LETTER: Support for people suffering with persistent concussion symptoms

To the editor,

Headache, vertigo, fatigue, memory and concentration problems, sleeping issues, depression, anxiety, personality changes and sensitivity to noise and light? Does this sound familiar? These are some of the symptoms post- concussive patients can experience. A vast majority of individuals who sustain a concussion see their symptoms resolve completely within two to three weeks, for a small number of people (approximately 15 per cent) their symptoms can persist making it difficult for them to return to their pre-injury level of day to day function. Some studies have shown that early interdisciplinary interventions does help to prevent post-concussion syndrome.

A rehabilitation clinic in Halifax is helping this population get back to pre-injury level of function with a unique and evidence-based approach to treating concussion symptoms. The program was launched in early 2015 and has grown rapidly under the guidance of occupational therapist and clinical lead, Marybeth Fleming. With the addition of a daily routine, energy conservation techniques coupled with treatment of the clients’ visual ocular or vestibular barriers, our clients have been seen to improve function in tasks which can include activities of daily living, hobbies and work. Clients report when receiving this multidisciplinary treatment the experience increased clarity of thought which in turn enables them to partake in day to day activities safely and efficiently. They also note they are better able to manage their symptoms which initially interfered with their participation in even the simplest of life’s event, like a family gathering.

The clinic’s approach is multidisciplinary and starts with a comprehensive assessment protocol that is designed to identify potential red flags which would require further medical evaluation and would eliminate some candidates from participation in an active rehab program. Recovery from persistent symptoms requires more than just sitting in a dark room with no stimulation. Recent research very much supports an active approach to recovering from a concussion. This approach can include proper education and support and appropriate cognitive and physical rest. Incremental exercise progression that is supervised and incorporates exertional training, balance exercises and canalith repositioning, vision training, manual therapy and soft tissue release, cognitive retraining and work conditioning. These are all important components to a comprehensive approach to concussion rehabilitation.

The typical rehab team would include a physiotherapist, kinesiologist and an occupational therapists. These professionals have participated in additional post-graduate training on all components of concussion care. They will consult and communicate with your family physician and other health care professionals, depending on the need identified. It is this type of multidisciplinary collaborative approach has been shown to improve concussion management outcomes.

For further information please contact [email protected]. You can also contact our clinic directly at 902-425-8484 for more information or to book an appointment.

Shannon Brown

Facility manager, Lifemark Health Centre