JUST HAD A CONCUSSION: WHAT DO I DO?
STEP 1
Make sure that you tell someone (your coach, parent, teacher, supervisor etc.) so that you are not left alone. Remove yourself from sport, class, and/or work until a Medical Physician can properly assess you. Complete rest is the best treatment during the initial hours of the injury.
STEP 2
Schedule an appointment to see a Medical Physician as soon as possible. It is not usually necessary to visit the emergency room unless your symptoms are severe and/or rapidly worsening. It is not usually necessary to have someone wake you in the night – get a good night’s sleep, and nap when you need to. Limit use of your phone, television, and computer – try to rest both your body and your brain.
STEP 3
Undergo proper medical evaluation by a Physician. This does not typically include CT or MRI unless more severe injury is suspected or needs to be ruled out.
STEP 4
After a medical evaluation by a physician, further assessments can be carried out at KW Health Connection as a Shift Concussion Management clinic. If you have previously undergone baseline testing, repeat testing will demonstrate any areas that may be impaired due to the injury and will help guide management recommendations. If you have not previously undergone baseline testing, a follow-up assessment is still highly recommended to develop individualized concussion management recommendations.
STEP 5
Follow any management recommendations given to you by your Physician and Shift Health Professional. These may include manual therapy (eg. for associated neck pain), specific rest strategies and home recommendations, modified school and/or work requirements, specialized rehabilitative techniques (eg. vision therapy), and other recovery strategies.
STEP 6
Follow-up with the Health Professionals involved in your care so that your recovery is properly monitored. If you have questions – ask! Knowledge of your injury will aid in your recovery.
For more information about concussions and concussion management, visit www.shiftconcussion.ca