Archway Concussion Rehabilitation Services

As concussions have become the focus for both professional and amateur athletes around the world, we at Archway Health and Sports wanted to be at the forefront of concussion diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation.  With our collaboration and education through Complete Concussion Management we now offer the very best in research-proven concussion treatments and rehabilitation.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury, referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by disruption in neurological functioning following a significant impact to the head or elsewhere on the body. This causes a biochemical imbalance within brain cells, decreases blood flow and temporary energy deficits within the brain. A concussion is an invisible injury, which affects how the brain functions. Every individual’s experience following a concussion is different! 

Following a suspected concussion, the individual should be immediately assessed and placed on complete rest in order to recover from the energy deficit. Studies indicate that any activity, both mental and physical, in the immediate days following a concussion can delay the process of recovery and should be avoided until the individual is completely symptom free.

Concussion Symptoms:

Symptoms of a concussion can be physical, cognitive, behavioural and/or emotional. Some symptoms begin immediately after the injury. Other symptoms develop or get worse over time and these are referred to as persistent concussion symptoms.

For 48 hours following a concussion you should REST and give your brain time to heal. After an assessment with a concussion specialist, you should be provided with proper treatment, care and a gradual return to daily activities guideline.

Cognitive Rest

A concussion can affect your reaction time, vision, memory, concentration and how you process information. You may find reading, watching TV, using a computer or tablet tires you out now. Stop these activities if you experience symptoms such as a headache and/or dizziness. 

Exercise & Activity

Limit exercise and activities where you utilize a lot of energy. Your brain regulates your heart. A concussion may affect this regulation. Stop physical activity if you feel your heart racing, feel tired or have other concussion symptoms. Do not participate in activities or sports where you could have another hit to the head or body.

Work

Arrange environmental adaptations, reduce your workload and/or take time off work. The demands of work can trigger symptoms or make them worse. 

Family

It is important to tell your family about your concussion and symptoms. Explain what you need them to do to help you recover.

View  4 Characteristics of a Good Concussion Clinic.

What is Baseline Testing?

The biggest concern surrounding concussions comes from the energy deficit that occurs in the brain following injury.  When the brain is in this low energy state, it has been well established that the brain is extremely vulnerable to additional trauma, where even smaller impacts can lead to another concussion; and these second concussions can cause severe brain injuries with potentially permanent or fatal outcomes.

The problem is that symptoms (meaning how someone feels) do not coincide with brain recovery.  The only way to know when the brain has fully recovered and out of this “vulnerable period” is to compare current brain function to when the individual was healthy; this is what is known as a “baseline test”.

A baseline test is a battery of tests that measures every area of brain function that could potentially become affected following a concussion (you need more than computer tests!!). The reason that the test is termed a “baseline” is because it is done BEFORE the athlete begins a sport and undergoes an injury.

Baseline testing is most important for an athlete to complete annually prior to beginning your sports season.