Concussion Treatment

Head Injury Rehabilitation

A concussion is a head injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head that causes the brain to move around inside the skull. Concussions are very common injuries, with more than an estimated 3 million occurring in the United States each year. A concussion should not be taken lightly. If you or a loved one suffer a blow to the head that is followed by feelings of nausea or disorientation, you should seek medical attention immediately.

After sustaining a head injury, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Disorientation
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Ringing in the ears
• Slurred speech

At Allied Services Integrated Health System, we provide rehabilitation services for patients who have suffered concussions. Physical therapy can help patients recover their balance, concentration, gait, and mood – all of which can be damaged after a concussion.

Assessing Damage from a Concussion

One of the first things you will need to do with your care provider is to undergo an initial assessment. Concussions can have a myriad of effects, not all of which will be obvious. Every patient’s care plan will be personalized based on the results of this assessment. This is a critical step to making a full recovery after a concussion.

Depending on the results of the assessment, a patient’s treatment may include:

• Rest – Not all concussions require treatment. In many cases, the symptoms will go away on their own after several days. However, there are no guarantees and it is important to have a concussion monitored by a medical professional while taking some time off from physically and mentally taxing activities.
• Balance restoration – Dizziness and disorientation are common side effects of a concussion. The vestibular system (the body’s balance system) is located in the inner ear. A blow to this area can disturb the system and make it difficult to maintain balance. Concussion rehab may include balance, hand-eye coordination, and strength exercises to restore balance.
• Physical activity – It is dangerous to resume regular physical activity after sustaining a concussion. Athletes are common victims of concussions, and taking time to rest can be challenging for them. In concussion rehab, patients participate in safe, monitored exercises designed to ease them back into regular physical activity.

Do not take chances with a concussion. Contact Allied Services Integrated Health System for more information about our concussion rehabilitation program.

For specific questions on how to obtain a referral, please call 570-826-3900 (Wilkes-Barre) or 570-348-1360 (Scranton). Contact us to learn more or start your referral process today.