Decreasing the chance of prolonged damage
The more research that becomes available on concussions, the more daunting they seem to be. Concussions can be a terrifying ordeal for some, but if managed properly, recovery can be quick.
According to Brett Lyons, a registered physiotherapist at the Health and Performance Centre (HPC) on campus, a concussion is a disruption of the functioning of the brain caused by an external force. A concussion affects the cognitive function of your brain, but does not alter the physical structure of your brain.
If you have sustained an injury to your head, the first thing you should do is seek medical advice from a doctor. Once checked out by a doctor, an individualized plan can be made for recovery.
“No two concussions are alike and as such no two concussions are managed the same,” said Lyons in an email interview with The Ontarion. “Depending on the situation, different systems may be involved and different strategies will need to be addressed.”
Since all concussions are different, it is critical to seek medical attention right away. Resources such as the HPC provide extensive concussion management and ongoing treatment for patients. The HPC works closely with other on-campus resources, such as the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), to help create a plan for modifications and integration back into academics.
With any concussion—and concussions where symptoms persist—medical attention is the most sure way to a safe recovery. When a concussion is sustained, it can cause other prolonged symptoms in areas such as the neck, eye, or ear.
While there are many options available to help with concussion management, there is still a need for more research on concussion prevention. In many sports, risk management steps are taken by wearing helmets or enforcing rules on body contact in youth sports. Unfortunately, no matter the risk prevention, concussions can still be sustained.
Following the steps to recovery is extremely important. If not followed carefully, symptoms can be prolonged and can cause long term damage to the functioning of the brain.
Upon receiving a concussion, you should give yourself a physical and cognitive rest. This time should be kept short—no longer than 48 hours. After this rest period, it is important to start gradually introducing cognitive activity as long as it does not increase symptoms.
It is very important to be honest about your symptoms; be honest with yourself as well as the team of people helping you through this time. It can be daunting, but in handling it with extra care you will be back to feeling like yourself again sooner than if you ignore any symptoms you might be experiencing.
It is important to remember that concussions, if managed properly, are not a life sentence.
“The vast majority of concussions will recover within four weeks or less,” said Lyons. “If someone is having symptoms that persist, then seek professional advice to determine what is causing these symptoms to persist.”
“There’s a lot of doom and gloom in the media about concussions and, to be honest, a lot of fear out there about sustaining a concussion,” Lyons added. “But with appropriately guided management, I don’t think concussions have to be this terrible monster that a lot of people have made [them] out to be.”
Photo by Mariah Bridgeman.