What are the key points in concussion rehabilitation?
Key Points 1) Concussion rehabilitation policies are largely consensus based 2) Emerging evidence is suggesting that exercise and cognitive activity in a controlled and prescriptive manner may benefit recovery.
What should be the medical team’s approach to concussions?
Ultimately, the medical team, in conjunction with a trained professional, should balance the neurocognitive and behavioral accommodations of the concussed student-athlete in a way that restricts cognitive activities that trigger or introduce symptom exacerbation, but allow for him/her to become involved in school activities again.
What are the symptoms of a concussion like injury?
During the recovery phase factors that are causing symptoms should be sought and treatment plans put in place for their resolution. Common treatable causes of concussion-like symptoms include; neck injury, dizziness, lightheadedness, vision problems, difficulty with sleep, and new or worsening mood symptoms.
What to do after a concussion?
1. Sleep and Rest. It takes time for the brain to heal after a concussion. In addition to physical rest and plenty of sleep, the brain needs to be mentally rested as well. For that reason, reading, playing video games, using the computer or another device should be avoided until all concussion symptoms are gone.
What are two facts about recovering from a concussion?
When a concussion is severe or symptoms won't go away, a specialist may be needed. More than 85 percent of concussions heal fine, but only if managed correctly in the first days to weeks following the injury. Symptoms may take up to a day to appear after an incident. A concussion doesn't always cause unconsciousness.
What is the problem with the findings in concussion?
Complications. Following a concussion, some people may suffer persisting symptoms, such as memory and concentration problems, mood swings, personality changes, headache, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and excessive drowsiness for several weeks to months. This is known as post-concussive syndrome.
What are 3 complications of a concussion?
Concussion may cause a wide range of short- or long-term complications, affecting thinking, sensation, language or emotions. These changes may lead to problems with memory, communication, personality changes, as well as depression and the early onset of dementia.
What are the 2 possible issue causing post concussion syndrome?
These factors include a history of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, significant life stressors, a poor social support system and lack of coping skills. More research is still needed to better understand how and why persistent post-concussive symptoms happen after some injuries and not others.
What measures could make a difference in diagnosing and treating concussions?
Brain imaging may determine whether the injury is severe and has caused bleeding or swelling in the skull. A cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan is the standard test in adults to assess the brain right after injury. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of your skull and brain.
Which of the following is crucial when recovering from a concussion?
Brain rest is essential for concussion recovery Research suggests1 cognitive rest can allow patients to recover more quickly, and that a lack of brain rest during early recovery can: Lead to prolonged or worsened post-concussion symptoms. Make the brain more susceptible to repeat injury.
Does hitting your head make you dumber?
Does a Concussion Affect a Person's Intelligence? A concussion does not necessarily affect intelligence. Intelligence is a stable trait which includes many aspects of cognitive functioning. Following a concussion, the brain is unable to function as well as it did prior to injury.
What are the long term effects of concussions?
Long Term Effects of a Concussion Trouble concentrating. Memory problems. Irritability and other personality changes. Sensitivity to light and noise.
What is the recovery time for a concussion?
Concussion recovery and treatment. Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. People with concussions should never return to sports or other physical activity sooner than one week from sustaining the injury.
Can you recover from multiple concussions?
A person with a history of repeated mild TBIs or concussions may: Experience a longer recovery or more severe symptoms. Have long-term problems, including ongoing problems with concentration, memory, headache, and occasionally, physical skills, such as keeping one's balance.
What are the 4 categories of concussion symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of concussion reported within 1 to 7 days post injury (see Table 3-3) typically fall into four categories—physical (somatic), cognitive, emotional (affective), and sleep—and patients will experience one or more symptoms from one or more categories.
Can you get a concussion if you don't hit your head?
If I Didn't Hit My Head? Yes, definitely. While many concussions are caused by a blow to the head, you can also get a concussion from whiplash or jostling. In those cases, the brain slams against your skull, temporarily damaging the cells and causing an inflammation response.
What is recovery from a concussion?
Recovery from a concussion is when your child is able to do all of their regular activities without experiencing any symptoms. Also, be sure to: Schedule a follow up appointment for your child’s doctor or nurse.
How long does it take for a concussion to heal?
Most children with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. However for some, symptoms will last for a month or longer. Concussion symptoms may appear during the normal healing process or as your child gets back to their regular activities. If there are any symptoms that concern you or are getting worse, be sure to seek medical care as soon as possible.
What are the factors that delay recovery?
Factors that might delay recovery include your child having: a history of a previous concussion or other brain injury, neurological or mental health disorders, learning difficulties, and/or. family and social stressors. 1. Rest.
How to help a child with a brain injury?
Rest. Your child should take it easy the first few days after the injury when symptoms are more severe. Early on, limit physical and thinking/remembering activities to avoid symptoms getting worse. Avoid activities that put your child at risk for another injury to the head and brain.
When symptoms are mild and nearly gone, can your child return to most regular activities?
When symptoms are mild and nearly gone, your child can return to most regular activities.
What to do if your child's symptoms are not worsening?
If your child’s symptoms do not worsen during an activity then this activity is OK for them. If symptoms worsen, your child should cut back on how much he or she can do that activity without experiencing symptoms.
A Widespread Problem That May Go Unreported
The Brain Injury Research Institute reports that 1.6 to 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year.
How an Early Thorough Exam Can Help
Although there is not a single definitive diagnostic test for concussion, doctors may perform a comprehensive exam and assessment using a computer-based testing program such as the ImPACT Neurocognitive Assessment.
Taking Steps to Limit Risk
Avoiding concussion in the first place may be the best advice, but that can be difficult, especially in sports such as football, ice hockey, soccer, and basketball, for which head injuries are common.
Concussions: Studies in Recovery
A recent study published in the journal Radiology underscored that older patients may have more difficulty recovering from a concussion. Specifically, researchers used functional MRI (fMRI) to evaluate the effect of age, after concussion, on working memory and functional activation in the brain.
Concussion Treatment and Recovery
Current treatments include medications to stabilize the pressure in the brain to stop bleeding and protect from seizures. In addition, physical therapy and cognitive therapy are especially important for older adults.
Strategies for Prevention
Because falls are the number one cause of concussions in older adults, it stands to reason that preventing them is the best course of action.
What are the factors that affect the recovery of a concussion?
One of the critical factors affecting concussion recovery is the severity of the original injury. In general, the more severe the injury, the longer it takes to recover.
What is the best diet for a concussion?
The Headway Foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting safer sports, recommends the following foods: protein to support healthy brain function. fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin E to support the nervous system.
How long does it take for a concussion to go away?
The symptoms and the amount of time it takes for them to go away may differ between people and between concussions. Each concussion is different, even for the same person, and the path to concussion recovery will vary for every individual.
How long after a concussion can you sleep?
Not all concussion symptoms will be noticeable right after the injury, with some not appearing until days or weeks later. Right after a concussion, in what doctors call the acute phase, experts recommend 24–72 hours of rest.
What causes a concussion?
A concussion can occur due to certain types of traumatic brain injuries. Head trauma can damage the brain due to direct force or when the brain rapidly shifts or turns. Causes include falls, blows, or shaking.
What foods help the brain heal?
fish, nuts, and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to promote brain healing
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
After a concussion, the majority of people recover from the initial symptoms within 2 weeks to 1 month.
Why is it important to learn to deal with conflict?
Sometimes, avoiding this type of interaction can be negative, because it means the individual is refusing to face their problems. Dealing with conflict is an important skill for people in recovery from addiction to learn.
What is conflict in psychology?
A conflict refers to a situation where there is a competition of opposing actions or incompatibles. Conflicts arise among humans because of competing desires and expectations. These conflicts may be based on real issues or, in many cases, they will be due to misunderstanding.
What is conflict avoidance?
Conflict avoidance refers to a situation in which people avoid facing issues even when these issues need to be faced. These types of avoidance tactics can include:
Why do addicts fall into addiction?
One reason for addicts fall into addiction in the first place is that they suffer from low self-esteem. Not valuing themselves leads to a black-and-white worldview. Everything is either right or wrong. Being too opinionated in recovery is likely to get them into trouble.
How to heal from a concussion?
You may want to try avoiding big crowds and bright fluorescent lighting for a few days while you recover. This will give your body time to heal and prevent light or sound sensitivities from getting worse.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Concussion symptoms range from mild to severe and include: 1 loss of consciousness 2 headache, which may range in intensity from mild to severe 3 poor memory or concentration 4 sensitivity to noise, light, or both 5 dizziness or vertigo 6 blurred vision 7 sudden mood changes, including irritability, unexplained crying, or depression 8 nausea or vomiting 9 poor balance 10 drowsiness 11 fatigue 12 reduced hearing 13 trouble sleeping
What is the brain injury that results from the brain hitting the skull or a strain on neural tissue due to excessive force?
Concussions are brain injuries that result from the brain hitting the skull or a strain on neural tissue due to excessive force. This force can be direct, like a hit to the head, or indirect, like whiplash in a car accident. Concussion symptoms range from mild to severe and include: While concussions can cause a loss of consciousness on impact, ...
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
In most cases, concussion recovery takes about 7 to 10 days. Trusted Source. . However, if you don’t get enough rest or follow your doctor’s recommendations, recovery may take a bit longer. Learn more about how long concussions last. In addition, some people develop a condition called post-concussion syndrome. Experts aren’t sure why this happens.
How long does it take for a concussion to heal?
Experts aren’t sure why this happens. If you have this condition, concussion recovery can take several months or even longer . During this time, you may experience a headache and other concussion symptoms as listed above.
How long after a concussion do you have symptoms?
If you’ve recently had a concussion and are still having symptoms after 7 to 10 days, make an appointment with your doctor to check for signs of post-concussion syndrome.
What to do if you think you have a concussion?
It’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor if you think you have a concussion. They can determine how severe your concussion is and give you more specific recovery tips.
How to heal from a concussion?
Other natural concussion treatment options to help recovery include diffusing lavender oil and other stress-reducing essential oils and participating in music therapy. Sleep and rest. Light exercise.
What are the risk factors for a concussion?
Recognized risk factors include: Participating in contact sports like hockey, football, soccer, martial arts, boxing and wrestling. Participating in non-contact sports like cycling, cheerleading and baseball.
How long does it take for a concussion to heal?
The vast majority of people who have a concussion will recover completely in a few days or weeks; however, serious complications can occur in the elderly, infants, children, and those who have experienced multiple concussions.
How long after a concussion should you monitor?
A thorough examination and monitoring are necessary first steps in concussion treatment, or after any head trauma. The first 24 hours after the injury are crucial. ( 2) Losing consciousness is a symptom of a concussion, but the loss of consciousness is not the only determining factor.
How long does it take to diagnose a concussion?
Conventional Concussion Treatment. Diagnosing a concussion requires a thorough physical examination. The first 24 hours after a brain injury are crucial, and patients require observation either in the hospital or at home. The medical team will want details surrounding the event and information on past head injuries.
What happens in the hours after an injury?
In the hours following an injury, subdural and epidural hematomas, contusions and edema may develop, and it is imperative that patients are monitored closely.
Why do people get concussions?
Millions of people in the United States suffer from a concussion each year due to motor vehicle accidents, falls, assault and taking part in sports. With lawsuits pending against the NFL and NHL over the long-term consequences of multiple concussions, athletes are considered the most at risk, particularly if they participate in football, hockey, basketball, soccer, cheerleading, wrestling, boxing or cycling.