How concussion management works
If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, the lingering effects can be frustratingly stubborn. Lack of balance and coordination, headaches, and dizziness may remain, even after the traditional waiting period of 24 hours has passed. Post-concussion syndrome treatment is especially important to prevent long-term ill effects and to return more quickly to normal activities. At the Ivy Rehab Network, our physical therapists will design an individualized program to treat your post-concussion symptoms safely, so you can return to your normal life as soon as possible.
What is a concussion?
Concussions are defined as a traumatic brain injury that results in disrupted brain function. A direct blow to the head or a direct force impact to the upper body that, in turn, transmits force to the head causes a concussion. The injury may or may not cause a loss of consciousness.
Most victims of a concussion are athletes participating in high-impact sports like football; however, car accidents, falls, household mishaps and other incidents also cause concussions. While most concussions are relatively mild, seeking a full medical evaluation is vital to ensure the patient receives timely post-concussion treatment to achieve a full recovery.
Patients who do not seek follow-up medical care may be susceptible to second-impact syndrome, also known as post-concussion syndrome. Symptoms may include a loss of balance and coordination, loss of muscle control, dizziness, and headaches, sensitivity to light or sound, difficulty concentrating, as well as blurred vision.
Depending on the individual, post-concussion syndrome treatment may vary. Your doctor can evaluate your case and recommend the best course of action.
Symptoms of a concussion:
Symptoms of a concussion appear in moments following the injury and may linger for days or months. Prompt post-concussion syndrome treatment helps speed recovery. The immediate symptoms may include amnesia surrounding the event, a dazed look, confusion or mental fogginess, slurred speech or delay in responses, difficulty with concentration, dizziness, and a tired feeling. Nausea or vomiting, ringing in the ears, and headache may also indicate a concussion. It’s important to have a medical evaluation as soon as possible if you suspect that you or your child has received a concussion. With Direct Access, you can receive the care you need right away.
Assessment of a concussion:
Identifying symptoms of a concussion include testing the following:
- Oculomotor Functions: Testing coordinated eye movements, tracking, and focusing
- Vestibular Evaluation: Assessment of dizziness and balance deficits
- Musculoskeletal Assessment: Evaluation of muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination
- Cardiovascular Response: Post-concussion individuals often experience an elevated heart rate. A treadmill test, also known as a Balke Test, is performed to determine safe exercise parameters.
Schedule your appointment today at an Ivy Rehab Network location near you to learn more about our concussion management program.
Find a location that offers Concussion Management near you
Our Clinics that Offer Treatment for Concussion Management
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Connecticut
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Delaware
Illinois
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- Grand Rapids
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- Howell
- Hudsonville
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- Kalamazoo – Texas Corners
- Lowell
- Muskegon – Norton Shores
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- Okemos
- Ortonville
- Plymouth – Coming Soon
- Reed City
- Sparta
- Wayland
North Carolina
New Jersey
- Bloomfield
- Bordentown
- Brick
- Brick – Ramtown
- Brick – Silverton
- Bridgewater
- Browns Mills
- Cherry Hill
- Chester
- Clifton at St. James Place
- Cranford
- Denville
- East Windsor
- Elmer
- Englewood
- Forked River
- Forked River – Lacey Road
- Franklin Lakes
- Freehold
- Freehold – Howell
- Gillette
- Hackensack
- Hackettstown
- Hillsborough
- Hoboken – Downtown
- Hoboken – Midtown
- Jackson
- Jackson – Specialty Service Center
- Jersey City
- Lake Hopatcong
- Lumberton
- Malaga
- Manahawkin
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- Marlboro – Morganville
- Medford at Jones Road
- Middletown
- Monroe Township
- Montague
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- Princeton – Lawrenceville
- River Vale
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- Tinton Falls
- Toms River
- Toms River – Mule Rd
- Toms River – Specialty Service Center
- Union
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- Wall
- Westfield
- Whiting
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Pennsylvania
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South Carolina
Virginia
- Charlottesville – Hollymead/Forest Lakes
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- Orange
- Palmyra – Fluvanna/Lake Monticello
- Richmond – Near West End
- Suffolk
- Virginia Beach
- Virginia Beach – General Booth
- Virginia Beach – Haygood
- Zion Crossroads – Spring Creek
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