How Physiotherapy Can Help Avoid Second Impact Syndrome After a Concussion

Concussion is not simply an impact on the head as it is a concussion of the brain and has to be carefully treated so that it does not lead to severe complications. The problem of second-impact syndrome is significant to those who are recovering after concussion. Although this condition is very rare, it has very serious consequences, since a second concussion is obtained before first one heals, which results in dangerous swelling of the brain and even death.

Physiotherapy Concussion Edmonton is an important process that ensures that people overcome fully and avoid occurrence of second impact syndrome. Physiotherapy promotes a recoverable journey that is safe and risks the possibility of re-injury through structuring the care and the gradual introduction of the activity.

So What Is Second Impact Syndrome?

The second impact syndrome is a dangerous disorder with limited incidence, which occurs when a second concussion occurs prior to the brain fully healing after the first one. Control of blood circulation is also affected by concussion and the brain becomes sensitive to swelling and developing pressure inside the skull.

Why Is It Risky?

  • Swelling Rapidity: Brain may swell with the second impact very quickly and result into serious complications within few minutes.
  • Possibly fatal: Second impact syndrome is potentially life-threatening and needs medical help as soon as possible.
  • Permanent Brain Damage-So even when the individual survives, permanent brain damage is the result.

The initial step of preventing the second impact syndrome should be the appropriate recovery and exclusion of actions that may lead to the second concussion. Physiotherapy is a way of ensuring that people are on the way to recovery and they are ready to engage in either physical or mental activities.

…How Physiotherapy can help with a concussion?

The Edmonton physiotherapy treatment of concussion is aimed at treating the symptoms, facilitating the recovery of the brain and slowly conditioning the body and the mind to resume normal functioning. There are some methods of avoiding second-impact syndrome with the help of physiotherapy:

1. Monitoring and Management of the Symptom

The concussion signs observed by physiotherapists include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or sensitivity towards light or sound. Monitoring such symptoms over the time will make sure that the brain is recovering and will aid to determine when it is possible to move to the next level of activity.

2. Rest and Recovery education.

Sleeping is a huge aspect of the healing process associated with a concussion. During the visit to the physiotherapy clinic, one will be advised on physical and mental rest, so that the brain does not strain. This can include screen avoidance, restricting strenuous exercise, and the control of sleeping schedules.

3. Slow Reentry into Life

They should not rush back to the sports, work, or school, this enhances the risk of the second-impact syndrome. The physiotherapists come up with structures they feel would help introduce the activities gradually in a controlled method beginning with light exercises and increasing as time goes by.

4. Vestibular Rehabilitation

Balancing and dizziness may occur because of the influence of concussions on the vestibular system. Vestibular rehabilitation includes specific exercises on enhancing the stability and coordination, the risk of falls and additional injuries decreases.

5. Strength and Conditioning

Concussions may cause a person to feel weakened or even tired. Physiotherapy encompasses conditioning in order to regain strength and endurance as well as flexibility without fatiguing the brain and body.

6. Avoiding errors in Reintegration

Most people are in a rush to start functioning before the full recovery has been achieved. Physiotherapists also give specific steps regarding the extent of gradual recovery and what measures to avoid the second hit.

What to Do to Determine the Requirement of Concussion Physiotherapy?

One should not ignore the importance of post-concussion care, as it is essential to visit a specialist in case the symptoms do not pass. 

The physiotherapy may help towards signs of the following:

  1. Headaches which are not relieved by rest.
  2. Constant conditions of dizziness, vertigos, or loss of balance.
  3. A problem with focus, recollection or thinking.
  4. Hypersensitivity to fright or soundspatially.
  5. Continuous tiredness or insomnia.

The Relevance of a Safe Recovery Schedule

Recovery of concussions in an individual is quite variable. The age, the degree of the wound, and overall health all play a role in the length of healing. Concussions physiotherapy is associated with provision of a recovery period to suit the person so that everything progresses at the appropriate time.

Overall, recovery process entails:

  1. Acute Rest Phase: The initial phase is on physical and mental rest during the first 24 to 48 hours.
  2. Symptom-Limited Activity: Work in light cognitive and physical activities that do not exacerbate symptoms gradually.
  3. Graduated Exercise Program: Controlled progression into gradual upsurge of the level of activities with a physiotherapist.
  4. Complete healing: Only a healthcare expert should advise a person to resume normal activities including sports or high-impact activities.

How to Keep Your Brain Safe with Recovery

Coming out of a concussion means not only feeling good but also the restoration of health in order to prevent severe complications, such as second impact syndrome. The management of the brain and its proper care are important to one maintaining good health of the brain in the long-term. The physiotherapy of concussion in Edmonton is safe and efficient method of recovery that allows a patient to restore physical and mind forces and prevents the occurrence of additional harm. 

At our Granville Physiotherapy in Edmonton, we offer customized concussion rehabilitation programs to help an individual proceed through all the phases of the recovery process. People should care about protecting their brains by keeping them rested properly and going through physiotherapy since this way, they can keep the quality of their brain and resume working as usual with minimum risks.