Complete Concussion Management
Posted by Dr. Andrea Sorichetti on Sep 19, 2016
Vice-President Andrew Bandler introduced Dr. Andrea Sorichetti, a graduate from Queen's University, with a Bachelor of Science and Physical and Health Education. Dr. Sorichetti received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and studied Medical Acupuncture at McMaster University. During her chiropractic internship, Dr. Sorichetti was selected to work at St. Michael's Hospital in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She was also selected to work at Sunnybrook -- St. John's Rehabilitation Hospital. Practicing with an evidence-based approach, she collaborated with a team of health care providers including medical doctors, pharmacists, dietitians, social worker and psychologists. Dr. Sorichetti is trained in the treatment and management of concussion and post-concussion syndrome through Complete Concussion Management. She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and a certified Webster Technique practitioner, specializing in prenatal and post-natal care. Dr. Sorichetti also specializes in veterinary chiropractic, operating Quinte Animal Chiropractic out of various veterinary hospitals in the region. Andrew was especially proud and pleased to introduce Dr. Sorichetti as a guest speaker and his wife and offered to be her IT support.
Dr. Sorichetti stated there are four main issues surrounding concussions -- prevalence (10 - 30% of athletes involved in sports suffer a concussion each season with as many as 50% of concussions not reported), coaches/trainers/parents not recognizing concussions, lack of training by doctors (concussion training is not covered in medical school curriculum resulting in children being sent back to school/sport too early by doctors) and improper management. So what is a concussion? A concussion is a disruption in neurological function following a significant impact to the head or elsewhere on the body. Following impact, affected brain cells become excited and fire in an uncontrollable manner, which can cause any number of concussion symptoms. While the initial symptoms of concussion may only last a few hours to days, the injury actually results in an extreme energy deficit within the brain that can last for 3 to 5 weeks or longer. During this energy deficit, research has found that the brain is very vulnerable to any additional trauma, whereby even smaller impacts can result in serious or even fatal brain injury, even if the person feels completely recovered. It is, therefore, extremely important that athletes with a suspected concussion be immediately removed from all activity that may cause further head trauma until this energy deficit has been restored.
Dr. Sorichetti shared the story of Rowan Stringer, a young high school rugby player who died following a tackle in 2013. She had suffered a concussion the week before, had suffered headaches, treated with Advil. As a result of the inquest held and information that surfaced, a mandate was given to develop a concussion policy that would include testing and treatment. The main challenge with concussions is that it is difficult to determine when the energy deficit has been restored and athletic activity can be safely resumed without increased risk. There are currently no "brain scans", x-rays or MRIs that can show the recovery level within the brain. The best way to know when someone has recovered is to compare a pre-injury brain function through a process known as baseline testing. This testing will show a healthy state versus an injured state. These tests allow clinicians to have a record of an athlete's performance in various areas of brain function when they are healthy. This way, if they do sustain a concussion, this information can be used to more accurately determine their recovery and safe re-integration back into sport.
Concussions can be treated by seeing someone trained on concussion management and receive an early diagnosis and treatment through manual therapy (whiplash), exercise therapy (to treat blood flow abnormalities), nutrition to decrease inflammation in the brain, vestibular therapy to help with balance and co-ordination and visual therapy. Concussions should not be scary. They are treatable. People can get better. There is hope. The concussion problem can be addressed with proper concussion management. CCMI (Complete Concussion Management) is a certification and training program for medical doctors and health care practitioners. CCMI provides cutting-edge and effective treatment options for patients suffering from recent or long-standing concussion-related symptoms including headaches, dizziness, visual problems, school and work difficulties, fatigue and drowsiness and memory problems.
Andrea was thanked by Mike Bandler on behalf of the Club. Her insight and information was very well received.