Concussion symptoms can occur when the brain is injured from a direct blow to the head, a fall, or a whiplash type motion. Fortunately, the body is amazing in its ability to heal and most people recover steadily from mild to moderate concussions. Be sure to seek medical attention if you have had a severe trauma. Your physician may order diagnostic imaging to rule out a more serious brain injury.

If you experience a concussion, your physiotherapist can help to help establish the level of injury and offer early advice for optimal recovery. Treatment can also be helpful when you have symptoms that have persisted for longer than typical or went undiagnosed in the early stages. This sometimes occurs for example after a whiplash injury in an accident because neck and concussion symptoms can be similar. Physiotherapists can treat both areas and determine which area requires treatment.

Your physiotherapist may conduct “vestibulo-ocular-motor” testing: This assists in figuring out if your brain or neck are sensitive to eye movement, neck movement, or inner ear/balance dysfunction. From there, appropriate treatment and exercise will help you to recover.