Top 5 Concussion Myths

1.) In order to get a concussion, you must get a direct blow to the head.

A person does not need a direct blow to the head in order to get a concussion. Other ways someone can get a concussion include being near an explosion, a rapid spinning of the head, whiplash of the head and neck, receiving a blow to another part of the body, and sadly in the case of babies, Shaken Baby Syndrome.

2.) Concussions always include a loss of consciousness.

Only 10% of concussion cases lose consciousness. The other 90% do not.

3.) All concussions present with the same symptoms.

No two concussions are the same and there are 6 different clinical trajectories of concussions that include; 1.) Cervical, 2.) Post-traumatic Migraine, 3.) Ocular, 4.) Vestibular, 5.) Cognitive/fatigue, 6.) Anxiety/Mood.

4.) All concussion treatments are the same.

Due to the many factors of how a concussion can occurs and the 6 different trajectories of concussion, no treatment is the same.

5.) Helmets can prevent concussions.

While helmets have been shown to prevent a skull fracture and severe traumatic brain injury, there is very little evidence showing that a particular type of helmet or brand that reduces the incidence of concussion.

It is also important to make known that concussions do not automatically mean that long-term brain damage is definitive. Long-term effects from a concussion come from poorly managed injuries or returning to sport before the nervous system and brain is healed and ready.

What is most important about concussions is taking the proper measures to stop further damage. If an athlete is presenting with symptoms after an injury, it is extremely important for them to be removed from the sport or activity immediately, and they should not return even if symptoms quickly disappear. A health care professional that is proficient in checking for concussion symptoms should clear the athlete or individual before returning to the sport or normal activities and

Yes, we know that chiropractic is a powerful tool for healing the nervous system, however, certain techniques can be contraindicated during the acute phase. Since the nervous system is already going through a lot, it may not be able to handle certain types of afferent input. If you go to your chiropractor for your appointment, it is super important to inform them immediately that you have a concussion or have recently had a concussion-like injury. They may avoid your adjusting your head and neck in the acute phase of your concussion healing, or resort to low amplitude adjusting techniques.

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