Specialist Concussion Treatment in Taranaki
Early intervention from a multidisciplinary team can significantly improve recovery following a concussion and can reduce the risk of persistent concussion symptoms.
Rehab Taranaki Ltd offer comprehensive individually tailored treatment including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, neuropsychology and review by our team doctor if indicated.
If you think you have sustained a concussion you should always see your GP or other medical professional first and request a referral to ACC concussion services. You can specify which provider you would like to be referred to.
You can ask your doctor to refer to Rehab Taranaki.
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury, it results from either a direct force to the head or a transmitted force from the body to the head, so you don’t need to get a knock to the head to get a concussion. When the head or body is hit, the force causes the brain to move back and forth inside the skull causing an injury.
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
Current international guidelines recommend physical and cognitive (thinking/intellectual) rest for the first 48 hours after a concussion injury.
- After 48 hours you should gradually resume your normal activities provided they don’t make your symptoms worsen or reappear.
- Getting some regular exercise such as gentle walking is important, 15-20 minutes is sufficient to aid recovery.
- It is normal to feel mild symptoms when carrying out an activity but if symptoms increase or reappear, rest before resuming your activities more gradually.
- A graduated return to work and school is recommended and you should always follow the return to sport protocol recommended by individual sporting organisations.
- Don’t do activities that put you at risk of hitting your head while you are still recovering. Avoiding alcohol or illicit drugs is extremely important.
Always follow the advice and recommendations provided by your concussion provider. At Rehab Taranaki we can assist you with managing a graded return to your usual activities.
COMMON/TYPICAL CONCUSSION SYMPTONS
Physical
- Headache/”Pressure in head”|
- Neck pain
- Dizziness – vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in vision
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Fatigue
Thinking/Remembering
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering
- Difficulty making decisions
- Slower processing of information or feeling slowed down
- Fogginess and difficulty thinking clearly
- Communication and/or speech difficulties
Emotion
- Easily annoyed or frustrated
- More emotional or sad
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Mood swings or irritability
Sleep
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep
**It is important to remember that each concussion is unique. Individuals each experience a different combination or symptoms.
