Treatment FAQ

what is a concussion treatment

by Jerad Ratke MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

Only a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) would require an intervention such as surgery. 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.

Therapy

Concussion Treatment. A concussion is described as a direct hit on a person's head, neck or face. This impact transmits a force to the brain that causes it to move forward then backward against the skull. A simple concussion can last 7 to 10 days and a complex concussion can last longer than 10 days. Every concussion is different, and the ...

Nutrition

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.

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A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and ...

What is the best concussion treatment?

Nov 23, 2017 · Concussion treatment focuses on making the person comfortable, alleviating headaches and getting plenty of physical and mental rest. Below are seven natural remedies for concussion treatment. Other natural concussion treatment options to help recovery include diffusing lavender oil and other stress-reducing essential oils and participating in music …

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Get a good night’s sleep and take naps during the day as needed. 2. Light Activity As your child starts to feel better, gradually return to regular (non-strenuous) activities. Find relaxing activities at home. Avoid activities that put your child at risk for another injury to the head and brain. Return to school gradually.

When to seek treatment for a concussion?

Management and Treatment How is a concussion treated? You need physical and mental rest to recover from a concussion. Although you’ll need more rest and sleep than normal, you don’t need 100% complete rest.

What is the healing process for a concussion?

Jul 15, 2020 · The current treatment for concussions and TBI (traumatic brain injury) is rest and time. These are helpful, but there is more that you can do. Imagine a sprained ankle. We’ve all heard of the R.I.C.E. approach (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to healing and have been told to apply this immediately.

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What is the main treatment for concussion?

Rest is one of the most important treatments for a concussion because it helps the brain to heal. Rest nearly completely for the first few days after a head injury, then slowly begin to “exercise your brain.” The unused, “stagnant” brain remains stagnant if not used and lengthens recovery.Jun 2, 2020

What are 3 treatment options for a concussion?

The top 5 most effective evidence-based treatment options for concussion:Exercise Therapy. ... Manual Therapy & Neck Rehab. ... Diet/Nutritional Changes. ... Vestibular and Visual Rehab. ... Education and Reassurance (due to Psychological Comorbidities)Jun 29, 2016

How do you treat a concussion at home?

How can you care for yourself at home?Rest is the best treatment for post-concussion syndrome.Do not drive if you have taken a prescription pain medicine.Rest in a quiet, dark room until your headache is gone. ... Put a cold, moist cloth or cold pack on the painful area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.More items...

What happens if a concussion goes untreated?

Concussion left untreated can lead to long-term complications. Potential complications of a concussion include chronic headaches, memory problems, vertigo, and post-concussion syndrome, which is headaches, dizziness, mood swings, and brain fog that can continue for months or years after a concussion.Nov 11, 2019

Should you sleep if you have a concussion?

Medical experts once warned that people should stay awake if they had a concussion. They based this advice on the theory that sleeping with a concussion could cause a person to fall into a coma or even die. However, medical experts now agree that it is safe for a person to sleep if they have a concussion.Dec 10, 2020

What are 3 symptoms of a concussion?

Headache or “pressure” in head.Nausea or vomiting.Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.Bothered by light or noise.Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.

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.Aug 25, 2020

When should you go to the hospital for a concussion?

Signs of a more serious injury such as bleeding and /or swelling in the brain can be seen in the first 24 to 48 hours. Call 911 or go to the hospital right away for any of these possible life threatening issues: won't wake up or is very hard to wake up. become more confused, restless, or agitated.

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.

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.

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.

Is Tylenol safe for headaches?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) cause blood to thin, which can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a safer option for a headache associated with a head injury. 4.

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 is the goal of recovery management?

A goal of recovery management it to avoid prolonged recovery, but 10-30% of those experiencing concussion can experience prolonged recovery. The dynamic nature of concussion recovery requires follow-up with tailored management during each phase of concussion. Key milestones in the recovery process are return to learn, school, work, exercise, ...

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 ...

What is a concussion?

minus. Related Pages. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain ...

Is a concussion serious?

Concussions Are Serious. Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious. YouTube. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 536K subscribers. What Is A Concussion?

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 is the best medicine for a concussion?

4. Creatine . In a study published in the journal Acta Paediatrica, researchers suggest that supplementing with creatine after the diagnosis of a concussion improves several concussion symptoms including amnesia, headache, dizziness and fatigue.

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 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.

Can you play video games with a concussion?

For that reason, reading, playing video games, using the computer or another device should be avoided until all concussion symptoms are gone.

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.

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.

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.

Who can help with concussions?

If a concussion is suspected, you may be referred to other doctors and healthcare providers who specialize in the evaluation and management of concussions. These clinicians include: Neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuropsychologists. Sports medicine specialists , exercise medicine physicians, athletic trainers .

How long does it take for a concussion to go away?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head. Anyone from infants to the elderly can get a concussion. Headache is the most common symptom. Most symptoms resolve within 14 to 21 days. Although recovery plans are unique to each person, all involve mental and physical rest and a gradual return to activity.

What is the term for a bump in the head?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that results from a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head that disrupts normal brain function. A concussion can also be caused by a hit to your body that is strong enough to cause your head to forcefully jerk backwards, forwards or to the side. Concussions stretch and bruise nerves ...

How many times more likely is a concussion to happen?

Once you’ve had a concussion, you are three to five times more likely to have another concussion. The highest risk is for those who return to competition before their symptoms have completely gone away. No one should return to active play if they are still having symptoms from a concussion.

What is the body's protective surface that acts as a cushion between the brain and the skull?

It’s surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a cushion between it and the hard protective exterior, the skull. A concussion occurs when your brain bounces or twists inside your skull or experiences rapid, whiplash-type back and forth movement that causes it to collide with the inside of your skull.

What causes a concussion?

These injuries cause your brain not to function normally for a brief period of time and result in the signs and symptoms of concussion. Motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries are common causes of concussions. Any sport that involves contact can result in a concussion.

Can you see a concussion on an imaging test?

This is because most of the effects of a concussion aren’t seen on imaging. However, these imaging tests might be ordered if more serious effects of a concussion are suspected – like bleeding inside the skull, brain swelling or spinal cord or cervical spine injury – or if symptoms are worsening.

How to heal a concussion?

Concussion Rescue Healing Protocol. To treat a head injury, I recommend supplements to quench inflammation, antioxidants to reduce oxidative damage, a dietary strategy to help get the brain the fuel it needs to heal, and the right kinds of exercise at the right time.

Did David lose consciousness?

He stayed down, disheveled, then was helped to his feet and over to the bench. Although David never appeared to lose consciousness, he had a splitting headache for the rest of the day and was very fatigued. I found out later that he was seen by his pediatrician and told to stay out of school for a week and rest.

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