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Concussion Baseline & Post-Injury Assessment

A concussion, also called a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a temporary disruption in how the brain works. It’s often caused by a direct hit to the head or face but can also happen from an injury to the neck (like whiplash) or even the body, where the force travels to the head. You don’t need to lose consciousness to have a concussion—less than 10% of concussions involve being “knocked out.”

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Symptoms of a concussion can vary but often include headaches, feeling mentally "foggy," mood changes like irritability or sadness, memory issues, dizziness, changes in vision, slower reaction times, fatigue, and neck pain. Most people recover from these symptoms within about a week, but returning to normal activities like sports often takes closer to a month. For some, symptoms can last much longer, extending beyond the typical recovery timeline.

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Recent studies show that even after symptoms go away, the brain’s full recovery might take longer than it appears. Since no two concussions are the same, it’s important to have tools to properly diagnose and treat each case individually. At Gardner & Lowe Chiropractic, we provide thorough concussion assessments and create tailored treatment plans to help you recover fully and safely.

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At Gardner & Lowe Chiropractic Ben utilises objective technology to assess and record patients baseline level of symptoms such as eye movements, balance, reaction time and cognative function.

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Once a baseline evaluation has been performed, you will be able to decide if you would like to improve areas of deficiencies identified within the assessment, or simply record the progression - or regression - of the different domains. This baseline can then be used to track progress and assist with the decision making process regarding returinng to work, study and sport.​​​​

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Concussion Treatment Process

At Gardner & Lowe Chiropractic, Ben follows a structured and patient-focused approach to concussion and neuroscience based care. Our goal is to provide thorough assessments and personalised treatment plans to help patients recover fully and achieve long-term health.

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Before the Appointment

Preparation is key to ensuring that your concussion assessment and treatment is thorough and effective. To make sure that we can provide the best possible care, we require some steps to be completed before your initial appointment.

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Patient Outcome Measures and History Submission

• Before your visit, we will send you an online questionnaire through EREPSONLINE. This includes detailed outcome measures and a comprehensive patient history form. These tools are designed to gather vital information about your symptoms, medical history, and overall health.

• The outcome measures help us assess key areas, such as cognitive function, physical symptoms, and emotional well-being, which are critical for understanding the full impact of your concussion.

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Completion Deadline

• It’s essential that you complete and submit these forms at least two days prior to your appointment. This allows Ben to review your information in detail and begin developing an understanding of your unique case. Having this information in advance ensures that your appointment time is used effectively and that we can focus on assessments and treatment planning during your visit.

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Why This Step Matters

• The information you provide allows us to personalise your care from the very beginning. By identifying patterns, triggers, or areas of concern in advance, we can create a more targeted and efficient plan to address your symptoms and recovery goals.

• Additionally, this preparation minimises delays and helps us dedicate more time to hands-on assessments and discussions during your appointment.

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Your Comprehensive Assessment (2 Hours)

The new patient appointment is a comprehensive and in-depth session designed to thoroughly assess your condition and develop a personalised treatment plan. This extended appointment ensures that we take the time to understand your unique needs and create a roadmap for your recovery.  Here’s what you can expect during your first visit:

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Review of History and Outcome Measures

Before your appointment, Dr. Ben will carefully review the information you’ve provided, including your medical history and completed outcome measures. This pre-appointment review allows us to identify potential problem areas and plan a targeted assessment. Having this background ensures that we make the most of your time in the clinic.

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Comprehensive Systems Assessment

During the appointment, we will perform a detailed evaluation of the systems affected by your concussion or neurological concerns. This includes:

• Body and Head Movement: Assessing your balance, coordination, and the way your body moves in relation to your head.

• Eye Movement: Evaluating your visual tracking, eye alignment, and coordination to detect any impairments affecting your vision or balance.

• Neck Strength and Movement: Examining the strength, flexibility, and alignment of your neck to identify any restrictions or weaknesses contributing to your symptoms.

• Judgment and Decision-Making: Assessing cognitive functions such as problem-solving, decision-making, and reaction times to understand the impact of the injury on your mental processing.

• Nerve Pathways: Testing the communication between the brain and body, as well as the feedback from the body to the brain, to ensure the nervous system is functioning optimally.​

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Recording Results

All findings from these assessments are meticulously recorded to create a detailed picture of your condition. This documentation helps us track your progress over time and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

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Development of a Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on the assessment results, Ben will design an individualised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will include:

• In-Clinic Visits: Regular sessions focusing on targeted therapies and rehabilitation techniques to address the areas most affected by your concussion.

• At-Home Exercises: Personalised exercises that you can perform at home to support your recovery and strengthen key areas between visits.

• Recovery Goals: Setting realistic milestones to monitor your progress and ensure steady improvement.

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The new patient appointment is a critical first step in your recovery journey. By dedicating ample time to a comprehensive evaluation, we can ensure that no detail is overlooked and that your treatment plan is based on a complete understanding of your unique condition. This approach helps us provide effective, evidence-based care to promote long-term recovery and improved quality of life.

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Ongoing Treatment

After your initial assessment and the creation of your personalised treatment plan, Dr. Ben will continue to guide you through your recovery with regular, focused treatment sessions. These sessions are designed to address the specific areas identified in your plan, ensuring consistent progress and effective management of your symptoms.

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Individualised Care

Each treatment session will be tailored to the priorities outlined in your plan. Dr. Ben will use a combination of hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, and other therapeutic interventions to support your recovery. These sessions will focus on improving key areas such as balance, coordination, cognitive function, and physical strength, depending on your unique needs.

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Monitoring Progress

To ensure your treatment remains effective, Dr. Ben will closely monitor your progress at every stage. This includes:

• In-Person Assessments: Regular evaluations during your appointments to track improvements and address any emerging concerns.

• Outcome Measures: Periodic reviews of the outcome measures you complete at home to evaluate changes in your symptoms and overall function. These updates provide valuable insights into how your nervous system and overall health are responding to treatment.

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Adjusting Your Plan as Needed

Recovery from a concussion is not always linear, and adjustments may be necessary along the way. By continually monitoring your progress, Ben can make informed modifications to your treatment plan to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and evolving needs.

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With a combination of in-person care and consistent tracking of your outcomes, our ongoing treatment approach ensures that you stay on the path to recovery. Together, we’ll work to address lingering symptoms, restore your quality of life, and help you achieve a full and lasting recovery.

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