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How Is a Concussion Treated and What Can You Do During the Recovery Period
There is no specific treatment for a concussion, but several things can help reduce the severity and length of symptoms. By Ashley WelchMedically Reviewed by Samuel Mackenzie, MD, PhDReviewed: March 10, 2022Medically ReviewedRest is essential immediately following a concussion.iStockA concussion is a mild type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that can lead to a range of health issues, including persistent headaches, dizziness, and problems with memory or thinking. In rare cases, a concussion can lead to a blood clot or bleed in the brain, which can turn fatal. Symptoms can show up immediately or days or weeks later.While most people recover completely from a concussion, how soon this happens can depend on several factors, including the severity of the trauma, their age, how healthy they were before the concussion, and how they take care of themselves afterward. Several things can help reduce the severity and length of symptoms. Rest Is Essential Immediately Following a Concussion
The most important step in concussion recovery is getting plenty of rest, which is necessary to help the brain heal. People with a concussion should get plenty of sleep at night and rest during the day.In the first 48 hours after a concussion, you should avoid any activity that is physically demanding, including heavy housework, weight lifting, and exercise, as well as activities that require a lot of concentration, such as doing school work, reading, playing video games, watching television, or texting. These can make your symptoms worse and make your recovery period longer. After that period, though, you can gradually increase your activity, including screen time, as long as it does not trigger your symptoms. Light exercise such as aerobics has been shown to help people recover faster over the long run. However, it’s important to avoid any activities where there is a risk that you may experience a blow or jolt to the head until you are fully recovered. If you live alone, ask someone to stay with you for the first 48 hours so they can look out for problems, including changes in your behavior or difficulties concentrating or understanding. Try to avoid situations that will cause you stress. Avoid Contact or Recreational Sports After a Concussion
No matter whether your concussion occurred as a result of a sports trauma, avoid participation in contact sports until you’re cleared by your doctor. Research shows that one concussion puts a person at a higher risk of subsequent TBIs. If you received a sports-related concussion, research shows that engaging in noncontact sports immediately following the injury can aid in your recovery. Keep Track of Things That Are Harder for You to Remember
Write down a list of the things that may be harder than usual for you to remember and bring it to your next doctor’s appointment. If you find yourself getting easily distracted, try doing one thing at a time. For example, focus only on making dinner instead of cooking while watching television. Until your symptoms go away, ask a family member or close friend for help in making important decisions. Talk With Your Doctor Before Returning to Normal Activities
When your healthcare provider gives you the go-ahead to return to your normal activities, do so gradually, not all at once. Ask your physician when you can return to work and talk with your employer about your condition. Consider asking about returning to work gradually, including working half days and changing your work activities until you recover. Since your ability to react may be slower after a concussion, consult with your doctor about when you can safely ride a bike, drive a car, or operate heavy machinery.Avoid alcoholic beverages until your doctor says you are well enough to drink them again. Only take medication that you have spoken to your doctor about and have received approval for. Generally, for the first 24 hours, avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen sodium (Aleve) for pain relief, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. After 24 hours, these medications are considered safe. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken within the first 24 hours for pain relief. Initially, you may want to avoid sustained computer use, including computer and video games. Experts also recommend steering clear of roller coasters and other high-speed rides during the recovery period. Concussion Recovery in Children
In children, the same rules apply for concussion recovery as for adults. Parents should talk with their child’s doctor about when it is safe to return to school and other activities. Parents may also wish to speak to teachers, coaches, counselors, babysitters, other parents, siblings, and any one else who interacts with the child to help them understand what happened to the child and what they can do to help in recovery. When Concussions Become More Serious
More severe head injuries can lead to long-term symptoms and further complications, including headaches, vertigo, post-concussion syndrome, and swelling or bleeding in the brain. The severity of these complications varies significantly, as does the treatment. Some may clear up on their own, while others can require treatment with medication. Hospitalization is necessary in some cases, and certain patients may need surgery. Look out for danger signs after a concussion, including a headache that gets worse and does not go away; weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination; repeated vomiting or nausea; and slurred speech. Get to your doctor or an emergency room right away if you are experiencing these symptoms after a concussion so a physician can find out what is wrong and determine a treatment plan.If you’re caring for someone recovering from a concussion or who might have suffered a concussion, take them to an emergency room immediately if they: Look very drowsy or cannot wake upHave one pupil larger than the otherHave seizures or convulsionsCannot recognize people or placesAre getting more confused, restless, or agitatedAre behaving unusuallyLose consciousness Vestibular Therapy New Treatment on the Horizon
While adequate rest is the No. 1 recommended treatment post-concussion, researchers are looking at a more active form of treatment called vestibular therapy. This is an exercise-based program, designed by a specialized physical therapist, to improve balance and decrease dizziness — problems that may arise after someone suffers a concussion. The therapy involves specific head, body, and eye exercises designed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals resulting in gaze and balance stabilization. According to a research review, although the evidence surrounding vestibular therapy in patients with concussions is weak, it shows promise and warrants further studies to analyze its potential benefits. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Concussion. Mayo Clinic. February 17, 2020.Getting Better After a Mild TBI or Concussion. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 12, 2021.Am I Now at Greater Risk for Another Concussion? Weill Cornell Medicine Concussion and Brain Injury Clinic.Concussion Treatment and Recovery. University of Michigan Health.McCrory P, Meeuwisse W, Dvorak J, et al. Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport — the 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport Held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine. May 2017.Facts About Concussion and Brain Injury. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2010.Recovery From Concussion. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 12, 2019.Concussion Danger Signs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 12, 2019.Murray D, Meldrum D, Lennon O. Can Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises Help Patients With Concussion? A Systematic Review of Efficacy, Prescription, and Progression Patterns. British Journal of Sports Medicine. February 2017.Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2022.Show LessNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter
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