Concussion Whiplash
Concussion is more than sport injuries.
What is Concussion?
According to the neurosurgery department of Pittsburg university: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
Common Signs of a Concussion
- LAppears to be dazed or stunned
- LIs confused about assignment
- LForgets plays
- LIs unsure of game, score, or opponent
- LMoves clumsily
- LAnswers questions slowly
- LLoses consciousness (even temporarily)
- LShows behavior or personality change
- LForgets events prior to hit (retrograde amnesia)
- LForgets events after hit (anterograde amnesia)
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Although the majority of athletes who experience a concussion are likely to recover, an unknown number of these individuals may experience chronic cognitive and neurobehavioral difficulties related to recurrent injury. Symptoms may include:
- LChronic headaches
- LFatigue
- LSleep difficulties
- LPersonality changes (e.g. increased irritability, emotionality)
- LSensitivity to light or noise
- LDizziness when standing quickly
- L Deficits in short-term memory, problem solving and general academic functioning
- LNeck pain
- LFogginess
- LFeeling off
This constellation of symptoms is referred to “Post-Concussion Syndrome” and can be quite disabling for an athlete. In some cases, such difficulties can be permanent and disabling.
In addition to Post-Concussion Syndrome, suffering a second blow to the head while recovering from an initial concussion can have catastrophic consequences as in the case of “Second Impact Syndrome,” which has led to approximately 30-40 deaths over the past decade.
Myths about Concussion
- LIf there is no loss of consciousness, there is no concussion.
False. A loss of consciousness happens in approximately 10 % of all concussions.
- LAfter someone sustains a concussion they should be awake every hour.
False.
- L You need a brain imaging test to diagnose a concussion.
False. The function is affected, not the structure of the brain.
- LLong rest in a dark room helps with recovery.
False. Head injuries and rest have been debated time and time again. The “concussion dark room myth” is unsupported by evidence. Experts agree that the best concussion treatment and return to play protocols involve a gradual and progressive increase in activity …
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury that is commonly caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head and neck, such as in a car accident or sports-related collision. The abrupt movement can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Other common symptoms of whiplash include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, whiplash can also cause more severe symptoms such as nerve damage, chronic pain, and cognitive problems.
Principle Causes
Whiplash is most commonly caused by car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, but it can also result from other types of impact or trauma that cause the head and neck to suddenly jerk back and forth. Some other possible causes of whiplash include:
- LSports injuries
- LPhysical assault
- LRollercoaster or amusement park rides
- LWork-related injuries
- LFalls
It’s important to note that even low-speed accidents can cause whiplash, and symptoms may not appear immediately. It’s always a good idea to seek medical attention if you experience any neck pain or stiffness after an accident or injury.
Concussion & Osteopathy
Your osteopathic practitioner will do a proper osteopathic concussion assessment .
Her attention will be focus on the skull , cervical spine but also on the visual and vestibular systems .
She will use cranial osteopathy to
With cranial osteopathy, a craniosacral practitioner uses gentle hands to knead the 22 cranial bones, membranes, and CSF. This cranial manipulation addresses areas of restricted movement that compromise function to re-establish normal movement, subsequently reducing pain and improving daily functioning.
Because the craniosacral system encompasses the brain and spinal cord, it influences the entire nervous system, affecting many body functions. If there is a whiplash , it will be treated as well.