Navigating Your Brain Through Recovery
Navigating Your Brain Through Recovery
Without a true diagnostic tool, blood biomarker, or special imaging (MRI, CT) that can diagnose concussion, clinicians have to rely on tools to assess different areas of the brain to determine any potential functions of the brain that can be compromised. Your brain supports every movement and major function in life including functions as crucial as the ability to breathe. Each lobe of the brain is responsible for different roles such as speech, reading, distinguishing between colors, balance, coordination, sleep, memory, behavior, and hearing. At the Morahan Center see how we are combating second impact syndrome by assessing every aspect of your brain.
Every brain heals at a different pace and over a different time span. Some brains can take weeks or months to heal, while others can experience long term symptoms that last years and even decades. The rate of recovery can be altered by psychological issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), gender, and other variable factors. Extended recovery timelines can occur with subsequent concussions as well as failure to report symptoms or comply with management plans. It is very important to report symptoms honestly for this reason.
Avoiding long-term issues following a brain injury is largely dependent on ensuring the first concussion heals correctly. During a concussion one or several areas of the brain can be affected. Each area of the brain controls different functions for movement, motor skills, coordination, vision, and daily function.
Evaluating function in each lobe of the brain can address its ability to process and recall information as well as understand recovery rates of the brain as it responds to stimulus.
Return to Learn and Play
The New Jersey Interscholastic Association (NJSIAA), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Neurology support progressive return to activity guidelines issued by the International Conference on Concussion and Sport. Guidelines implement that before practice and game play progressive active and academic return must be clinically prescribed and supervised prior to return to sport or school.
Once cleared to return to activity by a physician trained in the evaluation and management of concussions has been given, the following Stepwise program of physical activity should follow. The program should be progressed under clinician and physician supervision.