Concussion Testing & Treatment

About Concussions

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, jolt, or rapid movement of the head/body.
It affects brain function—not structure—and may not show up on imaging. (If imaging indicates a change this would be classified as a moderate brain injury.)
Symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours to days later.
Most concussions recover well with consistent baseline measures before injury and with management of treatment in the event of injury.​

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Common Symptoms of a Concussion

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Physical: headache, dizziness, nausea, light or noise sensitivity, blurry vision
Cognitive: difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, memory issues
Emotional: irritability, anxiety, mood changes
Sleep‑related: trouble falling asleep, sleeping more or less than usual

Every concussion looks different—symptoms vary from person to person.

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When to Seek Treatment

 

Seek Emergency Medical Care (Red Flags) if experiencing:

• worsening headache,

• repeated vomiting,

• slurred speech,

• increasing confusion,

• seizure,

• or loss of consciousness.

Seek physiotherapy concussion treatment within a day or two if experiencing:

• Persistent non-emergent concussion symptoms,

• difficulty returning to school/work,

• dizziness or balance issues,

• neck pain, screen intolerance,

• or trouble with exercise or daily tasks.

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How Physiotherapy Helps

Concussion Physiotherapy provides a structured, evidence‑informed approach to concussion recovery, which may include:

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• Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and balance issues

• Vision and oculomotor exercises

• Cervical spine (neck) treatment

• Graded aerobic exercise

• Return‑to‑school, work, and sport planning

• Symptom tracking and tailored progression

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Physiotherapy supports safe recovery and helps reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms.

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What to Expect During Your Concussion Assessment
Your physiotherapist will complete:

A comprehensive symptom review. They will check your balance, vestibular, and visual‑motor abilities. They will assess neck mobility & muscular strength, and may provide cognitive and reaction‑time screening.
They may suggest exercise tolerance testing (if appropriate.)

Once the assessment is complete, your therapist will discuss a customized treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and goals.

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What Is a Baseline Concussion Test?

A baseline test measures your balance, reaction time, vision, and cognitive function before an injury occurs. This personalized pre‑injury data makes post‑injury comparison more accurate and helps guide safe return‑to‑play or return‑to‑work decisions.

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Why Baseline Testing Matters

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Provides objective information unique to you.
Helps identify subtle changes after a concussion.
Supports safer, more confident return to activities.
Reduces uncertainty during post‑injury assessments.

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Baseline testing does not prevent concussions—but it improves post‑injury care.

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When to Get a Baseline Test

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• Every pre‑season for athletes

• Annually for youth

• Every 1–2 years for adults

• Before starting high‑risk sports or occupations

• After major health changes or previous concussions

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Group baseline concussion testing is available for groups of athletes at any age. 
Schedule your team today!
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Prevention Tips

Our concussion team recommends regular baseline testing done; up-to-date baseline measures are highly recommended for complete concussion recovery in the event of an injury.

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Use helmets appropriately (they reduce head injury severity, not concussions)
Strengthen neck muscles for better impact control
Practice safe sport techniques
Keep equipment and environments safe
Complete regular baseline testing

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