Medication
For an injury that can be tricky to diagnose, treating a concussion is surprisingly straightforward. There's no medication required, although Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help if there's a headache. Sometimes after a head injury, an overnight stay in the hospital for observation is advisable, but it's rarely necessary.
Therapy
However, this latest study found that people who had suffered from a second concussion took over a month to recover. The effect of prior concussion depended on how close it was in time to the second.
Nutrition
If you have sustained a grade 3 concussion, see a doctor immediately for observation and treatment. A doctor will ask how the head injury happened and discuss the symptoms. The doctor may also ask you simple questions such as "Where do you live?," "What is your name?" or "Who is the president?"
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Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your concussion-related health concerns Start Here There are steps you can take to help your brain heal and speed recovery. In the first few days after a concussion, relative rest is the most appropriate way to allow your brain to recover.
What are the treatment options for a concussion?
How long does it take to recover from a second concussion?
What should I do if I have a Grade 3 concussion?
How can Mayo Clinic help with concussion-related health concerns?
How is a grade 2 concussion treated?
In cases with memory loss or other Grade 2 symptoms, usually limited activities can be resumed in 24-48 hours. Serious (Grade 3-4) concussions require refraining from sports for at least 2-4 weeks, with gradual return to full activity.
How long does it take to recover from a second concussion?
If you're like the majority of people who have had a concussion, then you likely recovered a few weeks afterward and have felt fine ever since then. Concussive symptoms typically resolve in 7 to 10 days (sports-related concussions) or within 3 months (non-athletes).
How serious is a grade 2 concussion?
The symptoms of this moderate type of concussion may be similar to a grade 1 concussion, but a grade 2 concussion typically involves a brief loss of consciousness. This can last for at least a minute but less than five minutes. Again, with any level of brain injury, see a doctor right away.
What happens if you get a 2nd concussion?
Research has shown that people who have multiple concussions are at an increased risk of long-term impairment, such as forgetfulness, “foggy” thinking, difficulty concentrating, balance issues, difficulty focusing and trouble with eyesight.
Is your 2nd concussion worse?
Second impact syndrome (SIS) occurs when two concussions happen in a relatively short period of time and the second concussion is inflicted before the first has fully healed. This causes the brain to “lose its ability to self-regulate pressure and blood volume flowing” and causes rapid and severe brain swelling.
Is a second concussion worse?
The second concussion is worse than the first. Dixon says, “The second concussion can cause quite a bit of damage. In rare cases, people can get second impact syndrome, in which the brain swells and pushes down on the brain stem and cuts off basic life functions. It happens rapidly and can cause sudden death.
Does a concussion show on a CT scan?
A CT scan takes pictures to create images of the brain. The scan can show if there's a fracture or bleeding. An MRI creates clear images of brain tissue. But these scans cannot show if you have a concussion.
What is the highest level of concussion?
A Grade 3 Concussion is generally considered the most severe of this type of traumatic brain injury.
Can a neurosurgeon treat a concussion?
Further, neurosurgeons often manage patients with extracranial injuries that have concomitant concussions. In these cases, neurosurgeons are often the only “concussion experts” that patients encounter. Of note, much of the concussion data that are available are targeted to sports-related injuries.
How do you know if you got a second concussion?
When a concussion patient whose symptoms have not yet resolved sustains a second impact, they may not even lose consciousness at the moment of the impact, but they may look stunned. They may even complete a play in a game and make it to the sideline themselves, but then collapse within a minute or two.
What are the stages of a concussion?
There are three grades: Grade 1: Mild, with symptoms that last less than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 2: Moderate, with symptoms that last longer than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 3: Severe, in which the person loses consciousness, sometimes for just a few seconds.
Can a concussion change your personality?
FEELING OVERWHELMED, ANXIOUS, SAD OR DEPRESSED? A mild traumatic brain injury (also known as a concussion) may result in changes to your behavior, mood or personality. Other symptoms you may be experiencing—including pain, poor sleep quality and fatigue—could be aggravating these changes.
What is the best medicine for a concussion?
In fact, the most effective prescription for a concussion is rest—total rest. 1 For some people that may be easier said than done. But, by giving both the body and brain an extended time-out, the damage caused by a concussion will heal. Verywell / Colleen Tighe.
How long does it take for a concussion to go away?
You should begin to feel "normal" and free of headaches, dizziness, fuzzy thinking, and other concussion symptoms after two to three of weeks of rest. This means giving your body and your brain a chance to recover according to your doctor's instructions. If after 14 days of rest your symptoms haven't begun to diminish, tell your doctor. 3.
How to tell if you have a concussion?
Only a doctor can definitively diagnose a concussion, but there are a number of common symptoms to look out for after a head injury: 5. Dizziness/loss of balance. Disorientation and confusion. A persistent headache that worsens over time. Nausea and/or vomiting.
Why is it important to stay on the sidelines after a blow to the head?
Even a few seconds of feeling stunned or dizzy can indicate damage to the brain, and so it's vital to stay on the sidelines until testing indicates it's OK to get back into the game.
Is it safe to rush to recovery from a concussion?
One thing that is certain is that there's no rushing recovering from a concussion. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) notes the recovery process for a concussion can be very uneven. A person who's on the mend from a concussion is likely to have days during which he or she feels better than other days.
Can you read while recovering from a concussion?
2 Even listening to music can tax the brain. You likely will be advised to stay home from school or work while recovering from a concussion.
Can you take Tylenol for headaches?
There's no medication required, although Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help if there's a headache. 1 Sometimes after a head injury, an overnight stay in the hospital for observation is advisable, but it's rarely necessary. Only a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) would require an intervention such as surgery.
How to recover from a concussion?
Restful sleep is important in all stages of recovery from concussion. If getting to sleep or staying asleep is difficult, discuss this with your doctor for further recommendations. Sleep behavior techniques may be helpful as is the use of certain medications.
What is the recovery process of a concussion?
Recovery from concussion is a complex and dynamic process. During recovery it is critical to identify the factors responsible for symptoms and to develop a treatment plan targeting them. If recovery is not properly managed it can lead to unnecessarily prolonged recovery. Management of recovery should be individualized and directed by ...
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Common treatable causes of concussion-like symptoms include; neck injury, dizziness, lightheadedness, vision problems, difficulty with sleep, and new or worsening mood symptoms.
How long after a concussion should you rest?
Persistent double vision or loss of vision. Increasingly restless, agitated, or combative. In the first one to two days after suffering a concussion, near complete rest is important.
Can social media cause a concussion?
Restriction from email and social media can lead to social isolation and worsening of concussion-like symptoms. Use of electronic devices and social media during concussion recovery may be practiced as long as they do not make symptoms significantly worse.
Can you exercise during a concussion recovery?
New studies, including one performed at Michigan NeuroSport, suggest that limited exercise during the recovery phase allows for quicker recovery from concussion. Return to physical activity and exercise should be gradual and determined by your doctor. Examples of cardiovascular exercises that are started during this phase include use ...
Is it safe to take naproxen after a concussion?
After the first 24 hours, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Aleve) are generally more effective for pain relief, and are safe. In some patients, nausea and vomiting can be bothersome, and prescription medications can help. Restful sleep is important in all stages of recovery from concussion.
How to recover from a concussion?
Most people with concussions fully recover with appropriate treatment . But because a concussion can be serious, safeguarding yourself is important. Here are a few steps to take: Seek medical attention. A health care professional can decide how serious the concussion is and whether you require treatment.
How long does it take to recover from a grade 2 concussion?
That could take several minutes, hours, days, or even a week. If a person has lost consciousness, that’s a grade 3 concussion that needs a doctor’s immediate evaluation and care.
How long do concussion symptoms last?
Some symptoms last for just seconds; others may linger. Concussions are fairly common. Some estimates say a mild brain trauma is sustained every 21 seconds in the U.S. But it's important to recognize the signs of a concussion so you can take the proper steps to treat the injury.
What is the most common type of traumatic brain injury?
What Is a Concussion ? The most common and least serious type of traumatic brain injury is called a concussion. The word comes from the Latin concutere, which means "to shake violently.". A concussion is most often caused by a sudden direct blow or bump to the head.
How long does it take to see if you have a concussion?
Concussions can be tricky to diagnose. Though you may have a visible cut or bruise on your head, you can't see a concussion. Signs may not appear for days or weeks after the injury. Some symptoms last for just seconds; others may linger.
What are the causes of head injuries?
Playing a contact sport. Lack of proper safety gear or supervision for contact sports. Car, motorcycle, bicycle, and other accidents that cause a blow to the head.
What are the best ways to prevent a concussion?
But there are several commonsense precautions you can take to lessen the possibility of traumatic brain injury. Wear protective equipment. Participation in high-contact, high-risk sports such as football , hockey, boxing , and rugby can increase the likelihood of a concussion.
What to do if you suspect someone has a concussion?
If you suspect someone under your care may have a concussion, it is important to keep a close eye on the individual and call a medical professional if you notice any concerning symptoms. If you are unsure whether or not to call a medical professional, it is important to be on the safe side due to the dangerous nature of concussions.
What causes a concussion?
Some of the most common causes of concussions include: direct blows to the head. falls. sports-related injuries. motor vehicle accidents, including whiplash-type trauma. assaults and violence.
What to do if you suspect a concussion?
If you suspect that you or someone else has suffered a concussion, no matter how mild it may seem, please seek immediate medical attention at your nearest Emergency Room or nearby clinic or medical facility. Call 9-1-1.
How long does it take to lose consciousness after a grade 2 concussion?
Grade 2 Concussion symptoms include the possible symptoms of a Grade 1 concussion, as well as: Many people suffering a Grade 2 Concussion experience a temporary loss of consciousness, for as little as a few seconds and possibly up to several minutes.
How long does a grade 3 concussion last?
Grade 3 Concussion – A Severe Concussion, Lasting Longer with Greater Impact. A Grade 3 Concussion is generally considered the most severe of this type of traumatic brain injury. As in Grade 2 concussions, the patient who suffers a Grade 3 Concussion be unconscious – but for even longer, even more than five minutes.
What are the symptoms of a grade 1 concussion?
The person suffering the concussion can experience some or all of the following concussion symptoms in the minutes, hours and days following the concussion injury: Headache. Dizziness. Nausea.
How is the degree of a concussion determined?
It’s the second one, degree of concussion, on which we’re largely focusing today. Degree of concussion is determined by a concussion grading system that is generally accepted around the world by doctors and providers of concussion treatment. The concussion grading system goes as follows:
Is a concussion a traumatic brain injury?
Concussions are a complex and sometimes misunderstood form of mild traumatic brain injury – though not all concussions are mild. The scale of concussion degree can range from mild to severe.
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.
How long does it take for a concussion to heal?
Most people with concussions will experience a complete recovery, but the length of time it takes the body and mind to heal can vary. In most cases, someone will recover within a month. In rare cases, recovery can take longer than 6 weeks, which is known as post-concussion syndrome.
How does a concussion affect recovery?
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. Rest is essential for anyone recovering from a concussion, no matter how young or how strong they are.
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 do you know if you have a concussion?
Common symptoms of concussion include: nausea. headaches.
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.
Can a concussion be a mild brain injury?
People sometimes describe concussions as mild brain injuries, but they must treat them seriously and take steps to help their recovery. It is important to seek medical care and follow a doctor’s instructions.
What is second impact syndrome?
So-called “second impact syndrome” was first described as the phenomenon of sudden death from rapidly progressing brain swelling due to a second concussion sustained soon after a first one. Recently, however, the scientific evidence behind that definition of second impact syndrome has been criticized.
Can you die from a second concussion?
A true “second impact syndrome” death is the rare exception rather than the rule after a second concussion. There is, however, an increased risk of a second concussion from an injury sustained soon after a first concussion. This may be due to slower reaction times, dizziness, headache, and other concussion symptoms related to incomplete healing ...
How long does a grade 2 concussion last?
This can last for at least a minute but less than five minutes. Again, with any level of brain injury, see a doctor right away.
How to know if you have a grade 1 concussion?
Signs of a Grade 1 Concussion – Low-Grade, Mild. In a grade 1 concussion, you can experience a headache, difficulty focusing, memory loss, dizziness, and nausea. You can usually return to normal activities within a few days following a grade 1 concussion after the symptoms have fully passed. This type of concussion is considered mild ...
Why is a concussion considered a serious injury?
A concussion should be taken seriously, because your brain was physically shaken and moved briefly out of its normal positioning – which can therefore affect the full and proper functioning of your brain.
Can you know if you have a concussion?
The effects of a concussion, such as imbalance or memory problems, are usually temporary. What’s especially tricky about concussions is that it’s possible to not know that you actually had one, such as in the case of a low-grade concussion. Therefore, it’s best to have yourself evaluated after any incident that involved a sudden shake or impact ...