Welcome to Concussion Management in GTA at SportSide Medical

​​At SportSide Medical, our specialized concussion management team provides comprehensive assessment, treatment, and counseling for individuals experiencing symptoms following a concussion. Our expert clinicians are dedicated to evaluating and managing persistent concussion-related issues, including headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, dizziness, sensory impairments, vision disturbances, cognitive difficulties, mood disorders, and neck pain. Additionally, our multidisciplinary team is equipped to address associated conditions, such as hearing and speech impairments.

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We provide integrated rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychological approaches, facilitating access to specialized care that can often be challenging to find in Toronto.

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What is a Concussion?

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A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury resulting from a direct impact to the head, whiplash, or sudden forceful movements that disrupt normal brain function. Concussions frequently affect athletes, individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents, and victims of falls. The injury can lead to physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms.

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Common causes of concussion include:

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1. Sports-related impacts (e.g., hockey, football, soccer)

2. Motor vehicle accidents, especially whiplash-related injuries

3. Falls and slips

4. Workplace injuries

5. Physical altercations or other incidents involving significant force
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Concussion Treatment and Management

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Early evaluation and management are critical components of effective concussion recovery. Individuals presenting within two weeks of injury often benefit significantly from initial education, symptom management strategies, and brief intervention, typically requiring just one or two visits.

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For those experiencing prolonged symptoms—known as persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS)—treatment duration and approach depend on symptom severity, complexity, and any existing barriers to recovery. Evidence suggests that prolonged symptoms after the initial injury phase often arise from secondary factors, such as cervical spine dysfunction, vestibular disorders, visual disturbances, and psychological stressors, rather than ongoing brain injury itself (Ellis et al., 2020; Leddy et al., 2021).

At SportSide Medical, our treatments incorporate evidence-based protocols, including active rehabilitation strategies, vestibular therapy, vision therapy, manual therapy for cervical dysfunction, graded aerobic exercise, and psychological support to facilitate a safe and effective recovery.

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How We Can Help
 

SportSide Medical is committed to supporting patients experiencing prolonged concussion symptoms or difficulties returning to daily activities, work, or sports. Our approach is individualized and tailored to address specific patient needs and goals, ensuring the best possible recovery outcomes. Patients typically see measurable improvement within two to four weeks of initiating treatment. Prompt and evidence-informed care significantly enhances recovery timelines and outcomes (McCrory et al., 2023).

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References:

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1. Ellis, M. J., Leddy, J. J., & Willer, B. (2020). Physiological, vestibulo-ocular and cervicogenic post-concussion disorders: An evidence-based classification system with directions for treatment. Brain Injury, 34(6), 731-741.

2. Leddy, J. J., Haider, M. N., Ellis, M. J., Mannix, R., Darling, S. R., Freitas, M. S., & Willer, B. S. (2021). Early Subthreshold Aerobic Exercise for Sport-Related Concussion: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 175(4), 319-325.