Sports Concussion

The first two to three days after a concussion can be the most symptomatic. You will need to rest and limit activities that increase your symptoms -- such as using devices with screens or being in busy or loud environments. You may sleep more after a concussion, but after a few days experts recommend trying to return to your normal sleep routine and limiting naps. Light activity such as walking can also help with recovery during this time period. Full recovery following a concussion often takes three to four weeks but can take longer with more significant concussions. Following your evaluation, your doctor will provide recommendations on when you can return to activities such as school and work.

Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend individualized therapy to minimize neck pain, headache, dizziness, balance problems, and exercise intolerance that can be associated with concussion. Our sports physical therapists are specially trained to perform cervical, vestibular, balance, and cardiovascular assessments and incorporate techniques, exercises, aerobic conditioning, and training designed to return you to your daily activities.

Our concussion clinic partners with the Duke Vision Rehabilitation and Performance clinic to provide formal assessments and treatment for vision-related symptoms that may result from a concussion. Treatment options may include corrective lenses and filters for light sensitivity and vision problems such as blurred or double vision. Vision rehabilitation can help improve your ability to focus while reading, to visually track and scan to safely interact with your environment, and to manage your symptoms while completing vision-related tasks.

Therapists may use computerized training, written materials, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other forms of therapy to help you improve memory, enhance reasoning, or reduce symptoms such as anxiety or emotional difficulties.

Persistent or severe headaches may be treated by a headache specialist, who may prescribe medical management or other therapies to provide relief.

Speech pathology evaluation and treatment can help you overcome issues related to memory, understanding, attention, problem-solving, and/or communication that can lead to difficulties in school, work, or other daily activities.

Occupational therapy evaluation and treatment uses cognitive retraining strategies to improve concentration, memory, and decision making and lessen mental fatigue. Additionally, our therapists can provide treatment and teach strategies to help you better tolerate environmental and sensory stimuli such as busy or loud environments.