Maintain adequate calorie and protein intake: Calories and protein are needed for most tissues to heal. Small meals may help if you suffer from nausea or loss of appetite so eating small meals every 2-3 hours can help you maintain the nutrition you need.

Protein:

Meat (chicken, beef, or pork)
Eggs
Beans and lentils
Dairy foods (Greek yogurt, cheese, milk)

Fruits and Vegetables

Greens (broccoli, spinach)
Oranges: (Carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges)
Yellows: (Peppers, lemons, squash)
Reds: (Tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, strawberries)

Small meal ideas:

Crackers with peanut butter
Hummus and vegetables
Greek yogurt with fruit (Smoothies! Greens may be added easily along with nuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds for healthy fats)