Game Plan for Treating Concussions

Concussions can happen to everyone

Concussions are often in the headlines as a risk of high-impact sports. But concussions aren’t limited to athletes. According to a health poll from NPR-Truven Health Analytics, nearly one-fourth of Americans report that they have suffered a concussion.

In the poll, 49 percent of people who had a concussion say they only had one. But 35 percent reported two or three concussions.

Athletes may suffer a concussion in player-to-player contact or on the field. But so could an 80-year-old grandmother who falls down the stairs and hits her head or an 8-year-old who falls in the playground.

Concussions can be serious injuries. A common complaint after suffering a concussion is having difficulty multitasking. A teen might face challenges managing time and processing information after she returns to school. A busy father may no longer be able to talk on the phone while unloading the dishwasher.

The ChristianaCare Rehabilitation approach to treating concussions

ChristianaCare Rehabilitation Services takes a team approach to Concussion Therapy. The team works closely with the referring doctor and each other to ensure we appropriately address each patient’s issues and that we are meeting their goals.

Treating concussions requires a detailed, individualized plan that we develop based on our assessments and the patient’s goals. The severity of a concussion, as well as the number of concussions a person has experienced, help determine the type of therapy the patient will require and the length of treatment. The plan may include:

• Physical therapy for help with gait, balance and movement issues.
• Occupational therapy to help relearn the tasks used in everyday life both at home and at work.
• Speech therapy helps patients having trouble thinking, speaking clearly or remembering things.
• Audiology services can help those experiencing hearing problems, a chronic ringing sound in the ears, dizziness or balance issues.
• Behavioral health therapy can help relieve symptoms for patients experiencing concussion-related depression, anxiety or sleep disturbance(s).

Once we have an individualized plan, our team gets to work.

Therapists work with the patient through a variety of exercises, both physical and mental, to improve function. They also suggest tasks a patient can do at home to make life easier and reduce the risk of falls, such as removing throw rugs and reducing clutter in the home.

Some concussions can get better in a week or two, and headaches and dizziness resolve on their own. Others, especially those who have had previous concussions, may require a longer treatment period.

We can help you return to your daily life

Regardless of the length of treatment, we are committed to helping patients improve balance, gait, speech and cognitive ability so they can return to enjoying their daily lives.

To make an appointment or learn more about ChristianaCare’s Rehabilitation Services, find a location that is convenient for you.

Renee Crossman, PT, DPT, ATC, is the physical therapy program manager.