In the field of concussion medicine and research, It is widely understood that recovering from a concussion varies greatly from person to person.
Although the majority of patients recover from the initial symptoms within two weeks to one month, and most cognitive issues resolve within seven to ten days, around 10-15 percent experience longer-lasting symptoms.
How a person recovers and how long it takes depends on several factors: your health history, the severity of your injury, and your treatment plan.
Typical Concussion Symptoms
The most common symptom of a concussion is a headache. This is an especially serious symptom if the headache gets worse over time, which might mean that there is bleeding in the skull.
However other symptoms of concussion include:
- nausea
- headaches
- problems with vision and balance
- fatigue or drowsiness
- difficulty thinking and concentrating
- mood changes
- changes in sleeping habits
- increased sensitivity to noise and light
- irritability or nervousness
- depression
More serious signs are:
- seizures
- not knowing people or places
- unusual behaviour
As you can imagine, some of the symptoms listed here have overlap with other issues, disorders and conditions. That’s why concussion diagnosis isn’t always a simple task.
Suggested Treatment for Concussion
The approach to treating concussions has evolved in recent years. Increasingly, the evidence is showing that an integrated, whole-body approach to treating concussions, one that combines specialized therapy, exercise, nutritional support, and psychological evaluation is proving effective.
Following an initial evaluation and testing, a tailor-made plan for treatment can be created for the individual.
At the Broadview Spine and Health Center, specifically designed therapies are used to enhance a patient’s recovery, offering current intervention strategies on a multilevel basis. In addition, neuromuscular, vestibular, and visual assessments are used and found to improve outcomes.
At our Ottawa concussion clinic, specialists offer many different types of concussion treatment. Some of these concussion treatments include:
- nutritional recommendations
- auditory therapy
- laser-guided proprioceptive feedback
- photobiomodulation
- vision therapy
- vestibular rehabilitation
As the recovery time and process varies from patient to patient, so shall the course of treatment. We treat concussions on a case by case basis, focusing on how the person can most benefit from a specific form of concussion treatment.
Helpful Tips for Concussion Recovery
After a concussion, it is helpful to reduce significantly the amount of time spent in front of a screen, whether it is a computer, smartphone, or television. Other practical measures patients can take to help with recovery include:
- Get adequate sleep
- Keep hydrated
- Eat healthily
- Take frequent breaks
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Exercise moderately
Patience is essential during the healing process. Keep in mind that, with the right treatment most people can expect to make a complete recovery.
The most important thing is to take a concussion seriously and to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.
Access to timely care can help speed recovery. If you are having concussion symptoms that are not resolving or are getting worse, consult the specialists at the Ottawa clinic of the Broadview Spine and Health Centre.
How Broadview Helps with Concussion Treatment in Ottawa
The Broadview Spine and Health Centre is an Ottawa concussion clinic experienced in the evidenced-based treatment of patients with ongoing and persistent symptoms of concussion.
We offer a variety of treatment options with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
Contact us today to book your first appointment, to get started on the road to concussion recovery.