Concussion Evaluation and Management Flashcards

Which symptom cluster in post-concussion assessment is associated with vestibular dysfunction specifically?

Answer: Dizziness, nausea, and balance impairment

Vestibular dysfunction after concussion manifests as dizziness, nausea, and balance impairment due to disruption of the vestibular system and its connections to the brainstem and cerebellum.

When should neuroimaging (CT scan) be ordered following a suspected sports concussion?

Answer: Only when structural intracranial injury is suspected based on red flag symptoms

CT scanning is indicated only when red flag symptoms (focal neurological deficits, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, prolonged LOC) suggest structural intracranial pathology.

A CCSP athlete assessment reveals prolonged oculomotor dysfunction after concussion. Which specialized rehabilitation approach is most appropriate?

Answer: Vision therapy and vestibular rehabilitation

Vision therapy combined with vestibular rehabilitation targets oculomotor dysfunction and vestibulo-ocular reflex impairment, which are common persistent concussion sequelae.

What is the significance of 'symptom provocation' during sub-threshold aerobic exercise in concussion rehabilitation?

Answer: It identifies the aerobic threshold for safe progressive exercise

Symptom provocation during sub-threshold aerobic testing (Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test) identifies the heart rate threshold at which symptoms emerge, guiding safe exercise prescription.

Which structure's injury best explains the cervicogenic component that can mimic or complicate concussion symptoms?

Answer: Upper cervical facet joints (C1-C3)

Upper cervical facet joints (C1-C3) and related structures can generate headache, dizziness, and neck pain that overlap with concussion symptoms, making differentiation clinically important.

In which scenario would a chiropractor be legally and ethically required to withhold an athlete from practice pending physician evaluation?

Answer: Athlete displays red flag signs including unequal pupils and worsening headache

Red flag signs such as unequal pupils and worsening headache suggest serious intracranial pathology requiring emergency physician evaluation and the athlete must be immediately withheld from participation.

The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) can be assessed at the sideline using which quick clinical test?

Answer: Head Impulse Test

The Head Impulse Test (HIT) assesses the VOR by observing corrective saccades when the head is rapidly moved, indicating vestibular pathway dysfunction relevant to concussion.