A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain functions. A concussion can occur when a traumatic bump, blow, or jolt to the head or to the body results in rapid whipping movement of the head. The injured person does not have to lose consciousness for a concussion to occur.
Symptoms of a Concussion After an Injury:
Vomiting
Blurred vision
Stumbling
Increased confusion
Unconsciousness
Dilated pupils
Weakness in on arm/leg
Worsening headache
The three most common causes of a concussion are: automobile accidents (with or without hitting your head); falling and hitting your head against something; or a blow to the head during a sporting event.
Depending on the severity of the injury and how the concussion is managed, the result may range from a mild head pain to a more serious brain damage. However, most concussions are mild and usually required rest and time. Medication and surgery are usually not required.
Because a concussion is a brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, neck or face, there’s a good chance that the blow has caused a misalignment of the cervical spine. This is similar to whiplash causing a misalignment of the cervical spine. A chiropractor can evaluate whether you demonstrate signs of neck injuries commonly associated with concussions, and provide you with relief of neck pain and cervicogenic headaches.
First off, chiropractors with specific post-graduate coursework are very well suited to care for concussion patients.
- As a rule of thumb, Doctors of Chiropractic (DC’s) may evaluate, diagnose, and manage concussion patients. The pre-requisite management skills for a concussed athlete can be supported by additional education.
- For example, DC’s who have sought post-graduate certification within sports health care (sometimes, but not always identified by a DACBSP or CCSP), have taken particular interest in the management of sports injuries including concussions.
- Because the area of injury in the case of a concussion is at the skull and/or upper cervical spine, chiropractors who utilize precise X-ray analysis of the occiput and cervical vertebrae, and work to specifically reduce misalignments in this area, should also be incorporated into the health care management of any concussion patient.