Your teenager, Catherine, just returned home from a weekend camping trip to mountain bike with her friends. She is complaining of a headache and fatigue, and has mentioned to you that she fell off her bike and hit her head yesterday. Catherine tells you that after her fall, she felt dizzy with, amongst other symptoms, a headache and sensitivity to light. Although she does feel better now, she still has a slight heachache, feels sensitivity to light, feels "slowed down", as well as neck pain. You are worried that she might possibly have a concussion. What should you do?!

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A concussion results in the presence of signs and symptoms (ex: headache, dizziness, and blurred vision) following a direct or indirect impact to the head. In most cases, symptoms disappear within 7 to 10 days, however, in certain instances, symptoms can last for several weeks or even months. When you believe that you have suffered from a concussion, an immediate evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in the management and treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries is necessary in order to favour an optimal recuperation. What professional should you consult?

Over the last decade, there has been increased media coverage as well as important scientific discoveries regarding concussions. Each year, researchers and clinicians present new considerations and recommendations to include in the evaluation, treatment and management of these brain injuries.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the professionals who evaluate, treat and manage concussions remain up-to-date with this research (continued education and conferences).

The following healthcare professionals can be part of a concussion management team:

  • Physicians
  • Athletic Therapists
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Kinesiologists
  • Osteopaths
  • Physiotherapists
  • Psychologists
  • Chiropracticians
  • Psychoeducators
  • Nurses

Concussions are complex, and an individualized multidisciplinary approach with a team of healthcare professionals has been proven to favour optimal rehabilitation.

So, which professional should I consult?

The answer: it depends on the patient, his/her medical history and his/her symptoms; it isn't a question of which one professional you should consult, but rather a combination of several!

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The C-CENTRE has a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals that are trained in the evaluation, management and treatment of concussions. We have the necessary resources to provide adapted and structured treatment plans based on each patient's individual needs.

For more information: info@c-centre.ca; (819)918-6908

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References

Lima DP, Simao Filho C, Abib Sde C, et al. Quality of life and neuropsychological changes in mild head trauma. Late analysis and correlation with S100B protein and cranial CT scan performed at hospital admission. Injury 2008;39:604–11.

Makdissi, Cantu, Johnston, McCrory, and Meeuwisse, “The difficult concussion patient: what is the best approach to investigation and management of persistent (>10 days) postconcussive symptoms?” British Journal of Sports Medicine,vol.47, no.5,pp. 308–313, 2013.

McCrory, Collie, Anderson, et al. Can we manage sport related concussion in children the same as in adults? Br J Sports Med 2004;38:516–19.

McCrory, Paul, et al. "Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2012." British journal of sports medicine 47.5 (2013): 250-258.