Symptoms
What to Do for Concussion Care and Recovery
- Days 1 and 2. Avoid caffeine. ...
- 1 week post-injury. Anywhere from a couple days to a week after your injury, you will gradually be able to resume normal activities as your symptoms improve.
- Long-term treatment. ...
- When to seek medical attention. ...
- Risks and complications. ...
- The takeaway. ...
Causes
Natural Remedies for Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Essential Oils. By far, the most common post-concussive symptoms are headaches and migraines. ...
- Acupuncture. Another helpful natural remedy for post-concussion syndrome is acupuncture. ...
- Fish Oil. Fish oil is clinically proven to speed up healing of concussions. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Manual Neck Therapy. ...
- Saffron Tea. ...
- Creatine. ...
- Flavonoids. ...
- Light Exercise. ...
Prevention
There are very few conditions or injuries in which rest is an effective treatment. Based on the pathophysiology of concussion, an initial period of rest may be beneficial, however we are beginning to understand that prolonging this initial rest period may also be detrimental.
Complications
What you can do
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions or instructions. ...
- List any symptoms you or your child has been experiencing and how long they've been occurring.
- List key medical information, including other medical problems for which you or your child is being treated and any history of previous head injuries. ...
- Take a family member or friend along. ...
What are best things to do after concussion?
What are home remedies for concussion?
Is rest the best medicine for a concussion?
What can you do to prevent concussion?
What does a neurologist do for concussions?
Neurological exams – A neurological exam to help diagnose a concussion may include physical tests to make sure your brain is working as it should. Your doctor may test your strength, reflexes, coordination, balance, hearing, nerve function, ability to feel (sensation), and mental status.
What is the most effective treatment for a concussion?
In the first few days after a concussion, relative rest is the most appropriate way to allow your brain to recover. Your doctor will recommend that you physically and mentally rest to recover from a concussion.
What treatment options are available 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)
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.
What is severe post-concussion syndrome?
Persistent post-concussive symptoms, also called post-concussion syndrome, occurs when concussion symptoms last beyond the expected recovery period after the initial injury. The usual recovery period is weeks to months. These symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and problems with concentration and memory.
Does post-concussion syndrome ever go away?
Post-concussion syndrome can be permanent if you do not receive treatment, but often resolves or improves with the right therapy. It can be more difficult to treat for some people due to other underlying factors, including cervical spine problems, that contribute to the symptoms of PCS they are experiencing.
Can an MRI detect post-concussion syndrome?
MRI can detect resting state changes in the brains of patients with post-concussion syndrome. Results showed that communication and information integration in the brain are disrupted after mild head injury. Post-concussion syndrome affects approximately 20 to 30 percent of people who suffer mild traumatic brain injury.
Is there physical therapy for concussion?
If you have dizziness or difficulty with your balance following a concussion, a type of physical therapy called vestibular physical therapy may help. The vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and its connections with the brain, helps you keep your balance and prevent dizziness.
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.
Should you see a neurologist for concussion?
Yes — in the days following a concussion you should see a concussion expert. That expert could be a physician specializing in brain disorders (a neurosurgeon or neurologist) or a neuropsychologist specializing in assessing brain disorders through tests of mental functions such as attention, concentration, and memory.
Is post-concussion syndrome a neurological disorder?
Post-Concussion Syndrome – Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Why would I be referred to a neurologist?
Neurologists are specialists who can assess, diagnose, manage, and treat conditions that affect your nervous system. Your doctor might refer you to a neurologist if you're having symptoms that could be caused by a neurological condition, such as pain, memory loss, trouble with balance, or tremors.
What is the best medical field for a concussion?
Neurology itself is the study of the whole nervous system, it's diseases, and how to treat them. Neurologists are an excellent choice for evidence-based, professionally integrated, medical care for a concussion. Author Julian Szieff is an undergraduate at Carleton College majoring in biology and neuroscience and graduating in the class of 2019.
What is the best subspecialty for a concussion?
The best subspecialty for a concussion is sports neurology, followed by headache neurology. Working with a sports neurologist who is affiliated with a sports concussion clinic is ideal, as it ensures a multidisciplinary approach. Typically Sports Concussion clinics will accept patients whether or not the concussion was sports-related.
Who is the host of the Concussion Corner podcast?
Podcast interviews with neurologists specializing in concussions. Concussion Corner podcast host Dr. Jessica Schwartz has interviewed some of the most influential neurologists who specialize in concussions. Although the podcast is geared to professionals, there is a lot of information for patients and caregivers as well.
Who is the sports neurology clinic?
The Sports Neurology Clinic which “specializes in the treatment of all active lifestyle individuals, of all ages and levels of play, who regularly engage in sports, recreation, and military.”.
Do neurologists specialize in concussions?
Neurologists and concussions. Neurologists who do not specialize in concussions are not always the best choice for a healthcare provider. According to Dr. Jessica Schwartz, “ 2015 was the first year that neurology residencies were receiving formal didactic education in concussion.". Neurologists without specialized concussion may prescribe ...
How to know if you have a concussion?
You should return to see your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after a concussion: 1 unconsciousness 2 altered mental status 3 convulsions or seizing 4 severe, persistent headache 5 weakness in arms or legs 6 vomiting 7 new bleeding 8 deafness in one or both ears
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
You should return to see your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after a concussion: unconsciousness. altered mental status. convulsions or seizing. severe, persistent headache. weakness in arms or legs. vomiting. new bleeding. deafness in one or both ears.
How long does it take for the brain to change after a concussion?
Anywhere from a few minutes to a few days after a concussion, the brain can be vulnerable to change in pressure, blood flow and oxygen levels. Following your doctor's concussion treatment regimen is important in an attempt to limit these changes.
How long after a concussion should you return to the doctor?
Your doctor may also recommend that you return for further medical care and evaluation 24 to 72 hours after your concussion event to monitor whether or not your symptoms are resolving. It is important to understand that the treatment of concussions takes time and rest.
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.
What is Functional Neurology?
Functional neurology is a method of chiropractic care that aims to address disorders affecting the brain and central nervous system (CNS). The approach was pioneered by Canadian chiropractor Dr. Ted Carrick in the 1970s and it is sometimes called ‘chiropractic neurology’.
Driving Neuroplasticity
Functional neurology was developed from a number of ideas popularized by modern neuroscientific research, most notably the concept of neuroplasticity. The idea behind neuroplasticity is that brains can change and adapt over the course of our lifetime (even well into adulthood), in response to the specific demands placed upon them.
How Functional Neurology Works
As we explained before, neuroplasticity allows brains to change and adapt in response to the specific demands placed upon them. By intentionally directing brain activity to open neural pathways, in areas affected by brain damage, you can help the areas of the brain that need the most support.
What is a therapist for a concussion?
Therapists with specialized training in neurological issues can evaluate and treat problems related to concussion. Because no two concussions are the same, the therapist’s examination is essential to assess your individual symptoms and limitations. The therapist then designs a treatment program.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
The Speech and Language Pathologists can help treat patients who have the following after a concussion: 1 difficulty thinking clearly 2 difficulty remembering new information 3 difficulty with attention and concentration 4 difficulty with expressive and/or receptive language skills
What is neuropsychology therapy?
Neuropsychological therapy focuses on brain functioning and helps concussed patients and their health care providers understand how different areas and systems of the brain are working. Brain function is evaluated by a neuropsychologist by objectively testing memory and thinking skills with tests similar to the computerized ImPACT baseline screening and post-concussion tests.
What is visual rehabilitation?
Visual rehabilitation is performed by an occupational therapist on patients who have persistent visual#N#complaints, such as light sensitivity , blurry vision , eye strain/headaches, double vision or difficulty with reading or school work.
