Post-Concussion Syndrome treatment in Toronto is needed in only about 15% of concussed individuals. It is important to realize that Post-Concussion Syndrome (AKA Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms) is not just a long-lasting concussion. It is best thought of as another condition altogether, which sometimes develops in the three month period following the concussion incident. Treating Post-Concussion Syndrome well therefore requires different approaches special knowledge, training and experience, all of which Paul provides. Our Toronto Post-Concussion Syndrome treatment programs include:
Enhancing Neuroplastic Recovery
In most mild and short-lived concussions, a lot of recovery happens spontaneously as the inflammation of the brain subsides. In Post-Concussion Syndrome treatment, additional recovery methods are needed. Neuroplastic recovery is the brain’s amazing capacity to rewire itself around irritated or damaged areas.Through repetitive exercises, the brain can learn about these problem areas and learn alternate ways to accomplish the same task. Our Toronto Post-Concussion Syndrome treatment programs enhance & promote this neuroplastic recovery as follows:
Vision Therapy – A large percentage of individuals with concussions have problems with their vision. Often in mild concussion these resolve by themselves. Vision problems in Post-Concussion Syndrome can be more longstanding and the source of some symptoms (e.g. headaches) and functional problems (e.g. reading screens). Paul will carry out tests to identify vision tasks that cause you difficulty. If your vision difficulties appear to be mild to moderate, Paul will give you exercises to encourage the brain to overcome the issues. If your vision is moderately to moderately severely impacted, Paul will refer you to an appropriate external professional (e.g.a neuro-optometrist).
Vestibular Therapy – Also common with PCS clients are issues with dizziness, vertigo, balance problems and gaze instability. This is believed to be the result of vestibular processing problems in the brain. As in vision therapy,Paul will carry out tests to identify movements that cause you difficulty. Exercises are prescribed that encourage the brain to overcome these deficits.
Cognitive Training – Difficulty with memory, thinking and problem – solving seen in concussions, continue to impact individuals with PCS. These issues often self-resolve with adequate cardio respiratory training, and by addressing vision and vestibular deficits with the correct treatments. Mild to moderate persistent cognitive symptoms are thought to be helped by simple brain training games. If your cognition is moderately or moderately severely impaired, Paul will refer you to the appropriate external professional (e.g. an Occupational Therapist).
Subthreshold Cardio Testing and Exercise Prescription
Regular cardiorespiratory workouts are now known to be a very helpful component of Post-Concussion Syndrome treatment. These are specially-designed workouts promoting recovery for Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). They increase blood flow (bringing with it extra oxygen & sugars), and help to clear away the brain’s metabolic by-products. In addition, regular exercise is known to improve both sleep and mood. Knowing when to begin and how strongly to workout is key in Post-Concussion Syndrome treatment in Toronto. Too strong a program can lead to irritation of the brain. Paul will carry out a graded treadmill or stationary bike test. This will compare your effort, heart rate and your symptoms so that Paul can prescribe the appropriate progressive cardio workout – not too much, not too little.
Activity Reconditioning
A valid criticism of all of the therapies above is rather than leading to your overall improvement, that sometimes they just lead you to becoming good at the exercises. It is therefore very important that these activities be reintegrated into life through activity reconditioning. As part of his Post-Concussion Syndrome treatment in Toronto, Paul will lead you through a regime of work, school or sport-conditioning tasks to prepare you to return to regular activities.
Return to activity
Getting back to the things you need to do and want to do is the bottom line. A graduated return to work, school and play is important in avoiding PCS relapse. Paul will instruct you on how best to do this.
