FyzicalDunes: Concussions

RISK FACTORS FOR A DELAYED RECOVERY

Not effectively treating a concussion right away can lead to some serious health risks. In severe cases, concussions can result in brain bleeds that requireemergencymedical treatment. Incasessuchas this,yourcondition will be treated at the hospital ASAP. Delayed treatment can also lead to conditions such as post-concussion syndrome. Post-concussion syndrome is a serious condition that can last for several months, even without posing obvious symptoms. People who have post-concussion syndrome may experience bouts of dizziness, vertigo, or persistent headaches, that will not go away without treatment. If you believe you may have a concussion, the best solution is to seek the help of a medical professional right away to avoid the risk of worsening the concussion. With the help of physical therapy, you can receive the necessary treatment for your specific needs. What steps should be taken to help a child recover from a concussion? Thefirstpriority inthemanagementofasportsconcussion istoremovethem from play as soon as a concussion is suspected. The American Academy of Neurology uses the mantra of “If in doubt, sit it out” as a guide for parents, coaches and healthcare providers. Removal from play decreases the riskofsufferinganotherconcussionandprolonging recovery.Healthcare providersshouldperformasidelineassessmentwhichmay include tests to rule out a neck injury, issues with memory and neurocognitive tests (tests of thinking). Afterwards, you should follow-up with a healthcare provider for reassessment and management of the sports concussion. Treatment for sports concussion consists of rest and changes in daily activities in the initial stages of recovery. Activities or environments that provoke symptoms should be avoided and may include loud music, television, smart phone use, video games and thinking tasks. Getting plenty of sleep and naps during this stage of healing is very important in the recovery from concussion. A gradual return to symptom free physical activity is appropriate when the patient’ssymptomsbegin to improve.Guidance fromaqualifiedhealthcare provider is very important during this stage of recovery. Physical therapists

canevaluateandmanagepossible innerearconditionsassociatedwithhead trauma,balancedeficits,neckpain,headaches,dizzinessandappropriately pace a return to cardiovascular activity. The final phase of concussion recovery includes a graded return to play protocol that slowly progresses from light activity to full participation in order tobecleared fora full return tosports.Thisphase isnot initiateduntil a patient has already returned to a full return to learning in school without accommodations,performingat theirprior levelofacademicachievement anddoesnotexperiencesymptomswith learning tasks.Physical therapists are qualified to progress a patient through a return to play protocol and work with the physician for final clearance. How can Physical Therapy help a patient recover from a sports concussion? Physical therapists play an important role on a concussion management team.PhysicalTherapistwillevaluateand treatmanyaspects of concussion that may include dizziness that may arise from a neck issue (cervicogenic dizziness), balance deficits, neck pain, headaches that are referred from the neck, vertigo from an inner ear condition (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), exercises for vision issues (ocular motor exercises), issueswithbloodpressureandheartratewithexercise (autonomic dysregulation), and help to progress patients through a graded return to play protocol.

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BUCATINI WITH MUSHROOMS

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms

• 2 (4-oz) packages exotic mushroom blend • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp dry sherry • 2 oz Parmigiano cheese • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream • 1 tsp chopped sage • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper • 1 tsp truffle oil Sage sprigs (optional)

• 2/3 cup boiling water • 8 oz uncooked bucatini • 3 1/4 tsp salt, divided • 1 tbsp canola oil • 1/4 cup chopped shallots

DIRECTIONS Rinse porcini thoroughly. Combine porcini and 2/3 cup boiling water in a bowl; cover and let stand 30 minutes. Drain in over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup soaking liquid. Chop porcini. Cook pasta with 1 tablespoon salt in boiling water 10 minutes; drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots, mushroom blend, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in porcini, sherry, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute. Finely grate 1 ounce cheese; crumble remaining cheese. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in pasta, 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid, 1/4 cup reserved porcini soaking liquid, 1/4 cup grated cheese, cream, chopped sage, and pepper; toss well to combine. Drizzle with oil; toss. Place about 1 1/4 cups pasta mixture on each of 4 plates; top each serving with about 1 tablespoon crumbled cheese. Garnish with sage sprigs, if desired.

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