Dizziness & Concussions
Do You Feel Held Back by Dizziness or a concussion?
Have you or your athlete been experiencing concussion symptoms for an extended period?
Are you struggling to concentrate, read, use electronic devices, walk, exercise, or play sports due to dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, or poor balance?
Through our research, we have identified six distinct types of concussions in athletes. While every patient fits into one primary profile, in most cases, two or three profiles are intertwined. These six profiles include cervical (neck), mental/fatigue, eye/vestibular, head/headache, and emotional/mood. At OrMobility Physical Therapy & Performance, our therapists can provide efficient and effective care by first identifying the correct profile.
When creating a patient’s concussion profile, their narrative, history, and current symptoms are all considered. Simply knowing the signs and symptoms is insufficient; a physical examination is necessary. Our comprehensive orthopedic assessment evaluates the range of motion, pain threshold, and voluntary control of the cervical spine.
After determining the patient’s specific profile, effective treatment can commence. Research over the years has demonstrated that resting and inactivity are counterproductive. Waiting for the brain to heal on its own after a concussion by dimming the lights, avoiding stimulation, and resting is no longer the approach. Presently, concussions are actively treated.
Symptoms We Typically Treat:
- Visual impairments (ocular)
- Dizziness (vestibular), including BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
- Headaches, including tension, migraine, and light sensitivity (cranial)
- Mental and physical exhaustion (vestibular)
- Sleep difficulties, including initiating and maintaining sleep
- Cognitive issues, such as difficulty focusing, poor recall, and impaired judgment
- Emotional symptoms include lower-than-average tolerance for frustration/irritability, melancholy, and panic attacks.
Steps to Follow for Concussion Rehabilitation:
- Identify the main concussion symptoms and impairments experienced by the patient.
- Address specific deficiencies through targeted exercises based on the patient's profile. This may include mobilization techniques for the neck, balance exercises, vestibulo-ocular retraining, and an aerobic exertion program. Additionally, training may be provided to enhance rest, manage stress, maintain adequate hydration, and optimize dietary intake.
- Gradually reintroduce exercise and sports, depending on symptoms and individual response.