This post is part of our complete guide to Chiropractic. Browse the guide for more in-depth information on treatments, exercises, and recovery strategies.
Even the suspicion of a concussion should be taken very seriously. Any trauma to the head must be viewed as a serious matter which requires a careful and vigilant response.
Concussions can be sneaky, so it’s important to maintain a watch on anyone who may have suffered a concussion, at work, play, or as the result of an accident of any kind.
Safe and effective concussion management is something everyone should be aware of, so that those who’ve taken a hit can be actively watched in the event a concussion has been sustained.
Know the signs.
Following an incident which may have induced a concussion, it’s important that those who’ve witnessed the event remain with the person affected and monitor for the following symptoms:
- Unaccountable fatigue
- Disorientation (not knowing where they are/who people are)
- Headache which is increasing in severity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Changes in speech, including slurring
- Seizures
- Fluid or blood issuing from the nose or ears
- Dilation of the pupils which isn’t the same in both eyes
If any of these signs are present, it’s advisable to convey the person affected to the nearest emergency medical facility to ascertain whether a concussion has been sustained. Until told otherwise, it’s always best to assume that a concussion has occurred.
Guidelines for safe and effective concussion management.
Rest is the best advice a doctor can give, where concussions are concerned, but ongoing testing is also required to ensure that the patient has returned to normative cognitive function and that there are no residual effects which may lead to complications, down the road.
The Centers for Disease Control have provided a list of Acute Concussion Evaluation tools which have improved the prognosis for concussion recovery dramatically.
When followed, concussion patients were found to be much more likely to follow up with primary care givers for cognitive evaluation. This gave them a much better chance of avoiding complications.
Complications arising.
Concussions which are not serious and do not result in TBI (traumatic brain injury), may result in post-concussive syndrome.
Presenting symptoms which persist in the weeks following the concussion, post-concussive syndrome produces recurrent and persistent headaches, vertigo, lapses in memory, elevated sensory sensitivity, difficulty concentrating and paying attention, with the possibility of anxiety and depression.
Most concussion patients are feeling like themselves within 2 to 4 days. Any head pain is usually resolved within a month of the incident.
When a concussion is suspected, it’s crucial that the person affected not be permitted to go to sleep, for any reason. Once a medical evaluation has been obtained and the patient cleared of any signs of a concussion, rest is still important.
A hit to the head is no laughing matter and can be as emotionally traumatic as it is physically punishing. Be kind to those who’ve taken one, insisting that they rest.
Back & Body Medical.
Back & Body has brought our award-winning multi-disciplinarian care model from our Manhattan flagship clinic to New Jersey.
Contact us for more information about safe and effective concussion management.
Dr. David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP is the founder and practice overseer at Back and Body Pain Relief in Springfield, NJ. A graduate of Life University Summa Cum Laude, Dr. Perna holds certifications in Active Release Technique (ART), Graston, SFMA, Neuro-Diagnostics (NCV/EMG), and Manipulation Under Anesthesia, among others. He is a Board Certified Sports Physician, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Volunteer.
A competing athlete himself — a 2x Ironman 70.3 finisher with a background in Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and martial arts – Dr. Perna brings firsthand athletic experience to his patient care.
He has treated presidents, royalty, diplomats, and professional athletes across MMA, baseball, tennis, and football, and has appeared on Dr. Oz demonstrating chiropractic therapies. His approach is diagnostic-first, combining evidence-based chiropractic care with rehabilitation to help patients get out of pain and back to full function.