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 are 2 ways to treat a concussion?
Treatment can include:Over-the-counter pain relievers.Drinking plenty of water. Concussions can cause nausea and vomiting, which lead to dehydration.Getting enough rest.Taking a break from sports and other strenuous activities.Not driving a vehicle right away. ... Avoiding alcohol while recovering. ... Brain rest.
What should you avoid when you have a concussion?
Stay away from stimulants such as coffee, caffeine, pop and energy drinks. Stimulants can put added stress on your brain. Keep a regular sleep schedule. Talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner or health care provider if you have trouble getting a good night's sleep.
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 to do if you have a concussion?
However, if you have witnessed or experienced head trauma, it is a good idea to assume a concussion has occurred. Immobilize the head while you wait for medical help.
How to tell if you have a concussion?
Symptoms of a Concussion 1 Blacking out, even if briefly 2 Seeing “stars” or lights in front of the eyes 3 Blurred or double vision 4 Nausea or vomiting 5 Seizures 6 Headaches 7 Light sensitivity 8 Lack of motor coordination or difficulty balancing 9 Tinnitus 10 Uneven pupil sizes 11 Unusually large pupils 12 Bleeding at the scalp 13 Bleeding under the scalp, creating a large lump under the skin
How long does a concussion last?
Many of the symptoms don’t occur until some time after the injury, and the effects may last for several weeks. However, there are a few signs to look for immediately after a head trauma that can let you know if a concussion is likely.
What is the AVPU code?
Medical professionals use something called the AVPU code to determine whether a patient has suffered a concussion. This involves checking for both physical and cognitive symptoms. The process is follows: A is for alert. Hold up a finger and move it from left to right in front of the patient’s face.
How to immobilize a person's head?
Immobilize the person’s head by holding it with both hands in the position you found her in , and do not move her unless it is absolutely necessary for her safety. Apply ice to reduce the swelling. Press an ice pack to the area of injury for approximately 20-30 minutes every two to four hours.
What to do if someone is unconscious?
Here are some steps to take if the victim is unconscious: First, check the scene to make sure it is safe. If the person is not conscious, check their airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC). Do not tilt their chin upward. If the person is not breathing, perform CPR while ensuring their head stays immobile.
What to do if you don't have ice?
If you don’t have ice, use something else cold such as a package of frozen vegetables. Don’t press hard, as this could push fragments of bone into the brain. Take over-the-counter pain meds. Headaches are a very common result of concussions. Tylenol is fine; avoid Aspirin or Ibuprofen, as these can increase bleeding.
What is first aid for a concussion?
First aid for concussion is to remove the player from the field of play and carry out an assessment. It is not always possible to carry out a full assessment at the time. The player may be confused and difficult to examine. Any player that has suffered a suspected blow to the head must be treated as if they have a concussion until proven otherwise.
What happens if you lose consciousness after a concussion?
If a player is suspected of having a concussion then they should be fully assessed by a doctor as soon as possible and if they lost consciousness at any stage, then they must be taken to the hospital so the athlete can be assessed fully.
How to know if you have a brain injury?
This means stopping physical activity immediately and, if safe to do so, removing them immediately from the field of play. A more serious structural brain injury may be suspected if: 1 There has been a high-speed impact or trauma to the head or if the head makes contact with a hard surface or body part such as the knee. 2 Symptoms worsen over a short period of time, e.g. nausea or headaches. 3 The patient lost consciousness immediately after the impact (however short the time was), or they have fallen unconscious since. 4 The patient has a seizure or fit. 5 Bleeding or fluid leaking from the nose or ear which could be evidence of a skull fracture and needs immediate assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. 6 The focal neurological deficit is detected by the doctor when examining the patient. This means that the brain is not functioning normally and this may affect sensation or muscular movements anywhere in the body. It can also refer to memory loss and emotional changes.
What is the SCAT5 tool?
Doctors will use the SCAT5 assessment tool or concussion and once a concussion has been fully assessed, then the patient will be continually monitored right up until full recovery (see treatment and return to play). This article has been written with reference to the bibliography.
What does C stand for in CPR?
C is for Circulation – This can be assessed by feeling for a pulse, however, If the patient is not breathing normally or not at all, then CPR must start immediately. Once the above stages have been assessed, then the next priority is to remove the player from the field, but first checking for any neck or spinal cord injury.
Who is Mike Walden?
Mike Walden. Mike is creator & CEO of Sportsinjuryclinic.net. A qualified Sports Injury Therapist with a degree in Physical Education, Sports Science and Physics, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Can a concussion be treated as a concussion?
Any player that has suffered a suspected blow to the head must be treated as if they have a concussion until proven otherwise. This means stopping physical activity immediately and, if safe to do so, removing them immediately from the field of play. A more serious structural brain injury may be suspected if:
What to do if you have a concussion?
Do not drive and don’t take medicines like aspirin, anti-inflammatories, sleeping tablets and sedating pain medications until your doctor tells you it’s ok. Your doctor may order a head scan. Some people are kept in hospital for observation. It is important that, after concussion, you are with other people until you recover.
How long does it take for a concussion to heal?
Concussion is traumatic brain injury caused by force to the head. Most people who have concussion will recover on their own within 2 weeks, but complications can occur. It is important that people with concussion rest and that their recovery is monitored.
What to take for headaches after concussion?
If you have a headache, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may ease the pain. Avoid taking other pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) if you suspect you've had a concussion. These may increase the risk of bleeding. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Concussion care at Mayo Clinic.
Why do you need a CT scan for a concussion?
For children with suspected concussion, CT scans are only used if there are specific criteria met, such as the type of injury or signs of a skull fracture. This is to avoid radiation exposure in young children.
How long does it take for a concussion to show up?
Signs and symptoms of a concussion may not appear until hours or days after the injury. Tests your doctor may perform or recommend include a neurological examination, cognitive testing and imaging tests.
How long after a concussion can you get headaches?
Headaches may occur in the days or weeks after a concussion. To manage pain, ask your doctor if it's safe to take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Avoid other pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin, as these medications may increase the risk of bleeding.
How to improve symptoms of a symtom?
As your symptoms improve, you may gradually add more activities that involve thinking, such as doing more schoolwork or work assignments, or increasing your time spent at school or work.
What is brain imaging?
Brain imaging may be recommended for some people with signs and symptoms such as severe headaches, seizures, repeated vomiting or symptoms that are becoming worse. Brain imaging may determine whether the injury is severe and has caused bleeding or swelling in the skull.
How long after a sprain can you do physical activity?
Usually after the first few days after injury, you're allowed to do light physical activity — such as riding a stationary bike or light jogging — before your symptoms are completely gone, so long as it doesn't significantly worsen symptoms.
What is the first aid for a head injury?
First Aid for a head injury: Maintain both your safety and that of the casualty. If they have suffered a serious head injury it is likely they may have sustained a spinal injury as well. Quickly assess if there are any immediate life threatening injuries.
What to do if you have compression in your head?
Someone suffering from compression must receive immediate medical treatment in hospital. They may be treated with rest, observation and medication, or may require surgery to relieve the pressure on the brain. The Head Injury charity Headway has produced a handout of advice for people who have suffered a head injury.
What is the leading cause of disability and death in people under 45?
As a result of a blow or jolt to the head and can result in permanent or temporary damage to the brain. Traumatic Brain Injury is the leading cause of disability and death in people under 45. A traumatic brain injury can cause the signs and symptoms of concussion.
What are the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?
Depending on the type and location of the injury, the person’s symptoms may include: Loss of consciousness. Confusion and disorientation. Memory loss / amnesia. Fatigue and tiredness. Headaches. Visual problems. Poor attention / concentration. Sleep disturbances.
What are the symptoms of a syringe?
Depending on the type and location of the injury, the person’s symptoms may include: 1 Loss of consciousness 2 Confusion and disorientation 3 Memory loss / amnesia 4 Fatigue and tiredness 5 Headaches 6 Visual problems 7 Poor attention / concentration 8 Sleep disturbances 9 Dizziness / loss of balance 10 Irritability / emotional disturbances 11 Feelings of depression 12 Seizures 13 Vomiting
Is First Aid for Life a substitute for medical advice?
First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.
Can a brain injury cause bruising?
This can either affect a small part or specific lobe of the brain or can damage the whole brain. However, during the impact, the brain can smash against the inside of the skull, tearing nerve fibres and causing generalised bruising and bleeding to the brain.
What does it mean when you have a concussion?
is having a seizure or fit. has been vomiting since the injury. is bleeding from one or both ears. Causes of concussion. Concussion occurs when a blow or impact to the head causes a sudden disruption to part of the brain known as the reticular activating system (RAS).
How long does it take for a concussion to go away?
This is usually for 48 hours. This is because the symptoms of concussion could also be symptoms of a more serious condition, such as: subdural haematoma – bleeding between the skull and the brain. subarachnoid haemorrhage – bleeding on the surface of the brain.
How long after brain injury do you need to follow up?
When to seek follow-up advice. Sometimes the symptoms of a more serious brain injury do not occur for several hours, or possibly days, after the initial injury has taken place. This means it's important that you remain alert for signs and symptoms that could suggest a more serious injury has occurred.
What is the most common type of brain injury?
Concussion is the sudden but short-lived loss of mental function that occurs after a blow or other injury to the head. It is the most common but least serious type of brain injury.
What causes PCS in the brain?
Another theory suggests PCS may be caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain. Symptoms of PCS. The symptoms of PCS fall into three main categories: physical.
What is the term for a concussion that happens to boxers?
This type of dementia is known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). However, this seems to only be a significant risk for professional athletes who experience repeated episodes of severe concussion, such as boxers – CTE is sometime nicknamed "boxer's brain".
What is a period of confusion after a concussion?
periods of memory loss. disturbances in vision, such as "seeing stars" or blurry vision. a period of confusion, a blank expression, or a delay in answering questions immediately after the head injury. If a brain scan is carried out, concussion is only diagnosed if the scan is normal – for example, there is no bleeding or swelling of the brain.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
What to do if you have a concussion and no breathing?
Watch for changes in breathing and alertness. If the person shows no signs of circulation — no breathing, coughing or movement — begin CPR. Head trauma that results in concussion symptoms, such as nausea, unsteadiness, headaches or difficulty concentrating, should be evaluated by a medical professional. Head injury.
How to give first aid to a head trauma patient?
To give first aid to a person who has head trauma, call 911 or your local emergency number. Any of the following signs or symptoms may indicate a serious head injury:
How to keep someone from getting injured?
The injured person should lie down with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the person unless necessary, and avoid moving the person's neck. If the person is wearing a helmet, don't remove it.
How to tell if you have a swollen head?
Any of the signs or symptoms for adults. Persistent crying. Refusal to eat. Bulging in the soft spot on the front of the head ( infants) Repeated vomiting.
