Dizziness after sports-related concussion: Can physiotherapists offer better treatment than just 'physical and cognitive rest'?

Examination and treatment of concussed athletes is a complex endeavour. Three notable position papers: the International Conference on Concussion in Sport (Zurich) Consensus Statement,1 the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Guideline,2 and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position paper,3 advocate for a multifactorial assessment to diagnose sports-related concussion (‘concussion’ in this paper) and determine the degree of functional disturbance. These papers also provide guidelines to manage recovery, the cornerstone of which is cognitive and physical rest. Rest is a well-established practice pattern even though it has only very low-level evidence. Strikingly absent from concussion management are specific treatment strategies which are underpinned by anatomical-symptom correlates.4 5 Anatomy that may contribute to concussion-related dizziness Symptoms such as dizziness are very common among concussed individuals, present in nearly 80% of concussions,6 second only to headaches.3...
Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine - Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research