IS:
Is a mechanism of injury.
IS NOT:
Is not the defining diagnoses. To paraphrase Dr. Julia Treleaven, PT, PhD: A concussion is not a diagnosis. It is a mechanism of injury. In concussion we have to look at the visual system, vestibular system, proprioceptive system, cognitive system and the cervical spine to figure out how they each contribute. This is why my intake is over the course of 2 days. Many concussion specialist will take between 90 minutes and 3 hours to complete an intake. If your practitioner does your intake in 30 minutes, they are missing quite a bit that could be contributing to your concussion symptoms. To hear more from Dr. Treleaven and her research check out the podcast Concussion Corner.
IS:
Is a complicated condition that has many aspects to consider such as: prior concussions, gender, systemic inflammation at the time of injury, menstrual cycle, effects on sleep, stress levels, etc.
IS NOT:
Is not the same for every patient. One of the hardest questions to answer from new patients is how long it will take them to recover. I have had some patients get better within a month and others who I’ve had to work with for over half a year. What I can promise is if I think it would be beneficial to bring another practitioner onto your team, I will make appropriate recommendations. I often co-manage with neuro-optometrists, naturopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists and massage therapists just to name a few. Sometimes it takes a village to find the best treatment plan.
IS NOT:
Is not just a mechanical head injury.
IS:
Is an injury that has the primary injury including: primary damage and mechanical damage. Then there is also a period of secondary injury including in Phase 1: impaired blood flow, metabolic imbalance, tissue damage and membrane permeability. In Phase 2: axon terminal deplorization, release of excitatory neurotransmitters, intracellular breakdown, free radical generation, apoptosis and necrosis. Despite what some doctors may tell you, you do not need to hit your head nor do you need to pass out in order to have sustained a concussion. If you are told this, get a second opinion by someone who specializes in concussions.
Lastly, most concussions resolve in 2-4 weeks and many healthcare practitioners are equipped to help you navigate this process. However, ~10-15% of those who sustain a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury or mTBI (they all mean the same thing) will go on to develop Persistent Post-Concussive Syndrome (PPCS). If this sounds like you, please reach out for help from a qualified practitioner who has extensively studied neuroscience and specializes in helping people with chronic concussion symptoms. BIAOR has a list of qualified professionals on their website: https://www.biaoregon.org/services/find-an-expert/