STA193 'Concussion: Causes, Risks & Treatment' with special guest Nicola Hunt

In episode 193 of the Sports Therapy Association podcast, special guest Nicola Hunt, director at PhysioCare Rehab, unravels misconceptions around concussions and imparts key information about their causes, dangers, and treatment. This crucial talk clarifies general myths about concussions to drive the right understanding and management for this common yet critical issue. We delve into how concussions, or mild traumatic brain injuries, occur and understand why the loss of consciousness is not a prerequisite for concussions. The episode also explores concussions as functional brain injuries and stresses the importance of accurate identification and proper management of concussions in sports and beyond. Get insights into the physiological changes that take place in the brain after a concussion, the brain's energy depletion, and recovery timeframes. We also highlight the 'red flags' that signify immediate medical attention, and the gender differences in concussion susceptibility. The episode furthermore provides practical advice for sports therapists and athletes, and emphasizes the need for close post-concussion monitoring. The conversation extends to the impact and identification of concussions in grassroots sports settings, the physical changes post-concussion, and the importance of concussion-screening tools. We further explore the importance of a thorough medical assessment, the potential for delayed symptoms, and necessary protective measures against concussions. This intriguing episode sheds light on the underestimated world of concussions in sports, revealing the physical, psychological and long-term effects faced by athletes. We share engrossing real-life concussion experiences, explore the role of breathwork in post-concussion symptom management, and guide you to Nicola's online & face-to-face courses to deepen your understanding of concussions. Our sincere thanks to Nicola Hunt for giving up her time to be a guest on the show! Useful Links: Up & Coming Concussion Courses (online & face-to-face): https://yourbrainhealth.io/ (DISCOUNT CODE for STA members - see Members Page on Website) Nicola Hunt Clinic: https://www.physiocarerehab.co.uk/ PhysioCare Rehab on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/physiocarerehabltd Connect With The Sports Therapy Association Facebook Instagram Twitter Website  Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the Sports Therapy Association podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Please Support Our Podcast! If you appreciate what we do, please take a couple of minutes to leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. It really does make all the difference in helping us reach out to a larger audience. iPhone users you can do this from your phone, Android users you will need to do it from iTunes. Questions? Email: [email protected]