For Patients
No two concussions are alike, no two recoveries will be identical.
Although there are common symptoms of concussion, the exact symptom constellations and impact on functioning for a student, athlete, parent, or professional vary widely and must be assessed on an individual basis. Comprehensive concussion evaluations can help provide a framework for understanding symptom severity and recovery progression.
Concussions are complex injuries
Concussions are a unique injury and affect all who suffer from them, impacting all aspects of life. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and interfere with or delay return to activity, work, school and sport. However, concussions are treatable and with an interdisciplinary team helping you manage this injury, recovery is possible.
Adhering to best-practice standards, ACC provides the full spectrum of services in order to educate, inform diagnosis, guide recovery, and provide clearance.
Our team of concussion experts tackle this injury from every angle, so that no stone is unturned during your recovery, and you feel confident going back to doing the things that matter most.
Cognitive (Thinking)
Cognitive change after a concussion is a recognized symptom and can be worrisome for many patients. It is now known that many cognitive challenges, including problems with attention, concentration, memory, focus, and information processing are, in part, driven by physical impairments.
Vestibular and oculomotor rehabilitation is vital in addressing the cognitive challenges that most patients experience, and our neuropsychology experts further support and identify persistent problems or barriers to normal function in school or work environments, and monitor the resolution of cognitive symptoms over time.
Hunter-Giordano, A., McCulloch, K. L., & Elliott, J. M. (2019). How do we meet the challenges of assessing and managing concussion?. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(11), 766-767.
Alsalaheen, B., Landel, R., Hunter-Giordano, A., Shimamura, K. K., Quatman-Yates, C., Hanke, T., & McCulloch, K. L. (2019). A treatment-based profiling model for physical therapy management of patients following a concussive event. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(11), 829-841.
Emotional (Mood)
Aside from physical impairments, a concussion can also can cause psychological distress or exacerbate pre-existing conditions. Changes in behavior and mood are well documented effects of concussion and can include impulsivity, anger, low frustration tolerance, and changes in relationships and friendships. Irritability, depression, anxiety, and mood swings are also common. Physical or cognitive symptoms of concussion which persist for prolonged periods can also result in depression, fear, and anxiety.
ACC provides psychological services as part of its interdisciplinary treatment model, as research continues to show that the psychological domain can be responsible for prolonged recoveries after concussion.
The most up-to-date evidence recommends that along with an oculomotor, vestibular, and autonomic assessment, a mood/psychiatric assessment is equally as important in ensuring all arenas that have been affected by the concussion are targeted in ACC’s comprehensive rehabilitation framework.
Hunter-Giordano, A., McCulloch, K. L., & Elliott, J. M. (2019). How do we meet the challenges of assessing and managing concussion?. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(11), 766-767.
Mucha, A., & Trbovich, A. (2019). Considerations for diagnosis and management of concussion.Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(11), 787-798.
Vestibular (Balance)
The vestibular system is a delicate and intricate system comprising the inner ear and the vestibular centres in the brain. It is affected in more than half of people who suffer concussive injuries, and can be a major driver of persistent symptoms.
The vestibular system manages balance, spatial awareness, orientation, movement, and gaze stability. Symptoms arising from the vestibular system can include vertigo, dizziness, nausea, difficulties with vision, and a lack of spatial awareness.
A vestibular assessment has been recommended in the most up to date evidence as imperative following a concussion, as when left unaddressed, can lead to prolonged recoveries. Our team of physiotherapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation and utilize evidence-based techniques in order to aid in the resolution of vestibular symptoms associated with concussion.
Alsalaheen, B., Landel, R., Hunter-Giordano, A., Shimamura, K. K., Quatman-Yates, C., Hanke, T., & McCulloch, K. L. (2019). A treatment-based profiling model for physical therapy management of patients following a concussive event. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(11), 829-841.
Ocular-Motor (Vision)
Visual dysfunction is common following a brain injury and has been shown to affect up to 90% of individuals. This not only affects an individual’s ability to see, but can also affect the cognitive system and postural control and gait (walking) system.
Symptoms of oculomotor dysfunction can include blurred vision, double vision, eye fatigue, poor eye tracking, and frontal headaches associated with visual activity. An oculomotor assessment at ACC will examine quick alternating eye movements, visual tracking of a moving target, and eye coordination. Physiotherapy exercises for the eyes will be administered if oculomotor dysfunction is identified, and recovery is possible.
Alsalaheen, B., Landel, R., Hunter-Giordano, A., Shimamura, K. K., Quatman-Yates, C., Hanke, T., & McCulloch, K. L. (2019). A treatment-based profiling model for physical therapy management of patients following a concussive event. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(11), 829-841.
Mucha, A., & Trbovich, A. (2019). Considerations for diagnosis and management of concussion.Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(11), 787-798.
Get the support you need
Over 2,500 patients have used ACC services to support their recoveries since 2013.
Find out how our concussion specialized team can help you today.