Treatment FAQ

what is the recommended treatment for concussion

by Prof. Joyce Kling Published 3 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.

Medication

Researchers found that people who had good cognitive outcomes were more likely to have higher life satisfaction one year after their concussion. The life satisfaction test given to participants ranges in score from five to 35, with lower scores indicating lower life satisfaction.

Therapy

What is the healing process for a concussion? Recovery time from a concussion is usually based on the severity of the concussion, and typically ranges from resting for a few minutes to resting for a month with careful observation for the development, return, or worsening of symptoms during the rest period.

Nutrition

Light Activity

  • 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. ...
  • Get maximum nighttime sleep. ...
  • Reduce daytime naps or return to a regular daytime nap schedule (as appropriate for their age).

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  • Unusual paleness that lasts for more than an hour.
  • Tingling on one side of the body.
  • Numbness or weakness of arms or legs.
  • Losing balance, stumbling or trouble walking.
  • Seizures.
  • Repeated dizziness or dizziness that doesn’t go away.
  • Nauseous or vomits more than two or three times.
  • Persistent ringing in the ears or loss of hearing.
  • Slurred speech.

More items...

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

What is the healing process for a concussion?

What is needed to recover from a concussion?

When should you go to the doctor for a concussion?

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What is the most important 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.

What treatment is used for concussion?

What are the best medications for a concussion?Best medications for a concussionTylenol (acetaminophen)AnalgesicOralDramamine (dimenhydrinate)Antihistamine (vestibular suppressant)OralTransderm scop (scopolamine transdermal system)Anticholinergic (vestibular suppressant)Transdermal1 more row•Oct 5, 2020

Do you need to see a doctor for a concussion?

Seek emergency care for an adult or child who experiences a head injury and signs and symptoms such as: Repeated vomiting or nausea. A loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds. A headache that gets worse over time.

How do you tell if you have a concussion after hitting your head?

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 to get rid of a concussion?

Sleep disturbance is one of the central symptoms of a concussion and can interfere with the healing process. Practice good sleep hygiene by going to bed at the same time every night, turn off the light at bedtime, and eliminate distractions. Relax before bedtime and avoid heavy meals, excitement, or stimulants like caffeine.

What is the best pain medication for a concussion?

The safest pain medication in the hours or days after a concussion is acetaminophen.

What is the SCAT5 for concussions?

Coaches, athletes, and parents should be familiar with concussion assessment tools such as the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) or the Child SCAT5. Concussions are graded as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild, or grade 1 concussions have symptoms that resolve in less than 15 minutes.

How long does a concussion last?

Mild, or grade 1 concussions have symptoms that resolve in less than 15 minutes. Moderate, or grade 2 concussions, have symptoms that hang on for longer than 15 minutes. Losing consciousness for any amount of time automatically moves the injury into a grade 3 or severe concussion.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that disrupts brain function. A blow to the head, whiplash, or anything that causes the head to jerk can cause a concussion. The exact mechanism of concussions is not well understood. A concussion may or may not involve actual physical damage to the brain tissues.

What is the diagnosis of a concussion?

The diagnosis of concussion is clinical. The healthcare provider will look for symptoms or signs of a concussion, determine how the injury happened, how long it took for symptoms to appear, any history of previous concussions, and how long the symptoms have lasted.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Most people can expect to be 90% recovered in three or four weeks after the injury. The most important treatment is rest and a gradual return to physical and mental activity. In the days following a concussion, headaches are the most common and often the most debilitating symptom.

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.

What are the best ways to prevent a concussion?

Once a person returns to sport and other activities, they should practice concussion prevention strategies. These may include wearing protective gear, such as helmets or mouth guards. However, there is a limited amount of evidence to prove that this gear is effective against concussion.

What is the first step for someone with a concussion?

The first step for someone with a concussion is to leave the area where the injury occurred. If the injury happened during sport, a coach should remove the person from the playing field.

How many people have headaches after a concussion?

Research suggests that 86–96% of people will develop a headache after getting a concussion. People may also experience dizziness, balance disturbances, and confusion. Anyone with the symptoms of a concussion must seek medical attention. The following table lists common signs and symptoms of a concussion:

How long after a sprain should you rest?

24–48 hours after the injury. The person should restrict cognitive and physical activity for 24–48 hours after the injury. Again, it is important that they are not alone during this time, as symptoms can appear days after the injury.

What is a concussion?

Complications. Recovery. Summary. A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury, is a type of brain injury that can occur due to a direct or indirect blow to the head. When a person receives a blow to the head or body, the impact shakes the brain and causes some internal damage.

Can a concussion cause a concussion?

Share on Pinterest. A direct or indirect blow to the head may cause a concussion. The time that it takes to recover from a concussion will vary depending on the severity of the injury and the health of the person, among other factors. People can follow the steps below to aid recovery.

Can you rest after a concussion?

to suggest that complete rest is the best option for concussion recovery . Due to this, doctors encourage people to return gradually to their usual activities, being careful to avoid any that make their symptoms worse. Once the symptoms start to resolve, a person may notice that they are able to do more.

A Guideline for Safe Return to Activity Following Concussion

Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.

What Is a Concussion Protocol?

As a codification of how concussions are to be treated and managed, concussion protocols help doctors and caregivers establish a timeline for recovery. The idea is to make completely sure that the patient has completely healed from the brain injury and that it’s safe for them to return to their usual activities. This means establishing: 1

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Concussions can be challenging to diagnose, as symptoms can mimic those of other conditions or may be missed entirely. Diagnosis typically occurs in the emergency room setting or on the athletic field following the fall or head impact. This involves three basic steps: 3

What Are The Protocol Steps?

The CDC’s concussion protocol details a gradual timeline for return to normal activities, school, and athletics. Progress is monitored at every stage, with doctors clearing patients for more activity once they’re certain it’s safe. For athletes, it can be broken into six stages, following an initial rest period of 28 to 72 hours: 4

When To See a Doctor

If you have a concussion, you may not necessarily require emergency medical attention. That said, you do need emergency help if someone is unconscious for any period of time following a blow to the head. 2

FAQs

A concussion protocol is a set of guidelines for the medical management of concussion established by an organization such as the CDC or NFL. It lays out the tools and assessments needed for evaluation, as well as the benchmarks a patient must meet before it’s safe for them to resume full activity.

How to recover from a concussion?

Start your recovery by taking it easy. As symptoms improve, you may gradually return to regular activities. Recovery from a mild TBI or concussion means you can do your regular activities without experiencing symptoms. Recovery from a mild TBI or concussion may be slower among: Older adults. Young children. Teens.

What to do when symptoms are gone?

When symptoms are nearly gone. When your symptoms are mild and nearly gone, you can return to most of your regular activities. If your symptoms do not get worse during an activity, then that activity is OK for you.

Can TBI go away?

Do not go away, or. Get worse after you return to your regular activities. Anxiety and depression may make it harder to adjust to the symptoms of a mild TBI or concussion 2. If you have one or more symptoms that last months after the injury, your healthcare provider may talk to you about post-concussive syndrome.

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