Concussion

Concussions can be caused by direct impact to the head or forceful accelerations or decelerations that can result in shifts to the delicate brain tissue within the skull.

Symptoms of a concussion may include extreme fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), lack of coordination and memory loss.

Research on athletes has shown that nerve signals to the brain can be disrupted for 6 weeks or longer after a single concussion. During this timeframe, sports should be avoided because reaction time and brain processing are slowed.

Brain trauma can cause abnormal vestibular (balance) system function, leaving the brain more reliant on visual and somatosensory input to dictate balance. Eye strain and tension headaches can result.

Concussion diagnosis typically includes vestibular assessment, which may help to detect instability, oculomotor abnormalities and visual disturbances that may be present with post-concussion syndrome. It is important to work closely with a team of trained physicians and clinicians that specialize in concussion treatment and management to help an individual cope through the recovery process.