MYTH 1
You need a hit to the head to sustain concussion – False
Technically speaking a concussion is the result of the brain undergoing a tremendous amount of acceleration or deceleration. You can get a concussion without hitting the head, provided that enough force still goes to the head to cause acceleration of the brain tissue.
Yes, getting hit in the head HARD is probably the easiest way to cause this acceleration or deceleration, BUT a direct hit to the head isn’t mandatory for it to occur
MYTH 2
My concussion is worse if I lose consciousness – False
There’s is no research to suggest that having loss of consciousness is linked to having worse outcomes than those who didn’t lose consciousness during the concussion incident.
MYTH 3
Having an increase in symptoms is bad and I should avoid activities that worsen my symptoms – False – It is one of the biggest misconceptions out there
- The truth is that if you gradually and respectfully increase your physical and mental load , you will have a better short- and long-term outcome from those who completely rest and avoid symptoms
- Your body will adapt to the stress you put on it – This is how your body grows and heals – Our concussion trained osteopaths can guide you on safe rehabilitation strategies to help with how to manage your symptoms safely.
MYTH 4
If I have no symptoms, I’m cleared to return to contact sport – False
- Resolution of symptoms has no correlation with the recovery of the brain tissue
- Most concussion symptoms will go away in the first 7 – 10 days. But the actual full brain tissue healing process can take 4 – 6 times longer
- When you’re in this recovery/ brain healing phase there is evidence to suggest that the brain is more vulnerable to addition and more permanent brain trauma within the first 22 – 30 days.
- If you sustain another concussion, it can lead to long term or permanent outcomes and in extremely rare cases even death.
