Concussion and Persisting Symptoms After Concussion
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is also called a mild traumatic brain injury. It is a temporary disruption in normal brain functioning due to a physical head injury or biomechanical force involving the head. Like shaking a snow globe, you may experience a variety of symptoms following a concussion, which usually peak within the minutes and hours following the injury. But, as the “snow” settles, a gradual return to activity may begin within a few days.
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Recovery Following
Concussion
The majority of healthy adults experience a gradual recovery in symptoms 7-10 days after a concussion. While each concussion is unique, full recovery is typically expected by three months. Post-concussion treatment and recovery, may take longer in older adults, people who have underlying medical, psychological or physical concerns, and people with a history of significant brain injury or substance abuse.
Concussion Treatment and Recovery From Persisting Symptoms After Concussion
Persisting Symptoms After Concussion
A small number of people continue to have persisting symptoms after concussion, meaning that they last longer than three months. Interestingly, concussion symptoms are nonspecific, meaning that the same symptoms often reported following a concussion (e.g. headache, nausea, fatigue, concentration problems, sleep disturbance) are also reported in people who have not sustained a brain injury. This includes people with chronic pain, psychological difficulties, and even healthy people. Thus, it is important to explore and appreciate other possible underlying reasons for the symptoms a person is experiencing and treat each accordingly.
Care Wherever You Are
Our team can provide virtual care services (online or over the phone) to people across Alberta who have concerns about their physical, emotional, or cognitive health.
"One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity."
Care Wherever You Are
Our team can provide virtual care services (online or over the phone) to people across Alberta who have concerns about their physical, emotional, or cognitive health.
"One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity."
Gain Knowledge on Brain Injury and the Recovery Process
Similar to a Calgary concussion clinic, we provide education on concussion and the expected recovery process, which helps empower the individual and instills hope following an injury.
Improve Symptom Management
Promoting the mind-body connection helps to support better symptom management, and is emphasized by Calgary chronic pain clinics.
Promote a Return to Regular Activities
It is important to gradually start increasing activity a few days following a concussion. Delaying treatment can result in persistent symptoms after concussion and a delay in recovery.
Our Approach to Concussion Treatment
Each person will experience a concussion in a unique way, and thus, treatment must also be individualized based on the specific concerns and needs of the client. Through education, psychotherapy, and potential visits to a Calgary concussion clinic, we can help improve psychological well-being and increase tolerance for physical, cognitive, and emotionally demanding activities. Most importantly, our clinicians spread hope that improvement and recovery following a concussion is possible, even if symptoms continue to persist.
