A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a direct blow to the head or a force transmitted through the body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. Concussions commonly occur during motor vehicle accidents, sports, falls, and other traumatic events. Not everyone who sustains a concussion loses consciousness, and symptoms may appear immediately or develop over the next several hours or days.

Key Insight:

Common symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, sensitivity to light or noise, blurred vision, fatigue, balance problems, and feeling "foggy" or slowed down. Some people also experience neck pain because concussion and cervical spine injuries often occur together. Chiropractic care may help address associated musculoskeletal conditions. Since these conditions can produce similar symptoms, a comprehensive evaluation is important to determine the cause and identify the most appropriate treatment.

Current clinical guidelines recommend prompt assessment after a suspected concussion. Most people recover with appropriate medical management, education, and a gradual return to school, work, sports, and other daily activities. Complete bed rest is no longer routinely recommended. Instead, a period of relative physical and cognitive rest during the first 24 to 48 hours, followed by a gradual increase in activity as tolerated under the guidance of a healthcare provider, is generally advised.

Chiropractic care may help address associated musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, joint stiffness, muscle tension, and reduced mobility. Care is individualized and coordinated with the patient's medical team when necessary.

If you have sustained a blow to the head or were involved in a motor vehicle accident and are experiencing symptoms of a concussion, seek prompt medical evaluation. Emergency medical care is especially important if symptoms include worsening headache, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, seizures, weakness, slurred speech, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness.

Interested in learning whether chiropractic care may help with neck pain or other musculoskeletal symptoms following a concussion? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your personalized care plan.

Contact Us:

Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• McCrory P, Meeuwisse W, Dvořák J, et al. Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. Available through PubMed.

• Leddy JJ, Haider MN, Ellis MJ, et al. Exercise for Sport-Related Concussion and Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms. Available through PubMed.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Clinical Guidance for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Available through PubMed.

• Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. Guidelines for Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms. Available through PubMed.