Frequently Asked Questions
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a form of brain injury resulting from either a direct or indirect blow to the head, face or jaw. Concussion causes alterations in brain function and can result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms including headache, nausea, balance problems, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, mental “fogginess”, mood changes, visual, memory, and concentration problems. The time frame for recovery varies widely. There is usually no obvious physical damage to the brain tissue on imaging and may not include any loss of consciousness at the time of injury. The diagnosis of concussion is usually based on the presence of any combination of symptoms related to the injury, as there is no gold standard test to detect a concussion.
Symptoms of a Concussion?
Symptoms of a concussion may include any or all of the following:
What do I do if I have had a concussion?
The first thing you do if you suspect you have a concussion is let someone know that something is not right and that you should not be alone until you can be medically assessed by a Physician. Do not return to sports or regular work and school activities until you have been medically assessed and cleared if you suspect you have a concussion.
You should rest completely, including “screen” or visual rest until you have been medially assessed. This assessment does not need to include a CT/MRI unless a more severe injury need to be eliminated.
Your next step would be to attend a certified Concussion Management Clinic. In the Kingston area, the associated clinics with the Kingston Concussion Alliance are all Shift Certified Concussion Management Clinics and can provide the care you need to manage your recovery.
The treatment you receive may include manual therapy (eg. for associated neck pain), specific rest strategies and home recommendations, modified school and/or work requirements, specialized rehabilitative techniques (eg. vision therapy), and other recovery strategies depending on your individual injury and symptoms.
What is a baseline test?
There is no one, reliable test to diagnose a concussion or determine if it has resolved. However, baseline tests can establish an individual’s pre-injury level of function that can be used comparatively, with post-injury tests, to monitor recovery from concussions in a measureable way.
There are a number of measures that can be done in Baseline testing, including Neurocognitive Performance ( eg. ImPACT test), Balance and Postural Sway and Visual Coordination tests. A complete history of any previous concussive episodes, history of concussive like symptoms and other related factors such as headache history should be taken to make post injury assessment results more relevant. In children and adolescents, baseline measures can change significantly as they develop so it is important to do baseline testing annually.
Computer based, neurocognitive testing protocols such as ImPACT testing, are able to show subtle cognitive deficits that can persist after other symptoms have resolved. These tests measure reaction time, processing speed, memory and attention/concentration which are cognitive processes frequently affected by a concussion and can provide a picture of how a brain is functioning before and after a concussive injury. These tests do not replace a full neuropsychological assessment by a qualified Neuropsychologist – a referral may be indicated for more complex cases
Other aspects of physical performance such as balance and visual processing may be affected by a concussion so other physical tests may be included in baseline testing.
What is involved in post concussion management?
After sustaining a concussion you should be evaluated by a Physician as soon as possible and then book an initial assessment with a Kingston Concussion Alliance healthcare provider. You will have a thorough post –injury assessment and a management strategy will be developed to facilitate your recovery. In addition to a complete medical and injury history, this assessment may include:
• Computerized neurocognitive (ImPACT) testing
• Balance testing
• Strength and Coordination testing
• Visual motor skills testing
• Vestibular (or equilibrium) testing
• Gait assessment
• Generalized neurological screen
• Orthopedic assessment of secondary injuries (e.g. neck, shoulders)
A complete evaluation could take place over a few visits, depending on the status of the individual and severity of symptoms. If there is a Baseline evaluation available, post-injury findings will be compared with the Baseline results. If no Baseline testing has been done, the healthcare professional will use the post-injury results as a starting point. Individualized management strategies and treatment will be determined based on findings.
Where should I go?
All of our clinics have Shift certified concussion management providers. They will be able to conduct baseline testing as well as provide you with the appropriate post injury management and care. In addition to the vestibular and visual rehabiltation and return to work/sport/play, any additional treatment may vary by the clinic.
Each clinic offers a unique variety of services. We also work together and refer among one another.
Should your treatment be related to a motor vehicle accident or require coverage through extended health care benefits or VAC or WSIB, we are able to help with that as well. Please visit the websites of each of our clinics to determine what will be the best fit for you. You will also find more information about each clinic and its providers in the About Us section of the website.
If you need any further assistance, please feel free to call or email any of our clinics.
A concussion is a form of brain injury resulting from either a direct or indirect blow to the head, face or jaw. Concussion causes alterations in brain function and can result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms including headache, nausea, balance problems, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, mental “fogginess”, mood changes, visual, memory, and concentration problems. The time frame for recovery varies widely. There is usually no obvious physical damage to the brain tissue on imaging and may not include any loss of consciousness at the time of injury. The diagnosis of concussion is usually based on the presence of any combination of symptoms related to the injury, as there is no gold standard test to detect a concussion.
Symptoms of a Concussion?
Symptoms of a concussion may include any or all of the following:
- Headache
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sleep Disturbances
- Light or Noise Sensitivity
- Mood Changes (irritability, sadness, nervousness)
- Mental Fogginess
- Concentration/Memory Problems
- Visual Disturbances
What do I do if I have had a concussion?
The first thing you do if you suspect you have a concussion is let someone know that something is not right and that you should not be alone until you can be medically assessed by a Physician. Do not return to sports or regular work and school activities until you have been medically assessed and cleared if you suspect you have a concussion.
You should rest completely, including “screen” or visual rest until you have been medially assessed. This assessment does not need to include a CT/MRI unless a more severe injury need to be eliminated.
Your next step would be to attend a certified Concussion Management Clinic. In the Kingston area, the associated clinics with the Kingston Concussion Alliance are all Shift Certified Concussion Management Clinics and can provide the care you need to manage your recovery.
The treatment you receive may include manual therapy (eg. for associated neck pain), specific rest strategies and home recommendations, modified school and/or work requirements, specialized rehabilitative techniques (eg. vision therapy), and other recovery strategies depending on your individual injury and symptoms.
What is a baseline test?
There is no one, reliable test to diagnose a concussion or determine if it has resolved. However, baseline tests can establish an individual’s pre-injury level of function that can be used comparatively, with post-injury tests, to monitor recovery from concussions in a measureable way.
There are a number of measures that can be done in Baseline testing, including Neurocognitive Performance ( eg. ImPACT test), Balance and Postural Sway and Visual Coordination tests. A complete history of any previous concussive episodes, history of concussive like symptoms and other related factors such as headache history should be taken to make post injury assessment results more relevant. In children and adolescents, baseline measures can change significantly as they develop so it is important to do baseline testing annually.
Computer based, neurocognitive testing protocols such as ImPACT testing, are able to show subtle cognitive deficits that can persist after other symptoms have resolved. These tests measure reaction time, processing speed, memory and attention/concentration which are cognitive processes frequently affected by a concussion and can provide a picture of how a brain is functioning before and after a concussive injury. These tests do not replace a full neuropsychological assessment by a qualified Neuropsychologist – a referral may be indicated for more complex cases
Other aspects of physical performance such as balance and visual processing may be affected by a concussion so other physical tests may be included in baseline testing.
What is involved in post concussion management?
After sustaining a concussion you should be evaluated by a Physician as soon as possible and then book an initial assessment with a Kingston Concussion Alliance healthcare provider. You will have a thorough post –injury assessment and a management strategy will be developed to facilitate your recovery. In addition to a complete medical and injury history, this assessment may include:
• Computerized neurocognitive (ImPACT) testing
• Balance testing
• Strength and Coordination testing
• Visual motor skills testing
• Vestibular (or equilibrium) testing
• Gait assessment
• Generalized neurological screen
• Orthopedic assessment of secondary injuries (e.g. neck, shoulders)
A complete evaluation could take place over a few visits, depending on the status of the individual and severity of symptoms. If there is a Baseline evaluation available, post-injury findings will be compared with the Baseline results. If no Baseline testing has been done, the healthcare professional will use the post-injury results as a starting point. Individualized management strategies and treatment will be determined based on findings.
Where should I go?
All of our clinics have Shift certified concussion management providers. They will be able to conduct baseline testing as well as provide you with the appropriate post injury management and care. In addition to the vestibular and visual rehabiltation and return to work/sport/play, any additional treatment may vary by the clinic.
Each clinic offers a unique variety of services. We also work together and refer among one another.
Should your treatment be related to a motor vehicle accident or require coverage through extended health care benefits or VAC or WSIB, we are able to help with that as well. Please visit the websites of each of our clinics to determine what will be the best fit for you. You will also find more information about each clinic and its providers in the About Us section of the website.
If you need any further assistance, please feel free to call or email any of our clinics.
Location |
|