One of the most crucial steps in evaluating and treating concussion is the realization that it truly is a potentially serious injury. For those who endure a concussion, it can seem like a harmless hit to the head after a fall or a sports injury. While the symptoms may be mild or unseen, a blow to the head can lead to headaches and problems with attention, concentration, vision, memory, balance, coordination, sleep, cardiovascular function, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and endocrine dysfunction. Complications may worsen, may cause additional neurological damage and may result in academic, vocational, social or legal problems.
From a clinical perspective of treating concussion since 1980, we know that proper evaluation and treatment are essential to recovery. Often sports concussion is misdiagnosed and athletes (or first grade soccer stars) are sent back into play after a mishap. Parents, coaches, and even the players can dismiss that painful jab to the head or hard fall as the price of winning.
One of the most powerful shifts in recent years is a greater awareness of concussion. As professionals in the area of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, we’ve advocated for concussion education. As researchers, clinicians, rehabilitation specialists and leaders, our focus at Centre for Neuro Skills is to treat concussion as a potentially serious brain injury and develop programs that help patients regain function and independence.