what is the treatment for a concussion

Medication

Mar 29, 2019 · The doctors at our concussion treatment clinic recommend physical and cognitive exercise followed by rest. How to Treat a Concussion (Hint: It’s Not Rest) Rest isn’t the only thing you can do to recover from a concussion.

Therapy

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.

Nutrition

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 Physical Rest

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Oct 05, 2020 · The gold standard treatment for a concussion is rest from both mental and physical activity. There is no agreement as to how much rest is needed. Too much rest may actually prolong the symptoms. As a good rule of thumb, the initial rest period should be 24 to …

What is the healing process for a concussion?

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 do you heal 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.

What are home remedies 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 is needed to recover from a concussion?

Mar 10, 2022 · How Is a Concussion Treated and What Can You Do During the Recovery Period? Rest Is Essential Immediately Following a Concussion. The most important step in concussion recovery is getting plenty... Avoid Contact or Recreational Sports After a Concussion. No matter whether your concussion occurred as ...

How do doctors 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.Feb 17, 2022

What is the immediate treatment for concussion?

apply a cold compress to the injury to reduce swelling – a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel will do. take paracetamol to control any pain – do not use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can cause bleeding. avoid drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs.Nov 4, 2021

How long does it take to get over a concussion?

Concussion recovery and treatment. Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. People with concussions should never return to sports or other physical activity sooner than one week from sustaining the injury.

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

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”.

Do you need to go to hospital for concussion?

Should I Go to the Hospital for a Concussion? In general, any head injury associated with loss of consciousness, seizures, prolonged confusion or amnesia, neck pain, vomiting or numbness or weakness in arms or legs should be transported to the emergency room in an ambulance right away.

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

Can a concussion go away by itself?

Most concussions resolve on their own without any lasting effects. However, some concussions can accompany a more serious injury that requires treatment. Seek emergency treatment if you notice any of the following after a concussion: sudden, intense headaches.

What happens if a concussion goes untreated?

A: 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

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...

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 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

What to do after a concussion?

What you do after a concussion depends on the severity of the head injury. If you have significant bleeding, structural damage, or any of the emergency symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor immediately. If you’re not in immediate danger, then you have a choice.

How to help a toddler recover from a concussion?

It’s important for their autonomic nervous system (discussed above) to recover in a low-stress environment. If your toddler has a concussion, then follow-up care is more difficult. Do what you can to protect them from falls and encourage as much rest as possible. If you can get them to solve some puzzles, that’s great.

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

In some cases, it may take up to three months for a full recovery. Unfortunately, not all concussion symptoms resolve within those time frames.

How to get your heart rate up after a concussion?

If you don’t have access to exercise equipment, do your best to get your heart rate up with calisthenic exercises. If you have any dizziness or difficulty balancing, switch to something that doesn’t aggravate your symptoms. You can read more about how to exercise after a concussion here.

What is the body system that controls the process of concussion?

Your autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls the processes in your body that you don’t think about, can be impacted by a concussion. Damage to that region can cause everything from heartbeat irregularities to skyrocketing stress. While exercise will help, it’s also good to relax in any way you can.

How to get rid of cognitive stress?

Try reading a book or having an intellectually demanding conversation with someone. If that’s not an option, solve a puzzle like Sudoku. Do that for another thirty minutes or as tolerated. Here is a list of cognitively stimulating activities you can do at home.

Why can't cells get enough oxygen?

Because of that, the affected cells can’t signal for oxygen. When they don’t get enough oxygen, they can’t complete the cognitive processes — like seeing, thinking, or reading — they were trying to achieve. As a result, other neural pathways pick up that task, but it’s harder on your brain.

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 does it take to return to light thinking?

Even though symptoms during the acute symptomatic phase may be quite limiting, returning to light thinking and physical activities should start after the first couple of days. Examples of light thinking activity include: Watching TV. Pleasure reading (if tolerated) Listening to music. Short periods of schoolwork.

How long does the red flag phase last?

Typically, this phase lasts less than three days. If you experience any of the following "Red Flag Symptoms during this phase," you should go to the emergency room:

What are some examples of light physical activity?

Watching TV. Pleasure reading (if tolerated) Listening to music. Short periods of schoolwork. Examples of light physical activity include: Light chores around home. Short walks. During the acute symptomatic phase, it is typical that thinking and physical activity can make symptoms worse.

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.

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.

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.

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 is the leading cause of death and disability in young children and teenagers?

Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in young children and teenagers. People who participate in contact sports like hockey, football, soccer and boxing are at an increased risk for a concussion.

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.

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.

What happened to David on the basketball team?

David, one of the boys on my son’s team, had taken a hard shove that knocked him straight off his feet. He landed flat on his back and slammed his head onto the floor. The coach rushed over as he lay there crying. He stayed down, disheveled, then was helped to his feet and over to the bench.

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.

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 ...

What causes pain in the jaw and neck?

Head injuries and concussion can cause pain in your jaw as well as in the bones and muscles of your head, neck and shoulders. Temporomandibular joint disorder (injury to the jaw joint and jaw muscles) is a specific condition that can sometimes happen after hitting your head.

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.

What is the best treatment for a concussion?

This is an exercise-based program, designed by a specialized physical therapist, to improve balance and decrease dizziness — problems that may arise after someone suffers a concussion.

How to recover from a concussion?

The most important step in concussion recovery is getting plenty of rest, which is necessary to help the brain heal. People with a concussion should get plenty of sleep at night and rest during the day.

Can a child go back to school after a concussion?

In children, the same rules apply for concussion recovery as for adults. Parents should talk with their child’s doctor about when it is safe to return to school and other activities.

Can you play contact sports after a concussion?

Whether or not your concussion occurred as a result of a sports trauma, avoid participation in contact sports until you’re cleared by your doctor. Research shows that one concussion puts a person at a higher risk of subsequent TBIs.