Physio Network [Physio Explained] Understanding concussion: symptoms, assessment, and recovery with Laura Fazzari
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Jul 16, 2025 Laura Fazzari, an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience working with elite athletes, dives into the complexities of concussion management. She discusses the diverse symptoms and the challenges in assessing them, emphasizing individual experiences. Fazzari provides insights into vestibular ocular motor screening as a pivotal assessment tool. She also highlights effective recovery strategies, the importance of psychological factors, and evidence-based precautions for a safe return to play.
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Concussion Symptoms Are Heterogeneous
- Concussion symptoms vary greatly across individuals, affecting about 10% persistently beyond a few weeks.
- Symptoms can include unusual visual issues, tinnitus, and motion sensitivity even when clinical tests appear normal.
Categorize Symptoms for Assessment
- Separate concussion symptoms into visual, motion, autonomic, and cognitive categories during assessment.
- Explore symptom triggers like screen use, motion sensitivity, exercise tolerance, and psychological changes to guide treatment.
Basic VOMS Assessment Guidance
- Conduct vestibular ocular motor screening (VOMS) using minimal equipment like a convergence ruler or tape measure.
- Assess smooth pursuits, saccades, convergence, accommodation, gaze stabilization, and VOR suppression carefully, noting symptom triggers.