Concussion Treatment
by Dr. Bradford Mitchell

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatically induced brain injury that results in global brain dysfunction. Typically, concussions are the result of an impact sustained either to the head or to the body that transmits forces on the brain.  Concussion is classified as a subset of mild traumatic brain injury, and by definition are injuries that do not result in structural injury to the brain that can be visualized with standard imaging (such as CT or MRI).  One common misconception is that someone must have a loss of consciousness in order to have sustained a concussion; though, most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness. In most cases, symptoms last fewer than 10 days.

What are symptoms of a concussion?

Concussions usually result in a clinical syndrome affecting cognition, balance, sleep, and/or mood to varying degrees. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

-mentally “foggy”                 - headache                       - more emotional
-difficulty concentrating       - neck pain                        - irritable                
-difficulty remembering        - nausea                           - anxiety
-repeats questions               - balance disturbance       - sadness
-drowsiness                         - difficulty falling asleep
 

What to do if you think you or someone
you know has a concussion?

Seek care from a physician who is experienced and comfortable managing concussions.  Both mental and physical rest are necessary to allow the brain to recover.  Avoid excessive mental stimulation such as extensive screen time (TV, computer, or phone), school work, and avoid exercise in any capacity until seen and cleared by a physician. Concussions do not require emergent evaluation; however, there are other brain injuries that share similar signs and symptoms.  Some of the symptoms that are not seen with concussions and that require urgent evaluation include, but are not limited to: numbness, weakness, severe/debilitating headache, or persistent or worsening nausea/vomitting or drowsiness.

What is the treatment for concussions?

Most concussions resolve within 10 days with adequate rest.  Concussions with significant balance or vision symptoms often benefit from a type of therapy (Cervicovestibular Therapy). Athletes should only return to sport when symptom free and after completion of a gradual return to play progression under supervision of an experienced health care provider.

Click Here for Additional Source Information
 

Am I Dehydrated?
by Dr. Jason Robertson

Q. After light exercise my muscles feel excessively fatigued. My friend suggested that I might not be drinking enough water, could this be the cause?

A. In general, dehydration does reduce endurance and exercise performance of active muscle groups and could be the cause of excessive fatigue. More commonly, your fatigue would be caused from overloading your muscles when exercising with a combination of intensity, duration and frequency. By gradually increasing intensity, duration and difficulty of physical activity you can improve muscular strength and endurance, thereby decreasing your muscular fatigue.

While exercising, staying hydrated is tantamount. Below are hydration recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine that may be helpful as you continue to exercise.

• Drink 16 oz. of water two hours prior to exercise.

• Drink eight oz. of water 15-30 minutes prior to exercise.

• Drink eight oz. of water every 15-30 minutes during exercise.

• Drink 24 oz. of water for every pound of body weight lost.

• Follow the volume and color of your urine.

If your fatigue continues or begins affecting your normal day-to-day activities, then you should follow-up with your primary care physician to check for any metabolic or neurologic causes of your fatigue.

Taken From http://www.healthscopemag.com/health-scope/am-i-dehydrated/
 

Working at CSMO

I began working at CSMO in 1995, got married and moved to Seattle, Washington in 1998 where my husband was stationed in the Navy. In 2001, we returned to Cleveland, Tennessee and I was thrilled to hear that CSMO was opening a clinic in Cleveland. Once again, in 2011, I joined the CSMO family.

In Cleveland, we are like family. Not only among coworkers, but to our patients as well. When in physical therapy, it's not uncommon for someone to come 2-3 times per week for an hour each visit during their rehabilitation.  As a result, we really get to know our patients, their families, and their interests. In turn, they get to know ours'.  It is bitter sweet upon "Graduation Day" when someone is discharged from PT.  Not only have we helped someone get better, we've added another member to the CSMO family!