Three Main Components Of A Concussion
PHYSIOLOGIC
For the physiologic component we may want to evaluate a broader range of factors such as but not limited to:
- blood sugar regulation
- oxygen concentration
- bloodwork analysis
- leaky gut syndrome
Further analysis of potential co-morbid conditions based on your history such as Lyme disease or hypothyroidism as just an example.
VESTIBULO-OCULAR
Our analysis of the Vestibular Ocular component utilizes advanced technology to help quantify the function of the brain. In the vast majority of cases, individuals experiencing post concussion symptoms will not have structural damage to the brain, therefore will have a normal MRI.Consequently we utilize technology that can help measure the function of the brain.
Different areas of the brain, among many other things have certain ocular motor and balance tasks connected to them. Our clinic utilizes videonystagmography to record different types of eye movements in real time so you can see firsthand your results. Saccadometry is used to measure a type of quick eye-movement called saccades that can be altered by concussion. Computerized balance assessment is used to measure how much stability you have and whether or not you are centred over your feet while standing.
All of these findings are compared to normative data and are shown to you on a big screen to help educate you about the parts of your brain that may not be functioning normally.
CERVICOGENIC
In many cases, individuals whom suffer a concussion can have associated neck pain. A cervical (neck) spine examination will help to evaluate the health of this area.
TREATMENTS AT OUR ADVANCED CONCUSSION CLINIC
Vision Therapy
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Transcranial Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Eye Exercises
Somatosensory Evoked Potential
Ear Insufflation
Non-surgical Decompression Therapy
Nutritional Recommendations
Auditory Therapy
Laser Guided Proprioceptive Feedback
CONCUSSION TREATMENT IN OTTAWA
Owing to the complexity of a concussion, we find that taking a multi modal approach by addressing the physiologic, vestibular ocular and cervicogenic component if required, gives the most robust outcome from treatment.
Addressing the physiologic component may include diet, lifestyle changes and targeted supplementation for example. For the vestibular ocular component we will prescribe balance and eye exercises so that the care is targeted to your individual findings. For the cervicogenic component we can use laser therapy, isometric neck strengthening, non-surgical decompression therapy and massage to name a few.
Having said all this, if one were to ask what “treatment” do we use for concussions, it cannot be answered by one type. We draw our approach from many different fields as required by the individuals particular needs.
If you are frustrated from your lack of progress or are looking for a new approach to treat your concussion, we suggest you contact our courteous front desk staff to book your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Most single concussions have a straight-forward recovery with few complications. However, for those who have suffered multiple concussions, especially when the original has not fully healed, the recovery time can be longer. Take care during recovery, because while you might feel better, the concussion could still need time to fully heal.
- We utilize quantifiable concussion evaluation tools
- We measure eye movements and balance
- We take care to ensure your recovery is objective, not subjective
A major side effect from sustaining a concussion injury is cervicogenic pain or headaches, which is focused in the neck area. The challenge for doctors is neck pain does not always point to a problem within the neck, but could be a result of spine or eye misalignment.
- Concussions cause eye misalignment, leading to head tilt
- Neck pain is a flag for helping identify contributing issues
- Our treatment is built to help protect your long-term recovery
A common symptom for those who have suffered concussions and experiencing symptoms of post-concussion syndrome includes fatigue. Fatigue can come from many different factors. However, concussions build fatigue symptoms on a cellular level from the damage sustained in a concussion, interrupting your body’s ability to build and use energy.
- Fatigue from concussions is a result from calcium leaks
- Other fatigue could stem from problems with thyroids or anemia
- Fatigue problems can take some time to fully recover from
Post-concussion syndrome is a complex condition that requires a lot of care and time to fully recover from. You could experience significant fatigue, inability to effectively concentrate, headaches, poor balance, and loss of fine motor control. These and more are the result of concussion damage to three major areas in your body, which all require the care our clinic can provide:
- Physical damage the cell wall of the brain
- Damage to the motor systems of the eyes and balance
- Cervucigenic symptoms such as pain in the neck
Broadview Health Centre offers specialized equipment and technology that helps us diagnose problems and treat them effectively in regards to concussions and other mild-traumatic brain injuries. These tools are a mix of physical tests and electrical monitors working in tandem to give evaluations of the body’s control over balance and motor control, giving us invaluable information on a patents condition by:
- Evaluating the body’s ability to balance on flat and uneven surfaces
- Balance when a patents head is turning in various directions
- Building information on how a concussion effects an individual
Broadview Spine & Health Centre utilized state of the art diagnosis equipment to allow us to gain quality information on how to approach treatment to every patent’s unique symptoms. A Videonystagmography allows us to get a fine-tuned reading of eye movements on video and with graphical representation.
- Helps us identify where damage is located in the brain
- Helps develop a customized program for the patient
- Provides conclusive evidence for brain injury symptoms