A concussion is a mild form of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain hits the inside of your skull during a sudden motion to the head. This can be a direct hit to the head, or often a motor vehicle accident or sports injury. According to a CDC report in 2022 up to 3.2% of children and adolescents in the US have suffered from a concussion (Nazik Elgaddal, 2022). This is about 2.3 million individuals! And as for adults, up to 29% of people have reported some form of TBI or concussion. Research shows males are more likely to suffer from a concussion than girls, and symptoms can last for several months if not taken care of appropriately.

So, what can you do for a concussion? The old school of thought was to rest and not to exacerbate your symptoms. Recent research shows exercise is the answer! In a lot of ways, exercise is medicine for a lot of conditions, and concussion is no different. Physio or physical therapy can help you get back to your life with fewer symptoms, and a reduced risk for chronic concussion symptoms. Treatment entails close monitoring of vitals, HR, and symptom tracking with gradual exposure to aerobic exercise, and symptom specific aggravation.

Symptoms can vary from sensitivity to light, computer or phone screens, driving, loud noises, and headaches or neck pain. There is hope! You can get back to your life quicker with gradual and graded exposure to the optimal dose of exercise. Exercise is medicine (John J. Leddy, 2018)! As always, please consult a physician for evaluation before starting physical or physiotherapy.

References

John J. Leddy, M. F. (2018). Exercise is Medicine for Concussion. Curr Sports Med Rep, 17(8), 262-270.

Nazik Elgaddal, M. L. (2022). Percentage of Children and Adolescents Aged ≤17 Years Who Had Ever Received a Diagnosis of Concussion or Brain Injury, by Sex and Age Group — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2022. Quickstats. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7233a5.htm#suggestedcitation