How Computer Games are Effective for Rehabilitation

Computer games can be fun but they can also stimulate the brain. Certain computer games are used in the rehabilitation of those that have sustained a traumatic brain injury. These computer games are used to try to improve the significant cognitive and motor problems experienced by those that have suffered brain injuries.

However, it is important to keep in mind that computer games cannot rehabilitate a brain injury alone. The use of computer games should be used in conjunction with ongoing cognitive rehabilitation treatment with a professional. Additionally, not all computer games are created equal. If you are interested in using computer games for brain injury rehabilitation, it is highly recommended that you get a recommendation from a health care professional regarding whether it is appropriate in your case. 

Despite some limitations, computer games offer numerous benefits. They help take rehabilitation out of the clinics and into the injured person’s home. This helps make treatment more accessible and enjoyable. Treating a brain injury can be a long and difficult process. However, the use of rehabilitation techniques that make the process more pleasant and entertaining can only lead to positive results.

By Liane Shepley

Concussions in Organized Sports

A concussion is a common head injury that results from a direct or indirect blow to the head. Damage is caused by a sudden shifting of the brain within the skull. This shifting can cause the brain to knock against the skull causing bruising.

A Statistics Canada survey found that there are approximately 30,000 concussions reported annually among the 12 to 19 year old age group. Sixty-six percent of these concussions resulted from engaging in a sporting activity. Sadly, these numbers are likely under representing the number of concussions actually occurring in youth in organized sports.

Concussions have been referred to as the “silent epidemic” because symptoms may not be immediately recognizable. Your child may not want anyone to know that he or she is hurt due to embarrassment. However, you can keep your eye out for post-concussion symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, loss of vision, ringing in the ears, stomach ache/nausea, sleeping difficulties, poor balance, confusion, slow response, and/or loss of consciousness.

If you have your child enrolled in organized sports this fall, please remain mindful of the risk of a concussion injury. Concussions are most commonly related to contact sports, such as hockey or football; however, all sports have some level of risk. Keep your kids safe and use protective equipment whenever possible, such as helmets, mouth guards, and neck protectors. It is also important to have open communication with your child and your child’s coaching staff.  

By Liane Shepley

Rehabilitation Options for SCI

The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When injured, the spinal cord’s ability to send these messages is affected and this can result in a complete or partial loss of feeling, function, and/or sensation throughout the body. These injuries will vary in severity; however, most spinal cord injuries will require a high level of care in order to maximize physical functioning and reintegration into the workplace and community. 

Rehabilitation of a spinal cord injury is very important and is often undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team. Rehabilitation options for spinal cord injury victims include physiotherapy, which focuses on improving mobility, occupational therapy, which addresses difficulties in activities of daily living, and speech language pathology, which addresses issues with communication and swallowing. Seeing a psychologist is also an option to consider as there are often many emotional and behavioural changes after a spinal cord injury.

By Liane Shepley

Athletic Opportunities for Wheelchair Athletes

For those that sustain a spinal cord injury (“SCI”), readjusting to life in a wheelchair can seem daunting, especially for those who previously had athletic lifestyles. However, being in a wheelchair does not translate into life without physical activity. In fact, the benefits of physical activity to those with an SCI can be tremendous and there is no shortage of athletic opportunities available.

The popularity of sports involving physically disabled athletes has exploded in recent years, with the Paralympics becoming the second largest sporting event in the world. Wheelchair athletes participate in a wide variety of sports including basketball, rugby, tennis, track and field, curling, football, and hockey. These sports are adapted with some minor modifications but remain just as physically demanding and exciting to watch! 

There are numerous associations in Canada that offer wheelchair sporting opportunities. These include the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association, Athletics Canada, Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.  

By Liane Shepley