Concussion and Vertigo: Causes, Physiotherapy and Recovery

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Are you or someone you know dealing with the aftermath of a concussion or struggling with vertigo? Concussion and vertigo are two conditions that few people truly understand what they are, how they impact the body, and what steps can be taken to manage them. In simple terms, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from a bump or blow to the head or body, causing a jolt to the head e.g. car accident, fall or sports injury, while vertigo is a sensation of spinning or motions that is often described as dizziness. While both conditions can be mild, they can also be severe and have a significant impact on daily life. In this blog post, we’ll take a deeper look into what concussion and vertigo are, their symptoms, causes, and what can be done to treat them.

Causes and Symptoms of Concussion

A concussion occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken, often due to incidents like car accidents, sports injuries, falls, or direct blows to the head or body. Symptoms include headaches, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to noise and light. While most symptoms resolve within days or weeks, some can persist for months.

Causes and Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo is characterized by a sensation of spinning that can result from factors such as inner ear damage, infections or underlying medical conditions. Head injuries or concussions can also trigger vertigo, leading to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking.

What is Concussion and Vertigo Physiotherapy?

Concussion and vertigo physiotherapy are specialized forms of therapy focusing on helping individuals recover effectively from a concussion or an episode of vertigo. It’s all about restoring balance, reducing dizziness, and improving overall function.

Why is Physiotherapy Important?

Concussions and vertigo can significantly impact daily life, affecting everything from work to leisure activities. That’s where physiotherapy comes in! By working with a qualified physiotherapist, you can receive a personalized plan of care that addresses your specific needs and helps you regain your physical well-being.

When Should I See a Physiotherapist?

If you have suffered a concussion or are experiencing vertigo, it’s a good idea to seek treatment from a physiotherapist. Concussion physiotherapy can be extremely beneficial in helping to alleviate symptoms, speed up your recovery and help you safely return to activity. It is also important to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible after experiencing symptoms like vertigo, to help you manage your symptoms and improve overall well-being. With proper concussion or vertigo treatment, you can get back to your usual activities sooner and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle once again!

Physiotherapy Treatment for Concussion and Vertigo

Physiotherapy treatments for concussion and vertigo focus on addressing the underlying causes. For concussions, exercises improving cognitive function, visual and vestibular exercises, stretching and strengthening for physical symptoms, and progressive physical activity may be employed. For Vertigo triggered by vestibular system issues, physiotherapy treatment may involve techniques such as gaze stabilization, individualized exercise routines, and balance retraining. For Vertigo our focus is to rule out BPPV (benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo) our focus is to treat ongoing symptoms and diagnose the root cause of your symptoms.

Benefits of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy offers a wide range of benefits, especially for those who have a concussion or are suffering from vertigo. By seeing a qualified physiotherapist, you can experience positive results, such as:

Improved balance and coordination
Reduced dizziness and vertigo symptoms
Improve mental clarity and focus on your daily activities.
Enhanced overall function and quality of life
Increased confidence in daily activities
Personalized care and support from a dedicated physiotherapist

Moreover, physiotherapists offer specialized care and guidance to help patients return to everyday activities and improve their overall quality of life.

Steps to Take

If you or someone you know starts to experience any symptoms of concussion or vertigo, it’s important to seek professional help. Ideally, physiotherapy should be the first line of treatment for concussion or vertigo as soon as either is detected. A qualified physiotherapist can assess and treat the underlying causes of the condition by creating the perfect plan of care. Early intervention is key to ensuring a speedy and effective recovery.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. With the right support and treatment, you can overcome the challenges of concussion and vertigo and regain your functional health and well-being.

Looking for Concussion Treatment in Surrey (Fleetwood)?

If you suffer from Concussion or Vertigo, our experienced team at Fleetwood Surrey Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic can help. Give us a call or book an online appointment today.

About Natasha Szucs Reg. P.T

Natasha Szucs is a Vestibular Physiotherapist with Allied Physiotherapy Health Group. She treats patients with vertigo, vestibular conditions and concussion injuries using education, progressive exercises, and manual therapy to restore full function. Her treatment philosophy ensures patients have the tools they need to understand, progress and manage their conditions. Natasha’s goal is to provide the best care to all her patients.