Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for a light concussion

by Kyla Jaskolski Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Physical and mental rest
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

Medication

Most people with concussions will experience a complete recovery, but the length of time it takes the body and mind to heal can vary. In most cases, someone will recover within a month. In rare cases, recovery can take longer than 6 weeks, which is known as post-concussion syndrome.

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

Other natural concussion treatment options to help recovery include diffusing lavender oil and other stress-reducing essential oils and participating in music therapy. 1. Sleep and Rest. It takes time for the brain to heal after a concussion.

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  • Take it easy the first few days after a mild TBI or concussion when symptoms are more severe.
  • You may need to take a short time off from work or school, although usually no more than 2 to 3 days.
  • Ask your healthcare for written instructions about when you can safely return to work, school, or other activities, such as driving a car.

How long does it take for a concussion to heal?

What is the healing process for a concussion?

How do you treat a concussion at home?

What to do after a concussion?

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How long does it take for a light concussion to heal?

Concussions can range from mild to severe, however even mild concussions require a recovery period. On average, it takes approximately 7-10 days to recover from a concussion. However, this can vary from individual to individual and you may continue to experience concussion symptoms for longer than 7-10 days.

Does a concussion need to be treated?

Concussions often heal on their own with rest. It may be necessary to take a break from sports, school, or work while recovering, or receive accommodations. Some people take over-the-counter pain medications to help with symptoms. It's important that all head injuries are evaluated by a doctor.

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...

How do hospitals treat concussions?

Depending on the severity of the injury and symptoms, initial treatment for a concussion often includes rest from both physical and mental activities — specifically, things that require concentration, such as: Reading. Watching TV. Using a smartphone or computer.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

How long does a concussion last?

post-concussion syndrome, which causes you to experience concussion symptoms for weeks (or even months) instead of just a few days. post-traumatic headaches, which may last for a few months. post-traumatic vertigo, or dizziness that lasts for up to several months. brain injuries from multiple TBIs.

How is a concussion different from a contusion?

A concussion is different from a contusion. A concussion specifically affects your brain, but contusions are bruises. Contusions can occur on your head, but they aren’t typically serious and tend to resolve within several days.

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, ...

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.

When to see a doctor for a concussion?

Emergency symptoms: When to see a doctor. See a doctor if you suspect that you or someone else has a concussion. If a concussion occurs during sports practice or a game, tell the athletic coach and go to a doctor. Concussions may be accompanied by injuries to the spine.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

How to get rid of a concussion?

This is just as important as resting. Try to get at least seven to nine hours each night.

What is a concussion?

This article has been viewed 41,983 times. A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). It can be caused by a bump, a hit, a fall, or any type of head injury that pushes the head and brain back and forth rapidly. In a concussion, the brain is shaken back and forth within the skull. [1]

How to get rid of a bruise on the head?

Wrap it in a towel, and hold it on the bump or bruise for 10 to 30 minutes. Repeat every two to four hours for the first 48 hours. If an ice pack is not available, a bag of frozen vegetables can be used. Ice packs can help with the inner headache as well. ...

How long after a concussion should you watch for symptoms?

Symptoms can occur minutes, hours, or even days after the injury. A person should continue to watch for symptoms for a few days after the concussion.

How long does a concussion last?

[1] Most concussions are mild in the sense that a person most likely will recover completely, but the symptoms can be very difficult to notice, can develop slowly, and can last for days or weeks.

How to help someone with a neck injury?

If the injury isn’t bleeding, apply an ice pack to the area to help reduce swelling and discomfort. If it is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound until the bleeding stops .

How long does it take to see a doctor after a concussion?

If you have been hit in the head, you should see a physician within one to two days at the most to be evaluated, even if you don't think it is serious. After seeing a doctor, there are ways you can treat a mild concussion at home. Steps.

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:

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.

Can you return to sports after a concussion?

Once the symptoms start to resolve, a person may notice that they are able to do more. However, they should only return to sports when they are completely symptom-free. Before returning to normal cognitive and physical activities, people with a recent concussion should speak to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of a mild concussion?

After someone has suffered from a blow to the head or other similar injuries, it is important to know the signs of a concussion so you can evaluate what type of medical attention is needed. Headaches: One of the first symptoms that appear when someone is suffering from a concussion is a headache.

How long does it take to lose consciousness after a concussion?

The person may complain of a throbbing pain, or a heaviness that is similar to a migraine. In serious cases, the person may lose consciousness for up to 30 minutes. Temporary Memory Loss: A person suffering from a concussion may also be confused or suffer from temporary memory loss.

What are the causes of concussions?

What Can Cause Concussion? 1 Several activities or circumstances make you vulnerable to concussions like playing sports and other activities without adequate safety equipment available. 2 Soldiers involved in active combat are also at high risk for suffering from concussions. 3 Concussions are common when motor vehicle accidents are involved because of the high impact of these events. 4 Children and seniors can suffer from concussions if they have a serious fall and hit their heads. 5 Those who have had a concussion previously are also at a higher risk of suffering from a concussion again if they suffer an injury that impacts their heads.

Can a concussion cause headaches?

However, a concussion is technically brain injuries that results from these types of accidents. This type of brain injury can impact your concentration, memory, balance, judgment and coordination and can even cause headaches. A concussion causes injury to the brain that will need time to mend.

Is a concussion dangerous?

Mild concussions are common for those who participate in activities where head injuries are likely. In many cases, this condition is not dangerous, but it does require medical care to ensure that no excessive damage is done to the brain.

Can seniors get concussions?

Children and seniors can suffer from concussions if they have a serious fall and hit their heads. Those who have had a concussion previously are also at a higher risk of suffering from a concussion again if they suffer an injury that impacts their heads.

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