Treatment FAQ

what is the proper treatment for a concussion

by Dr. Jeffry Sipes I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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An important part of treatment for a concussion is getting plenty of rest, both sleep at night and naps or rest breaks during the day if needed. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid certain physical activities and sports while you recover and may suggest medicine to take if you have a headache.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

What treatment is used for concussion? Your doctor will recommend that you physically and mentally rest to recover from a concussion. Relative rest, which includes limiting activities that require thinking and mental concentration, is recommended for the first two days after a …

What is the healing process for a concussion?

Apr 22, 2021 · Rest is the main treatment for concussion, as it gives the brain time to heal. You probably won't need any special medications. If you have headaches, take acetaminophen. Do not take aspirin, which can cause bleeding. Also, avoid heavy exercise and any activity that requires concentration, such as readying, playing games, or studying.

What is needed to recover from a concussion?

Rest. 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 …

When should you go to the doctor for a concussion?

Mar 01, 2022 · Treatment for a concussion depends on the severity of your symptoms. Most concussions can be healed at home or with conservative medical approaches. Treatment can include: Over-the-counter pain...

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What is the most important treatment for concussion?

Rest. 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

How should you properly treat a concussion?

Your doctor will recommend that you physically and mentally rest to recover from a concussion. Relative rest, which includes limiting activities that require thinking and mental concentration, is recommended for the first two days after a concussion.

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 head injury at home?

Be guided by your doctor, but self-care suggestions include:Don't drive home from the hospital. ... Rest quietly for the day.Use icepacks over any swollen or painful area.Take simple painkillers such as paracetamol for any headache. ... Arrange for someone to stay with you for the next 24 hours, in case you need help.More items...

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”.

Is it safe to sleep with a concussion?

Sleeping isn't dangerous when you have a concussion. You won't slip into a coma or die if you go to sleep after getting a concussion. It's safe for a concussed person to sleep if they are awake and can hold a conversation, and they don't have obvious concussion symptoms.Jul 6, 2021

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?

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 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 causes a concussion?

Concussions are caused typically by a blunt-force trauma, penetrating trauma or a whiplash-like event. Recognized risk factors include: 1 Participating in contact sports like hockey, football, soccer, martial arts, boxing and wrestling 2 Participating in non-contact sports like cycling, cheerleading and baseball 3 Drug and alcohol use 4 Car accidents 5 Falls, particularly in young children and the elderly 6 Being physically abused 7 Improper use of seatbelts and child safety seats 8 Improper use of safety equipment in sports

What foods help you recover from a syphilis?

Great sources of these healthy fats include wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, flaxseed, walnuts, tuna and grass-fed dairy.

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 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.

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.

How to treat a concussion?

The top 5 most effective evidence-based treatment options for concussion: 1. Exercise Therapy. Following concussion, animal (and many human) studies have demonstrated a reduction in blood flow to the brain in the early stages. Recent research has found that these blood flow changes may persist for some time following injury due to ongoing ...

How long does a concussion last?

Concussion is an injury that typically resolves quite quickly in most people (symptoms generally disappear for 80-90% of patients within 7 to 10 days); however, whiplash symptoms can linger for up to a year or more.

Why do I get dizzy?

This may be due to a number of overlapping issues such as problems with the balance centres of your brain, your visual system, and/or problems with the muscle and joint sensors of your neck.

Does exercise help with concussion recovery?

More recent evidence suggests that exercise might even help speed recovery in the early stages after concussion! It is important to see someone who knows exactly what they are doing with this protocol. Testing with a trained professional must be done first to establish set points as well as your specific program.

What to do if you have a concussion and have a headache?

If you have headaches, take acetaminophen. Do not take aspirin, which can cause bleeding. Also, avoid heavy exercise and any activity that requires concentration, such as readying, playing games, or studying. Your doctor will provide you a complete list of activity do’s and don’ts after a concussion.

What are the signs of a concussion?

Certain symptoms — including headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion — are clear signs you need medical attention. They're signs of a concussion, and seeking treatment can help prevent serious complications.

How to tell if you have a brain injury?

Act quickly after a hard blow to the head. Some symptoms can be signs of a serious brain injury. Call 911 right away for emergency help for any of these symptoms: 1 Loss of consciousness, even for a short time 2 The pupil of one eye being larger than the other 3 Blood or fluid leaking from the head, such as the nose 4 Seizures 5 Nausea or vomiting that persists 6 Severe headache 7 Feeling very sleepy 8 Mental symptoms such as confusion 9 Problems with balance or weak muscles

How long does it take for a concussion to show up?

Be aware that concussion symptoms may not appear right away. In fact, it might take several hours or even days. A doctor should perform an exam without delay after a head injury. Your doctor will perform a physical as well as a neurological exam to identify changes in mental status and other signs of concussion.

Is it a good idea to get a checkup for a concussion?

If you, your child or a loved one has a head injury that's more than a light bump, it's always a good idea to get a checkup. Remember a concussion is a serious injury that needs medical attention. Only testing by a doctor can confirm or rule it out.

What are the symptoms of a swollen eye?

Call 911 right away for emergency help for any of these symptoms: Loss of consciousness, even for a short time. The pupil of one eye being larger than the other. Blood or fluid leaking from the head, such as the nose. Seizures. Nausea or vomiting that persists.

How to stop bleeding from a syringe?

Do not remove any clothing or headgear, like a helmet. Try to stop any bleeding. Put steady, firm pressure on the area, using a clean cloth.

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 a concussion last?

Concussions are not usually life-threatening. However, the effects from a concussion can be serious and last for days, weeks or even longer. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

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 ...

What happens when your brain twists?

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. This brain movement stretches and damages brain cells and leads to chemical changes in the brain.

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.

Can you get another concussion?

However, even having a mild concussion puts you at an increased risk of another concussion. In addition, if you were to experience another concussion before your concussion symptoms have fully gone away, you could be at greater risk of permanent damage or even death if you have another concussion.

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.

What to do if you have a concussion and you have a headache?

a serious injury to the brain. However, most concussions don’t require surgery or any major medical treatment. If the concussion is causing headaches, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

How to diagnose a concussion?

Your doctor might then perform a physical examination to determine what symptoms you have. In the case of serious symptoms, your doctor may request an MRI scan or a CT scan ...

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It can occur after an impact to your head or after a whiplash-type injury that causes your head and brain to shake quickly back and forth. A concussion results in an altered mental state that may include becoming unconscious. Anyone can become injured during a fall, car accident, ...

How to tell if someone has a concussion?

The following are some of the signs to look out for: irritability. balance issues . loss of coordination. problems walking. seizures. draining of blood or clear fluid from the ears or nose.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

headache. nausea or vomiting. sensitivity to light or noise. balance problems. slowed reaction to stimuli. The symptoms may begin immediately, or they may not develop for hours, days, weeks, or even months following your injury. During the recovery period after a concussion, you may experience the following symptoms: irritability.

Can you lose consciousness from a concussion?

Symptoms of a concussion vary depending on both the severity of the injury and the person injured. It’s not true that a loss of consciousness always occurs with a concussion. Some people do experience a loss of consciousness, but others don’t.

What does a doctor look for in a concussion?

It’s conducted to assess if any visual changes are related to a concussion. Your doctor may look for changes in pupil size, eye movements, and light sensitivities.

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?

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.

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.

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 happens if you have a concussion?

If you've had a concussion, vision may be disturbed, you may lose equilibrium, or you may fall unconscious. In short, the brain is confused. Some things increase your risk for a concussion, including: Falls, particularly in children and older adults. Playing a contact sport.

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 brain made of?

The brain is made of soft tissue. It's cushioned by spinal fluid and encased in the protective shell of the skull. When you have a blow or bump to your head, the impact can jolt your brain. Sometimes, it literally causes it to move around in your head.

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