Post Concussion Management

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in the management and recovery process for individuals who have experienced a concussion. Concussions can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities, return to work, and manage sensory overstimulation. Here’s how occupational therapy addresses these aspects:

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How do OTs help with returning to work with a concussion?

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Assessment and Planning: OT practitioners conduct thorough assessments to understand the cognitive, physical, and emotional impacts of the concussion on the individual’s work performance. This includes evaluating memory, concentration, problem-solving skills, and physical stamina.

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Gradual Reintegration: OTs develop individualized return-to-work plans that often involve a phased approach. This might include reduced hours or modified duties initially, with gradual increases as the person adjusts. The goal is to ensure that the return to work is sustainable and does not exacerbate symptoms.

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Workplace Accommodations: Recommendations might be made for specific accommodations such as a quiet workspace, flexible hours, or the use of assistive technology. OTs can also work with employers to ensure that the workplace environment supports the individual's recovery needs.

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Skill Training: For some, occupational therapy includes training in work-related skills that may have been affected by the concussion. This might involve cognitive exercises to improve attention and memory or physical therapy to address any motor impairments.

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How do OTs help with returning to Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) after a concussion?

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Personal Care and Home Management: Concussions can affect a person’s ability to perform personal care tasks and manage household responsibilities. OTs help clients develop strategies and routines to manage these tasks more effectively, which may include using adaptive tools or modifying tasks to accommodate changes in physical or cognitive abilities.

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Safety and Independence: Ensuring safety in the home is a critical focus. OTs assess the home environment for potential hazards and make recommendations to improve safety and accessibility. This might involve rearranging furniture, installing grab bars, or recommending assistive devices.

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Energy Management: Fatigue is a common symptom following a concussion. OTs teach clients techniques for managing energy levels, including pacing activities, incorporating rest breaks, and prioritizing tasks.

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How do OTs aid in managing post-concussion symptoms and sensory overstimulation?

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Symptom Management: OTs help clients develop coping strategies for managing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, difficulties with sleep and cognitive difficulties. This might include relaxation techniques, visual and auditory rest periods, and cognitive exercises designed to reduce symptom severity.

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Sensory Integration: Concussions often heighten sensitivity to sensory inputs such as light, sound, and movement. OTs work with clients to create sensory-friendly environments and develop strategies to manage overstimulation. This may involve adjusting lighting, managing environmental noise or creating calm spaces in the home or workplace.

 

Vision Screening: OTs also complete vision screening to ensure that the eyes are working together after the concussion. We commonly work with vision therapists and optometrists as they are great collaborative resources to seeing improvements in this area.

 

Cognitive Rehabilitation: Cognitive symptoms such as difficulties with attention, memory, and executive function are common after a concussion. OTs provide cognitive rehabilitation therapy that focuses on improving these skills through structured exercises and compensatory strategies.

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Emotional Support: Emotional and psychological well-being is crucial in concussion recovery. OTs provide support in managing stress, anxiety, and mood changes through therapeutic activities and coping strategies. We may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists or counselors, to address mental health concerns.