Learning What a Concussion Is
Concussion is commonly known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
What Goes on in the Brain?
- When the brain is shaken or jolted back and forth, it can bounce or twist within the skull.
- This motion might produce chemical changes and temporary damage to brain cells.
- The outcome? A wide variety of symptoms to physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
Common Causes of Concussion
Though head impact is the most common cause, such accidents can also cause a concussion without a direct blow to the skull:
- Whiplash due to car accidents
- Slipping or falling, in which the body is abruptly jolted
- Rough handling or rapid deceleration in sports
- Blast injury in military operations
- Domestic violence or physical abuse
The Mechanics of a Non-Impact Concussion
Sudden head and body movements can injure the brain despite skull and fluid protection. This jarring motion causes brain shifting and impact, stretching cells and leading to concussion changes, even without a direct hit.
Whiplash and the Brain
A classic example of a non-impact concussion is in whiplash injuries that are usually caused by rear-end car crashes. The violent back-and-forth jerking of the head and neck happens because the jolt is sudden. Even if the head doesn’t hit anything, the heavy acceleration followed by deceleration may be strong enough to make the brain slam against the interior of the skull.
Sports Injuries Beyond Head-on Collisions
In sports, while direct head blows are a primary concern, concussions can also occur from a forceful blow to other body areas. For example, a stiff tackle during soccer or a check during hockey can impart enough force throughout the body to cause the head to whip back and produce a concussion without a direct head blow.
Falls and Sudden Movements
Falls, even without actual head contact, can produce large forces that impact the brain. A quick slip and fall in which you catch yourself with your arms can still make a quick jolt through your entire body, which can result in a concussion. Likewise, fast, forceful movements while exercising or engaging in other activities can sometimes produce enough internal force to cause brain damage.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
A poignant illustration of non-impact concussion is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) or Abusive Head Trauma. Here, the forceful shaking of a baby or young child results in the brain’s violent back-and-forth motion inside the skull. The vulnerable brain tissue and blood vessels are highly prone to injury from such sudden acceleration and deceleration, resulting in severe brain injury, including concussion, bleeding, and swelling.
Airbag Deployment during Car Accidents
Although airbags are designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision, their sudden deployment can sometimes cause a concussion without an actual head impact with another object. The sudden inflation of the airbag can jerk the head back suddenly, and the brain can move inside the skull and receive a concussion.
Severe Physical Exertion or Strain
In exceptional situations, extremely forceful physical activity or stress, like serious weightlifting or abnormally forceful coughing or sneezing, may result in a concussion. This is generally accompanied by an abnormal elevation in pressure within the chest and abdomen, which can extend to the brain. Less frequently, this suggests that extreme internal body forces can occasionally affect the brain.
Recognizing the Symptoms: Impact or No Impact
The signs of a concussion can be nonspecific and can take a while to develop, whether there was a direct blow to the head or not. It’s essential to be vigilant for potential symptoms and seek medical attention if you suspect a concussion.
- Headaches: A frequent symptom, from mild to severe.
- Dizziness and Balance Issues: Unsteadiness or light-headedness.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These can happen soon after the injury.
- Cognitive Difficulties: Trouble with memory, concentration, and information processing.
- Emotional Changes: Irritability, worry, or depression.
- Vision Disturbances: Blurred vision, double vision, or light sensitivity.
- Sleep Disturbances: Trouble sleeping, excessive sleeping, or altered sleep patterns.
- Sensitivity to Noise: Sounds seem louder or more disturbing.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, lack of energy. Difficulty concentrating.
Keep in mind that symptom severity doesn’t always match the initial impact. Even a moderate jolt can sometimes lead to significant and lasting symptoms.
Physiotherapy Approach to Concussion Recovery
The concussion physiotherapy in Redwater includes a thorough examination to pinpoint your specific symptoms and challenges, leading to a customized treatment plan that involves:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation: Treating dizziness and balance issues with specific exercises.
- Oculomotor Rehabilitation: Focusing on vision problems and enhancing eye movements.
- Cervical Spine Rehabilitation: Treating neck pain and stiffness, which frequently occur with concussions.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Strategies: Giving you instructions and exercises to enhance concentration, memory, and processing speed.
- Graduated Exercise Programs: Gradually and safely resuming exercise as tolerated.
- Education and Support: Informing you about your injury and offering techniques for controlling your symptoms.
Don't Underestimate the Silent Injury
It’s a common misunderstanding that concussions always involve a direct head impact. However, rapid acceleration and deceleration, such as in whiplash, sports injuries, and falls, can also cause these brain injuries. Recognizing that concussions can occur without a direct blow and understanding the varied symptoms is key. If you suspect a concussion, regardless of impact, seeking professional assessment and treatment is vital. At Redwater Physical Therapy Clinic, our experienced physiotherapists are here to support your recovery from these often-silent injuries.Â
