A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions may result from a hit to the head, face, neck or somewhere else on the body. When the brain moves inside the skull it can become injured, affecting how it works and how you feel.

Concussion symptoms can be physical (e.g., headaches), cognitive/thinking (e.g., difficulty concentrating), emotional (e.g., increased sadness) or sleep related (e.g., difficulty falling asleep). The symptoms experienced after a concussion can differ across people and injuries.

In addition to the symptoms of concussion, some people are confused, slow to answer questions, or even have a brief loss of consciousness. If you experience a hit to the head or body and you experience any signs or symptoms of a concussion , you should immediately stop the activity you were participating in and be assessed for a concussion by a medical doctor.

This differs for every person and every injury. If properly managed, most people with concussion will no longer experience symptoms within four weeks. Others can take much longer to feel well (months or even years). Concussion recovery requires patience and support.

Treatment and rehabilitation may include a brief period of rest, followed by a stepwise return to activity under the supervision of a physician and team of concussion health care professionals. At 360, each person receives a tailored treatment plan based on history and symptoms. Some people with concussion require physiotherapy to treat balance or vision problems. Others may require medications to treat symptoms such as ongoing headache or sleep disturbances. Still others may benefit from cognitive or behavioural therapy.

It is important to first see a physician to confirm if you have a concussion and to rule out any other medical conditions. Once you know you have a concussion, you can develop and follow a treatment plan with the support of your health care team, and others involved in your life (family, teachers, coaches, employers, etc.). Patients can come to 360 before or after a concussion is confirmed.

Concussion is diagnosed by a physician after a thorough history and physical exam including a neurological exam. To date, no routine blood tests or imaging tests exist to diagnose a concussion. Your doctor will only confirm a concussion diagnosis based on a full evaluation after considering all the other possibilities.

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, it may take longer for symptoms to go away, impacting a patient’s ability to safely and effectively take part in daily activities. And, another hit to the head or body could increase the risk of an even more serious brain injury.

Post-concussion syndrome is the term used when someone continues to have ongoing symptoms beyond four weeks after a concussion. Post-concussion syndrome has been known to reduce quality of life, affect school and/or work performance, lower mood and limit social engagement. Anyone who has symptoms after a concussion for more than 4 weeks should continue to be seen by an interdisciplinary health team for further evaluation and management.

Your initial 360 Assessment will cost between $100.00-$150.00 depending on the length of appointment needed. Your assessment will include a visit with a rehabilitation specialist and a physician to diagnose or confirm a concussion diagnosis. Physician visits are covered for Ontario residents by provincial health insurance. We will develop an individualized recovery plan. This plan will be overseen by a physician and supported by our interdisciplinary healthcare providers, including a concussion coach. Treatments like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mental health and massage may be indicated, and these may (or may not) be covered by supplemental insurance.

If you don’t have supplemental insurance, you would be responsible for the cost of certain treatments that may be indicated as part of your individualized treatment plan, but are not covered under provincial health insurance. These may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mental health, massage therapy or other.

At your first visit, we can help you review your insurance coverage to understand what is and isn’t covered.

We can deliver a lot of concussion care virtually, but there may be assessments or treatments that are best done in person. Our goal is to ensure that patients receive the best care possible and we will work with each patient to ensure that happens in a way that works for them.

Absolutely. After your first visit, our team will send a report back to the physician or nurse practitioner who referred you to share the diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. Your concussion coach will also provide you with a plan for recovery which you may bring to your next visit with your family physician.

Yes. We have a physician-led, integrated team of healthcare professionals that will develop and deliver your recovery plan.

We are following strict COVID-19 health and safety standards recommended by the Ontario Government, Ottawa Public Health and our professions’ regulatory colleges for all in-person appointments. All staff and patients will be wearing masks and using hand sanitizer while in clinic. We also offer virtual care for follow-up appointments, which is an option for patients who are not yet comfortable coming into the clinic.