Changing the Conversation about Concussion Care
When it comes to concussions, what people believe about recovery can be just as important as the injury itself.
Chris Young, Ph.D., ABPP, Clinical Neuropsychologist
“The information a person receives from the first healthcare provider they see post-concussion will have a dramatic–if not greatest–impact on what their course of recovery looks like,” says Dr. Chris Young, Ph.D., ABPP, Clinical Neuropsychologist at Siskin Hospital.
Kyle Binkley, PT, DPT, board certified Neurologic & Geriatric Specialist
That is why Dr. Young and Kyle Binkley, PT, DPT, director of outpatient therapy, work together to provide evidence-based education and care to help patients return to their lives faster and with fewer complications after a concussion.
Siskin Hospital’s comprehensive approach to concussion rehabilitation is unique in the Chattanooga region. Patients receive back-to-back evaluations from a clinical neuropsychologist and physical therapist, addressing the full spectrum of symptoms and concerns that arise after a concussion. Their patients range from teenagers with sports-related injuries to adults after a fall or car accident who are still reporting chronic concussion symptoms beyond the typical recovery window.
Common concussion symptoms include headaches, fatigue, sleep disruption, mood shifts, balance problems, and light and sound sensitivity. For most patients, these symptoms will fade quickly, leading to a full recovery within a few weeks, but for some, these symptoms can last several weeks, months, or even up to a year.
One of the biggest barriers to concussion recovery? Misinformation.
“We see patients who believe they have to wait until they are completely symptom free before participating in daily life activities, or who follow the old piece of clinical lore about staying in a dark room until their symptoms go away,” says Dr. Young. “The evidence just doesn’t support that.”
In fact, complete withdrawal from work, school, and physical activity for an extended period of time can make things worse, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, disrupting sleep, and delaying overall healing. In some cases, ongoing symptoms may be caused by an untreated issue such as a neck injury caused at the time of the concussion.
“We try to intervene early with a positive, proactive outlook,” says Binkley.
A key component to Siskin Hospital’s treatment plans is getting patients back into an aerobic exercise program quickly, increasing the intensity as tolerance grows. Patients are also encouraged to take ownership of their recovery, following the provided guidelines on exercise, sleep, and reintegration in daily life activities, fostering their self-efficacy and ability to improve.
“When we get these patients immediately back into their life, the symptoms they have dealt with for months or even a year often rapidly dissipate. Typically, patients are discharged with a full recovery within about a month,” said Dr. Young.
Ultimately, like with any injury, education and empowerment are the keys to a successful concussion recovery.
Most concussion patients will recover within a few weeks, if not sooner, but when symptoms persist and progress is slower than expected, Siskin Hospital’s Concussion Clinic is ready and available to provide specialized, comprehensive, and personalized rehabilitation.
For more information about the program, visit www.siskinrehab.com/concussion-clinic, call 423-634-1720, or email outpatient@siskinrehab.org.
