Studies show that up to half of concussions go undiagnosed, which can lead to significant health risks and lasting cognitive effects. We recognize that this number is scary, but the good news is that starting therapy as soon as possible can get you back to feeling like yourself.
At REVIV Medical, our providers are pioneering revolutionary concussion treatments tailored to you. Your situation is unique, so your treatment plan should be, too.
When it comes to your well-being, knowledge is power. That’s why we’ve crafted this ultimate guide to concussion therapy in Fargo—from recognizing the symptoms to getting you back to your routine.
The Anatomy of a Concussion
First, let’s break down what happens when you get a concussion, as effectively treating it requires understanding where and how it occurred. A concussion is a common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects millions of people every year—primary athletes.
When you take a blow to the head, that forceful energy transfers from your skull to your brain. While your skull’s purpose is to protect your brain, in this case, it can throw off your brain’s delicate balance. Inside your skull, a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid provides a “cushion” between your brain and skull, acting as a shock absorber.
However, when a sudden force is too strong, it can overwhelm this protective layer. This movement can cause your brain to move back and forth in your skull, potentially stretching brain tissue and inflicting damage on a cellular level.
What causes a concussion?
Any kind of sudden impact to your head or violent movement can cause a concussion. This includes, but is not limited to, events including:
- Sports-related injury
- Fall
- Car crash
- Physical altercation
- Violent shaking
If you hit your head in any circumstance, you should contact your doctor to schedule a concussion test.
Common Concussion Symptoms
There are different kinds of concussions, each requiring different forms of concussion therapy in Fargo.
These include cognitive concussions, where you struggle with reaction time and your ability to focus, and oculus-motor concussions, where you develop eye strain and have trouble seeing (especially when reading or using screens).
An anxiety/mood concussion can trigger sudden mood swings and/or depression, while a vestibular concussion triggers dizziness and trouble balancing. A migraine concussion causes sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells, which may trigger nausea.
That being said, keep an eye out for any of the following symptoms after hitting your head:
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances
- Trouble balancing or walking
- Depression or anxiety
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
→ Learn More About Symptoms & When to Start Concussion Recovery in Fergus Falls
Concussions range from mild to severe, but these chemical changes increase your brain’s sensitivities until it can fully recover, which can pose challenges in your daily life. Concussions are grouped into 5 “grades,” 0 including more mild symptoms of a headache and trouble focusing, and 5 being a case where you lose consciousness for more than 5 minutes (which can pose risks of permanent brain damage).
Finding the Right Concussion Therapy
In Fergus Falls, there are many options for concussion care, and they aren’t all equal. Where you go for treatment determines your results, so remember to do your research on your doctors before beginning your recovery journey.
In the meantime, it’s important to stay hydrated to keep your body working as efficiently as possible. After all, the human body is up to 60% water. You should also prioritize rest, which may mean temporarily limiting your activities, especially in the first 48 hours after your concussion.
Before arriving for your appointment, remember to bring any reports another doctor has given you, including emergency room forms. Wear comfortable clothing, as your doctor will ask you to perform agility tests that require some movements.
Your Consultation
At REVIV Medical, we never begin treatment without sitting down for an in-person consultation. Our comprehensive consultation process plays a crucial role in creating your personalized therapy plan.
Remember, everyone’s healing journey looks different. A concussion can cause brain damage that requires physical healing, and in some cases, you may need to relearn some movements. We know that this can be intimidating, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way—not just to get you back to “normal,” but also to help you achieve your long-term health goals.
During your consultation—or if you’re simply coming in for routine sports physicals in Fergus Falls—we’ll review your medical history and work together to set clear, realistic goals, from improving your mood or focus to boosting your mobility and physical fitness.
Before beginning your concussion therapy in Fargo, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your current symptoms to establish a baseline for your neurological status. From here, we can determine any areas of concern. Diagnostic testing may include neurological exams and imaging with MRI or CT scans, as well as specialized tests like EEG or EMG.
Next, we’ll perform the following neurologic examinations to assess how different parts of your brain and nervous system are performing, which may include the following tests.
Cognitive Testing
These tests will evaluate a range of mental functions to measure how well you can recall information, problem-solve, and more. Here, we’ll assess both your short- and long-term memory, as well as test your ability to follow directions.
Visual and Auditory Testing
Concussions can impair your sight and hearing, so next, we’ll test how well your brain processes visual and auditory information. This may include checking how your eyes move—visual tracking—and how you discern different sounds at a range of frequencies and volumes.
Balance and Coordination Testing
We’ll also assess how well you can balance by having you do certain exercises, such as standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe. We may also have you perform coordinated movements to determine your gait, stability, and motor control.
Vestibular Testing
Your vestibular system—located inside of your ear canal—plays an important role in your spatial orientation and therefore balance. To evaluate how well this system is working, we’ll test how effectively you can maintain your balance under different (controlled) conditions.
Functional Movement Testing
Humans are constantly moving, even in our sleep. That’s why we perform functional movement testing to see how you perform routine movements, such as walking or reaching, to locate any deficits.
Building Your Treatment Plan
After determining the specifics of your diagnosis, we’ll craft your plan for concussion therapy in Fargo. Through an intentional combination of in-office therapeutic interventions and at-home exercise, we can help you achieve long-lasting results (which can be indefinite, depending on the severity of your condition).
Knowledge is power when it comes to your health, so we don’t talk over your head. Rather, we empower our patients with the resources and support they need to make informed, confident decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
Remember, rest is essential throughout this process. Beyond getting plenty of sleep, it’s important not to overexert your mind or body during recovery to give both time to rewire and reset—naturally.
In-Office Therapies
At REVIV, we offer a wide range of science-backed concussion recovery techniques, including:
- Postural training
- Balance training
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Functional neurological chiropractic
- Acupuncture for pain
- Low-level laser therapy
- Neurosurgery integration training
- Cereset therapy
Based on your specific symptoms and situation, we may recommend a combination of therapies to safely expedite your progress. Remember, recovery is not always linear.
At-Home Therapies
Your plan for concussion therapy in Fargo isn’t limited to our office—we’ll help you make the most of your recovery time at home, too. This is what we call “self-management”—giving you and your family the tools to take an active role in your health. Beyond helping you overcome your concussion symptoms, we’ll also provide informed medical recommendations to improve your overall health.
This may include nutritional counseling and lifestyle recommendations to help you adopt realistic and sustainable healthy habits. If you’re struggling to lose weight, we’re not here to judge. We also offer personalized medical weight loss solutions to help you overcome your predispositions, like your genetics and hormones, by simplifying dieting on a cellular level.
→ Learn More About Weight Loss Shots Like Semaglutide
From optimizing your quality of sleep to helping you get in the mental and physical shape to exercise, we’ll help you shift your routine to nourish your brain and body back to their best state. If you’re experiencing seizures, chronic pain, insomnia, or mood swings, we can also prescribe medications to help you get back on track, as well as manage these symptoms long-term.
Ready to recover on your terms?
At REVIV Medical, your recovery is our priority. We recognize that your struggles and aspirations are unique, so rather than offering ineffective one-size-fits-all therapies, we take the time to understand your situation before building your custom plan.
Whether you’re seeking concussion therapy in Fargo or simply want to explore your options for feeling, looking, and living your best, we’re here to help. Request an appointment today to begin your journey towards the happiest, healthiest version of yourself, whatever that looks like for you. For immediate guidance, don’t forget to try our virtual treatment planning tool.
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The Faces Behind Your Success Story
Our providers are dedicated to changing lives, inside and out. We don’t just see our role here as a job—it’s our calling.
When you come to our clinic for concussion therapy in Fargo, Dr. Ala Lysyk and Dr. Kelly Smith—functional neurologists with hundreds of hours with the Carrick Institute—will provide the first-class care you deserve. Leading with a holistic approach to optimize your entire nervous system, we focus on locating and addressing the underlying causes of your neurological problems—not just alleviating your symptoms.
Contact us today to learn more about our evidence-based approach to concussion therapy or to explore our other state-of-the-art wellness solutions.
