Using Autonomic Assessment to Monitor Disease Progression
Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls many aspects of your life and health. It is responsible for regulating heart rate, digestion, breathing, blood pressure, and other critical functions. Many conditions can impact the health of the ANS and lead to disruptive symptoms.
A health practitioner may use specialized testing methods to assess the functioning of your autonomic nervous system (ANS). This type of testing is called autonomic assessment. Several types of tests fall under this category. All can identify autonomic neuropathy, which is defined as symptoms related to ANS dysfunction.
Many conditions can cause autonomic neuropathy, including autoimmune diseases, infections, and diabetes. Assessing the function of the ANS can help track the progress of these conditions and guide treatment plans.
Autonomic neuropathy can impair daily functioning and quality of life. If you or a loved one struggles with symptoms of autonomic neuropathy, autonomic assessment can help you get to the root of the issue. Contact The Hartman Center specialists to learn more about autonomic assessment and how it can help track and treat a range of medical conditions.
What is an Autonomic Assessment?
Autonomic assessment involves non-invasive testing methods that measure the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Health practitioners use a variety of testing techniques to assess how well the ANS regulates:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Sweating
- Digestion
- Sexual functioning
- Breathing
- Other autonomic functions
Many health conditions can impact how the ANS functions. Assessing for autonomic neuropathy can help people identify and address these symptoms. It can also help medical professionals track the progress of a health condition, such as infection or diabetes.
Health practitioners choose the best form of autonomic testing for each patient based on their symptoms or condition. This specialized testing can help medical professionals explore the neurological basis of a patient’s symptoms and find the most effective course of treatment.
What Conditions Can an Autonomic Assessment Identify?
Autonomic testing can help to identify autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. ANS dysfunction can present with a range of symptoms that depend on what part of the nervous system is affected.
Here is an overview of how autonomic nervous system dysfunction may present.
Bladder and urinary symptoms
The ANS is responsible for several aspects of urinary and bladder functioning. Some symptoms of ANS dysfunction can include:
- Difficulty with urination
- Leakage
- Frequent urination
Autonomic testing can help to identify neurological foundations for these symptoms and help to find effective treatments.
Sexual symptoms
ANS dysfunction can cause symptoms related to sexual functioning, including:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
Autonomic testing can help to determine if ANS dysfunction is responsible for these and other sexual health symptoms.
Respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms
The autonomic nervous system is responsible for many cardiovascular and respiratory functions. Dysfunction in the ANS may result in:
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Elevated heart rate
Autonomic assessment can identify the roots of these symptoms and guide treatment plans.
Digestive symptoms
The autonomic nervous system controls aspects of digestion. Autonomic neuropathy may lead to GI symptoms, including:
- Constipation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeling full after eating very little
- Appetite loss
- Heartburn
Nerve damage in the stomach and digestive tract can cause disruptive or uncomfortable symptoms. Autonomic testing can help medical professionals identify ANS dysfunction responsible for these symptoms and create more effective treatment plans to relieve them.
Other symptoms
People with autonomic neuropathy may have other symptoms in various bodily systems, including:
- Dizziness when moving from sitting to standing
- Exercise intolerance (heart rate remains stable during physical activity instead of rising)
- Slow pupillary reactions that can prevent the eye from adjusting to light changes in the environment
- Inability to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar
- Fainting due to sudden bouts of low blood pressure
- Excessive or insufficient sweating
If you or a loved one is experiencing new, changing, or worsening physical symptoms, consult a medical professional right away. Autonomic testing can help you pinpoint the underlying causes of your symptoms, track the progression of a medical condition, or help you develop the most effective treatment plan possible.
How to Use Autonomic Assessment to Monitor Disease Progression
Standard health evaluations may miss autonomic neuropathy. A person’s symptoms may be ignored or considered part of a more extensive condition.
However, autonomic nervous system testing can reveal a lot about how a person’s body is functioning and the progression of a condition. First, health practitioners may use autonomic assessment to diagnose conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and Parkinson’s. Then, continuing autonomic testing can provide valuable information about how the condition is progressing and what treatments are effective.
Here is an overview of how autonomic assessment can help practitioners track the progress of a medical condition.
Identify autonomic dysfunction
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction can cause a range of disruptive symptoms. Medical conditions and diseases may impair ANS functioning, leading to symptoms that autonomic testing can identify.
Early autonomic testing can help to establish a baseline of functioning, allowing practitioners to identify disease progression as time goes on.
Guide care plans
Autonomic testing can help to identify how conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), infection, diabetes, and others are affecting the body. Medical professionals can use the information they gain from autonomic testing to create targeted treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Track disease progression
Autonomic testing can provide a baseline of symptoms and ANS functioning. Practitioners can use it to determine whether medical conditions are improving or declining over time. This information can help people receive more personalized therapies and better understand their condition.
Autonomic testing provides valuable information that can help people treat or manage diseases more effectively. Contact The Hartman Center specialists to learn more about autonomic testing or to schedule an intake appointment.
What Happens During an Autonomic Assessment?
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after an autonomic assessment can help you feel more confident seeking this type of care. Here is an overview of what to expect throughout the autonomic testing process.
Preparing for an autonomic assessment
Your health practitioner will advise you about what to do before your assessment. This may include:
- Avoiding caffeine
- Avoiding alcohol
- Not smoking
- Drinking non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated
Your practitioner will also tell you if you must stop taking medications before the testing.
Tilt table test
A tilt table test can safely evaluate how posture changes impact your blood pressure and heart rate. During this assessment:
- You will lie on a motorized table with a footrest and safety straps
- The practitioner will place electrodes and blood pressure cuffs
- You will lie flat on the table for about 15 minutes
- The practitioner then tilts the table to an upright position, where you will remain for up to 45 minutes
- The practitioner will measure your blood pressure and heart rate throughout the procedure
The tilt table test is a safe, noninvasive way to learn how the ANS regulates heart rate and blood pressure during position changes.
Your health care provider will assess the results of your tilt table test to create a holistic picture of your autonomic functioning related to blood pressure. This can help your treatment team identify or track changes in your health and develop effective care plans to address your symptoms.
Deep breathing test and Valsalva maneuver
This type of testing measures heart rate and blood pressure in response to specific breathing patterns. The practitioner uses electrodes and blood pressure monitors to gather data during these tests.
In the deep breathing test, the patient breathes deeply and slowly for a full minute. In the Valsalva maneuver, the patient breathes through a mouthpiece.
These assessments can provide insight into how effectively the ANS can regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Transcranial ultrasound
A transcranial ultrasound (sometimes called a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound) is a form of autonomic testing that measures blood flow in the brain. This painless, non-invasive test can provide information about the health of the brain’s arteries by assessing the direction and speed of blood flow.
A medical practitioner may use transcranial ultrasound testing to detect or monitor several conditions, including:
- The risk of stroke in people with sickle cell disease
- Small blood clots
- Narrowing of arteries in the brain
- A brain aneurysm rupture
- Changes in intracranial pressure
- Blood flow after traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Brain stem death
Practitioners may use a portable machine to perform this testing. To prepare for this test, patients may need to:
- Remove contact lenses
- Remove head coverings
During the test, the patient will lie on an exam table or sit in a chair. Then, the practitioner will apply water-soluble gel to the front or back of the neck, cheekbone, by the ear, or over an eyelid.
Next, the practitioner will use a wand connected to a machine to monitor these areas. In some cases, patients may wear a fitted headpiece that provides continuous monitoring. Patients must remain still and refrain from talking during the testing period. Testing may take 30 to 60 minutes.
Colored pictures or graphs will appear on the machine’s screen. The practitioner will assess the data provided and relay the information to you at a later time. After testing, you may return to your usual daily activities.
After you complete autonomic testing, your health practitioner will advise you about what to expect next. Autonomic assessments provide valuable information about how your autonomic nervous system is functioning. Your practitioner will explain your test results and help you develop the most effective treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
Learn More About Autonomic Assessment
Autonomic assessment is a valuable tool for diagnosing, tracking, and treating various medical conditions. Contact The Hartman Center specialists to learn more about its benefits or to schedule an intake appointment.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Treating Chronic Pain
Millions of people in the United States and around the world live with chronic pain. Living with constant pain can have a profound negative impact on a person’s health, well-being, and ability to function. Many people rely on medications to cope with this condition, but many of these drugs are not approved for long-term use or have the potential to be addictive.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can reduce pain and help the body heal. Many people experience relief after just one short session. The results continue to develop over several sessions, allowing people to regain mobility and experience less pain.
This article will explore how extracorporeal shockwave therapy works and its benefits. Reach out to the specialists at The Hartman Center to learn more about this holistic therapy or to schedule an intake appointment.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects the daily lives of millions of people in the United States. According to a study from the NIH, new chronic pain cases are outpacing diabetes, hypertension, and other common conditions.
Chronic pain often results after an injury. People may experience lingering pain for weeks, months, or even years after the injury. Chronic pain can also be a symptom of medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, ulcers, shingles, and ulcers.
Research suggests that some lifestyle factors and mental health conditions may also lead to chronic pain. People with obesity, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), vitamin D deficiency, and those who smoke may be more likely to develop chronic pain. Aging, repetitive motions at work, and genetics may also affect a person’s risk of living with pain.
Chronic pain affects people in different ways. It can impact a person’s mental health and quality of life, keep people from working, and make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. It can keep people from sleeping well.
It is essential to address chronic pain so that people can regain functioning and feel better. However, many of the traditional methods of managing chronic pain, including opioid medications, are ineffective or dangerous.
People who live with chronic pain require holistic therapies that address the roots and symptoms of this condition.
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive therapy that reduces pain and promotes healing throughout the body. Generally, ESWT involves using gentle shockwaves to encourage more effective healing of bodily tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy was initially developed to reduce inflammation in the bones, ligaments, fascia, muscles, and tendons. Since its invention, health practitioners have found it effective in helping those with stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) regain muscle function. It can also help those with chronic pain reduce their symptoms and restore function.
There are two primary methods of applying extracorporeal shockwave therapy. First, the focused shockwave method uses concentrated impulses to specific areas of the body. A clinician uses an extracorporeal shockwave therapy machine to apply these impulses to an area where an injury has occurred or pain is present. Focused shockwave therapy sessions typically last between 5 and 15 minutes and do not cause pain.
The second method involves using radial shockwaves to encourage the healing of bodily tissues. This method delivers energy deeper into tissues using focused, higher-energy shockwaves.
How Can Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Treat Chronic Pain?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy supports the body’s natural healing process and addresses pain in severeal ways. Here is a brief overview of how ESWT can treat chronic pain at the source.
Tissue repair
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy causes a short-term increase in inflammation around the site of an injury or pain. This initial burst of inflammation can encourage the body to send healing cells and extra blood flow to the area. The body responds to the shockwaves by increasing collagen production and breaking down damaged tissue faster. This process can encourage faster, more effective healing.
Reduce pain sensations
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is proven to reduce pain through several channels. First, people who undergo this type of therapy notice decreased pain sensations in the treatment area. Second, people had a reduction in unmyelinated (unprotected) nerve fibers, which are associated with pain sensations. Finally, the therapy activated the brain’s serotonergic system, which is part of the body’s natural pain management system.
Break down scar tissue
Scar tissue that forms after an injury can contribute to long-lasting pain. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can help break down scar tissue, allowing the body to replace it with more flexible tissue. This can reduce stiffness and pain while allowing for a a greater range of movement.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a holistic, noninvasive therapy that supports the body’s natural healing process. Contact The Hartman Center specialists today to learn more about ESWT.
How Does Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Work?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a safe, noninvasive, painless treatment for a range of conditions that can cause pain. Knowing what to expect before starting ESWT sessions can be helpful.
Here is an overview of what to expect from extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
Preparation
First, it is crucial to work with your doctor or health practitioner to ensure extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a good fit for your needs. A medical professional may conduct assessments or screenings to determine the best course of treatment for each person’s pain and other symptoms.
Preparing for ESTW sessions typically requires going to the clinic and wearing clothing that allows the practitioner to access the affected area.
Treatment
During extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions, the practitioner will apply a special gel to the affected area. This gel will allow the shockwaves to penetrate the muscles or tissues more deeply. Then, the practitioner will apply the ESTW machine to the affected area.
The ESTW instrument may appear like a gun. This allows the shockwaves to have the greatest impact on a specific area of the body. Once the practitioner has applied the device to the affected area, they will turn on the machine.
Most people do not experience any discomfort during sessions. Treatment sessions may last between 5 and 15 minutes.
Recovery
The health practitioner will provide specific instructions about how to manage recovery. Typically, people may be required to limit physical activity for up to two weeks after treatment.
Results
Some people experience the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy after just one treatment. People may notice less pain and other improvements within a day or two of their initial treatment session. Generally, people receive ESTW sessions regularly for several weeks to allow for optimal results.
Contact the Hartman Center specialists to learn more about the process of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and to find out if it is a good option for your unique needs.
Understanding the Benefits of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been proven to safely and effectively support the body’s natural healing process and reduce pain. Here are some of the most significant benefits of using ESWT as part of your pain management treatment plan.
Effective
Multiple studies have proven the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in reducing pain and promoting effective healing. This simple, holistic therapy can help people reduce pain, improve functioning, and help people enjoy a better quality of life.
Non-invasive
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses painless sound waves to penetrate the body’s tissues deeply. This process is quick, painless, and noninvasive. This allows people to experience significant benefits without pain, unpleasant side effects, or downtime.
Non-medicinal
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can help to reduce pain without the need for dangerous or addictive prescription pain relievers. People who prefer not to take these drugs or who have not experienced relief from them may benefit from incorporating ESWT into their holistic pain management plan.
Safe
ESWT is a safe, noninvasive therapy. Patients attend short, painless sessions and typically do not experience significant adverse side effects after treatment. Multiple studies have shown that this therapy is safe and effective.
Convenient
ESWT recipients do not have lengthy preparation or recovery periods. Treatment sessions last just 5 to 15 minutes, and most do not experience unwanted side effects. They may attend treatment sessions and return to their usual daily activities without problems.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a time-tested therapy that can have a significant positive impact on people’s quality of life. Contact The Hartman Center specialists to explore the benefits of this holistic therapy.
What Injuries and Conditions Can ESWT Treat?
Medical and natural health professionals alike are beginning to recognize extracorporeal shockwave therapy’s role in chronic pain management. Instead of relying on addictive, dangerous pain relievers or time-consuming therapies, ESWT provides a fast, effective, and non-invasive way to address ongoing pain.
Some of the conditions extracorporeal shockwave therapy may treat include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis in the knees
- Post-fracture pain
- Shoulder tendinopathy
- Hamstring tendinopathy
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Spinal and supraspinal spasticity after stroke, TBI, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy
People with these and other conditions may benefit from extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is generally considered to be safe and effective for most people. However, there are some cases when ESWT may not be recommended, including people who:
- Are pregnant
- Have a blood clotting disorder
- Have bone cancer
- Have metal pins or plates in the treatment area
- Have a nerve disorder
- Have an infection in the treatment area
- Have received steroid injections in the past 90 days
Consult with a medical professional to determine if extracorporeal shockwave therapy is likely to be safe and effective in your case.
Find Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Contact The Hartman Center to learn more about the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Discover how this safe, non-invasive therapy can help you address the roots of chronic pain and improve your quality of life.
What are the Potential Benefits and Outcomes of Cognitive Remediation Therapy?
Some medical conditions, like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and strokes, can affect how the brain works. These changes can lead to impaired cognitive functioning, mental health symptoms, and other effects that impact daily functioning.
People who sustain a brain injury or other condition that affects the brain may participate in cognitive remediation therapy to improve functioning. Cognitive remediation therapy is a combination of treatments that aims to improve memory, attention, problem-solving, and other areas of cognition.
Cognitive remediation therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment process. Medical and mental health experts develop personalized treatment plans for each client. These treatment plans address people’s specific symptoms and goals, which can lead to better outcomes.
This article will explore cognitive remediation therapy and its benefits. You will learn about the potential outcomes and benefits of participating in remediation therapy.
If you or someone you know lives with cognitive symptoms related to a brain injury or other health conditions, effective treatment is available at The Hartman Center. Reach out to our specialists now to learn how cognitive remediation therapy can help you restore functioning and feel more like yourself again.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy: An Overview
Cognitive remediation therapy programs are designed to meet each person’s unique needs. Each client follows a personalized treatment plan that can address their physical and cognitive symptoms and allows them to work toward their personal goals.
Cognitive remediation therapy relies on the brain’s ability to change and adapt over a lifetime. This concept is called “neuroplasticity.” This means the brain can create new connections or improve existing ones through new challenges and exercises.
There are two types of cognitive remediation therapy.
Restorative therapy
Restorative therapy focuses on restoring functioning. People may participate in exercises designed to improve attention, memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive processes.
Compensatory therapy
Compensatory therapy aims to help people adapt to deficits. People may use tools to compensate for cognitive impairments, such as assistive devices, calendars, and other memory tools.
While each person follows their own treatment plan, cognitive remediation therapy has several core components. Here is an overview of some of the techniques used in CRT.
Strategy coaching
Strategy coaching involves using new methods to improve performance in cognitive tasks. This may include providing instructions in a narrative form or reading aloud to help people process information more efficiently.
Restorative task practice
Restorative task practice exercises can address specific areas of cognition, including:
- Memory
- Learning
- Attention
- Problem-solving
These exercises can improve people’s ability to process complex thoughts and other areas of cognition related to general functioning.
Metacognitive training
Metacognitive training exercises can increase a person’s awareness of their thought processes. Participants are asked to pay attention to their thought processes as they perform tasks and exercises, which can increase attention and cognitive performance.
Compensatory skills practice
In some cases, people may need to learn new skills to compensate for injuries or deficits. Compensatory skills practice gives people practical tools to manage deficits and improve functioning. Examples of compensatory skills include:
- Repeating names or other information to improve memory
- Minimizing environmental distractions while performing tasks, talking to others, or other activities that require focus and attention
- Recording important information, such as important dates, instead of relying on memory alone
Learning practical skills can improve functioning and increase independence after brain injury.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy: Exercises and Benefits
People recovering from a brain injury or other conditions may benefit from cognitive remediation exercises. Here is an overview of the exercises involved in CRT and the benefits they may provide.
Cognitive training
The Hartman Center offers a proprietary program that includes a range of specific cognitive exercises. Our clients engage in online sessions that include exercises related to:
- Non-verbal thinking
- Symbol relations
- Predictive speech
- Symbolic thinking
These exercises can improve several areas of cognitive functioning, including:
- Self-awareness
- Organization
- Goal setting
- Reasoning
- Verbal memory
After engaging in these exercises, people may notice improvements in their language skills and other areas of daily functioning.
Aerobic exercise
The Hartman Center’s CRT programs include regular aerobic exercise. Increasing physical activity can support cognitive recovery and improve mood. Regular exercise has also been proven to reduce overall stress levels and lower anxiety.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness skills are an essential aspect of our Brain Training program. People with brain injuries may experience fatigue, depression, and other mental health symptoms. During our CRT programs, people spend time each day following guided meditation and other mindfulness exercises. Developing mindfulness skills can improve mood and reduce fatigue, which can improve functioning.
Cognitive remediation therapy is a highly personal process. At The Hartman Center, our goal is to provide the most effective, personalized treatment possible. As people move through a Brain Training program, our team of specialists will evaluate their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.
Potential Outcomes of Cognitive Remediation
At The Hartman Center, we aim to help people improve their quality of life by supporting better functioning and independence. Our cognitive remediation therapy exercises are designed to help people restore cognitive functioning and reduce disruptive symptoms of TBI or other conditions.
Here is an overview of the potential outcomes of cognitive remediation therapy.
Better relationships
Improved cognitive functioning, including better memory and attention, can help people have better relationships with others. Participating in CRT exercises may also help people gain more independence and self-esteem, which can improve their ability to develop and retain relationships with others.
More independence
During CRT sessions, you will develop practical skills to boost or maintain independence. You will also work through exercises that target your memory, problem-solving, and motor skills.
Better memory, improved processing, and other cognitive improvements can have a profound impact on your ability to maintain independence. Better day-to-day functioning
Improved work performance
People with traumatic brain injury, stroke, long COVID, and other conditions may experience physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that impact their work performance. Participating in CRT can help with symptoms like depression, fatigue, brain fog, and memory issues. Improvements in these and other symptoms may lead to better work performance and independence.
Better problem-solving
Cognitive remediation exercises can help people think more creatively to solve everyday problems. Improvements in memory, information processing, and other areas can result in a greater ability to focus on tasks and manage them independently.
Improved organization
Organization is key to completing essential, everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, work, and more. Organization requires memory, information processing, and problem-solving. Brain injuries and other conditions can impact these areas of cognition.
Cognitive rehabilitation therapy provides structured exercises designed to improve mental processing. Participating in these exercises can help people improve their ability to organize information and complete tasks.
Better communication
Participating in cognitive training exercises can improve speech, memory, and functioning. These can help people communicate more effectively and understand the information provided to them.
Improved self-esteem
Improvements in memory, organization, problem-solving, and other areas of cognition can lead to better functioning and more independence. People who have noticeable improvements in functioning may experience better self-esteem and more optimism about the future.
Supporting Healing During CRT
In addition to participating in a cognitive remediation therapy program, there are some steps people can take to enhance their overall health and well-being while healing from a brain injury.
Here are some lifestyle changes people can make to improve outcomes after a TBI.
Stay active
Physical and social activities can help people feel and function better as they heal from concussions, strokes, or other conditions. Regular exercise is a core component of The Hartman Center’s Brain Training program because it has been shown to improve outcomes.
Staying socially active is essential, too. Connecting with supportive friends and family members can help you improve or maintain cognitive functioning.
Eating well
Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet during recovery can help people have the best possible outcomes during TBI recovery. Focus on foods that contain high levels of flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids, like:
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Berries
- Kale, spinach, chard, and other leafy greens
- Turmeric
- Fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, herring, and sardines
Avoid fried and highly processed foods. Consult with a medical professional about adding supplements, such as fish oil or other omega-3 fatty acids.
Develop a routine
Recovering from a brain injury or another medical condition may involve many appointments, exercises, and other activities. Memory issues can make it difficult to remain organized or accomplish daily chores.
Developing a routine can be very helpful. People must identify which tasks must be done each day or week and create a plan to accomplish them.
Sticking to a schedule can prevent important things from slipping through the cracks. It also ensures people have enough time for rest, socializing, meals, and hobbies in addition to treatment-related activities.
Find Cognitive Remediation Therapy Now
If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury or another condition that affects cognition, cognitive remediation therapy may help you restore your functioning. Contact The Hartman Center specialists now to explore your treatment options.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome and How is it Treated?
Many people who sustain a concussion have a relatively quick recovery. However, some people develop post-concussion syndrome, resulting in unusually long-lasting symptoms. Post-concussion syndrome requires special attention and treatment so that people can regain functioning and have the best possible outcomes.
The Hartman Center offers comprehensive concussion treatment that can help you recover after a concussion or other brain injury. Contact our specialists now to learn about our programs or schedule an intake assessment.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion–sometimes called a mild traumatic brain injury–is a type of head injury that can temporarily change the way your brain works. People may experience a concussion if they receive a jolt or blow to the head or body that causes the head to move inside the head. This can occur while playing sports, during a car accident, while being struck with an object, after a fall, and in many other situations.
People who sustain a concussion may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with thinking and concentration
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Poor balance
In most cases, medical professionals will recommend that a person follow a strict concussion protocol that includes minimal activity and stimulation for a few days, followed by a gradual return to normal activities. Symptoms typically resolve within two to six weeks of when the concussion occurred.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) occurs when someone experiences symptoms of a concussion for months or up to a year after the event that caused it. People with post-concussion syndrome may experience physical and psychological symptoms ranging in severity.
The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are the same as those of a concussion, but they last for much longer. Physical concussion symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Poor coordination
- Trouble sleeping or too much sleep
Sensory symptoms of a concussion include:
- Light sensitivity
- Photopsia–” seeing stars”
- Double vision
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to sound
- Trouble seeing at night
- Vertigo
- Difficulty reading or tracking objects
- Trouble seeing things up close
Mental symptoms of concussion include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with concentration
- Mental fog
- Sluggish, slow thinking
Behavioral symptoms of a concussion include:
- Unusual sadness or depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Mood swings
- Restlessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
In some cases, the symptoms people with post-concussion syndrome experience are very subtle. People with a concussion must pay attention to how their body and mind function and note any changes. Post-concussion syndrome can respond well to treatment, but you have to recognize this condition and seek help as quickly as possible to have the best outcomes.
What Causes Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Medical experts aren’t sure why some people develop post-concussion syndrome, and some do not. There are some risk factors believed to increase the likelihood someone will develop PCS after a concussion. These risk factors include:
- A history of concussions or head injuries
- A concussion with complications, such as bleeding inside the brain or skull, a midline shift of the brain, or a skull fracture
- Other brain-related conditions, such as learning difficulties or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- A history of behavioral conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder
- Severe concussion symptoms
Because there is no known determination of who will develop post-concussion syndrome and who will not, it’s critical to monitor anyone with a concussion for PCS symptoms.
What are the Potential Complications of Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Some people who develop post-concussion syndrome will experience disruptive symptoms for months or years–and some will be permanent. Possible complications of post-concussion syndrome include:
- Difficulty or inability to work
- Problems with thinking and focus
- Pain medication overuse that may lead to addiction
- Long-term sleep disruptions
- Inability to participate in daily chores, responsibilities, and activities, including bathing, getting dressed, preparing meals, and more
- Behavioral changes, including anxiety, depression, and aggressive behaviors
- Memory loss
- Executive dysfunction
Concussion treatment can help people regain functioning and learn to manage challenging or uncomfortable symptoms. It’s crucial to find help and participate in concussion treatment as quickly as possible after recognizing the symptoms of PCS so that the treatment can be the most effective.
How is Post-Concussion Syndrome Diagnosed?
There is no diagnostic test to confirm that someone has sustained a concussion. However, a doctor or healthcare provider can assess a person’s symptoms and diagnose the concussion in this manner.
Medical specialists use specific tools to assess someone for a concussion, including:
- A physical examination
- A neurological assessment
- A history of the event that caused a head injury and the symptoms you’ve experienced since then
- A computed tomography (CT) scan
- X-rays
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
If concussion symptoms last for longer than expected, a doctor may request one or more follow-up visits to track symptoms and re-assess the treatment plan.
What Happens During Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment?
You don’t have to live with the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. Receiving concussion treatment from The Hartman Center can help reduce the severity of your symptoms, help you regain functioning, and feel more emotionally and physically comfortable.
Post-concussion syndrome treatment includes therapies and treatments that can help people with concussions restore their brain function. Each person undergoes a thorough evaluation that will shape their course of treatment.
Treatment plans include:
- Diagnostic testing
- Functional medicine
- Chiropractic care
- Active release techniques
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Cognitive remediation therapy
- Sport-specific training
- Photobiomodulation (PBM)
- Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy
- Shock Wave therapy
- NormaTec recovery
These innovative therapies can help your mind and body heal after sustaining a concussion. People who participate in concussion treatment can experience significant reductions in their post-concussion syndrome symptoms.
You do not have to accept lingering symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. Take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling future by seeking holistic, effective concussion treatment now.
Find Concussion Treatment in Oradell
If you or someone you love sustains a head injury and require concussion treatment Oradell, reach out to the team at The Hartman Center to learn about our effective post-concussion syndrome programs.