concussion Treatment

Following a head injury, your symptoms may appear immediately or not for a few hours or days. The physical and cognitive effects of a concussion can last for weeks and in many cases, turn into chronic symptoms, a condition called post-concussion syndrome.

The three primary concussion symptoms are:

• Headache
• Memory loss
• Confusion

Although you can lose consciousness, most people stay awake after developing a concussion. You may also experience symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Impaired balance Blurred vision
• Ringing in your ears
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Sleep disturbance
• New depression or anxiety

When you have any of these symptoms in the days or weeks following a blow to your head, call the Osteopathic Wellness Center for an immediate evaluation. It’s essential to be sure you don’t have a skull fracture or bleeding in the brain.

Getting enough rest is the most important treatment for a concussion. Your brain needs time to heal, which means getting minimal stimulation. You should avoid bright light and loud sounds. You’ll also need to take time off from school or work and avoid most physical activities for 7-10 days.

Staying hydrated and eating carbs facilitates healing and provides the energy your brain needs during recovery.

Post-concussion rehabilitation can begin as soon as Dr. Johnston clears you to return to light activities. Your rehabilitation begins with a plan to make a gradual return to your normal activities.

During your rehabilitation, osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) can reduce your recovery time. Dr. Johnston gently manipulates the tissues affected by your concussion, increasing healing blood flow and relaxing the muscles.