What to do after a concussion?
Recovering from a concussion can feel like a lonely process.
Your symptoms are invisible and hard to explain, your doctor tells you that it will just take time (like how much time?), and your family and friends are unsure how to sympathize because again your injury is invisible.
So when is the best time to seek care for your concussion symptoms?
According to a recent study assessing early vs late intervention for concussion, there is a positive association between recovery and seeking skilled care following a concussion. In other words, those who sought out care within the first 28 days of a concussion recovered 3x faster than those who sought out care after 28 days.
What type of care should I get after a concussion?
According to the study, the care included a standardized concussion battery which typically includes inner ear/eye testing (vestibular), balance, reaction time and neck assessment. The study also mentioned a graded exercise test. This is a walking treadmill test that assesses your symptoms while gradually increasing the incline of a treadmill. This test can also be done on a bike, or even just walking outside.
Who should I see after a concussion?
There are a few healthcare professionals who can provide care like this. Most doctors (MDs) and physician assistants (PAs) will be able to do an assessment, but will not have the time or means to provide you with care. They will likely refer you to other specialized individuals.
Depending on your area there may be specialized concussion clinics that offer multiple clinicians under one roof. These clinicians typically include primary care (PA/MD/NP), physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. They also may include psychologists, neurologists and neuropsychologists. If you do not have one of these clinics nearby, see the list below for what various professions specialize in for treatment following a concussion.
Physical Therapy: neck pain/whiplash, dizziness/vertigo, headaches, balance etc.
Neuropsychologist: cognitive symptoms (memory, concentration, forgetfulness, etc.)
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists: also treat cognitive symptoms but are more related to speech difficulty including trouble formulating sentences, word finding, memory, etc.
Mental health care counselor/social worker/psychologist: anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.
If you’re having trouble deciding where to start, reach out to me today to discuss your symptoms and to help with your path to recovery.
Happy Healing,
Dr. Kira, PT, DPT
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