Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for concussions

by Judah Connelly III 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

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.

Therapy

Feb 21, 2012 · 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 / …

Nutrition

The mainstay of treatment for concussion is cognitive and physical rest, allowing for normalization of the metabolism and correction of the energy deficit. Once recovered, the student may need accommodations to successfully return to school without added difficulty and should follow a return to play protocol to return to athletics safely.

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Apr 25, 2016 · Press an ice pack to the area of injury for approximately 20-30 minutes every two to four hours. Wrap the ice in plastic or cloth; do not press it directly onto the skin. 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.

What is the healing process for a concussion?

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 and sometimes stretching and ...

How do you heal a concussion?

What are home remedies for concussion?

What is needed to recover from a concussion?

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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 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 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 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 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”.

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

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

Can I take ibuprofen for concussion?

Pain Relief: Use acetaminophen or acetaminophen / codeine for headaches. Do not use aspirin or anti inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen (NSAIDs), which may increase the risk of complications.

What happens if a concussion goes untreated?

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 long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Normal recovery for those younger than 18 is considered 30 days, and for those older than 18 is considered 14 days. 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 ...

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.

What is the best pain reliever for a swollen ear?

During the first 24 hours acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for pain relief. After the first 24 hours, ibuprofen (Ad vil) and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Aleve) are generally more effective for pain relief, and are safe.

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:

Can headaches be rebounded?

Consistent, prolonged use of medications to treat headache may result in medication overuse or rebound headache. Medications for nausea may also be considered, if nausea is severe. During this phase nausea should significantly improve, and if it doesn't, alternative explanations for it should be sought.

What are some examples of cardiovascular exercise?

Examples of cardiovascular exercises that are started during this phase include use of a stationary bike or walking. Again, the specifics of the activity should be determined and guided by your doctor.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

What happens when you hit your head?

However, when the head suffers a violent hit, the brain can be knocked around inside the skull, sometimes causing bleeding or swelling in the worst cases. You might not be aware right away if you or a patient has had a concussion.

Can a concussion be serious?

However, the possible complications can be serious, especially if the patient has suffered multiple head injuries. Keep an eye out for the symptoms, and hopefully the effects of concussion can be minimized.

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.

How to reduce swelling from a swollen ear?

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. Wrap the ice in plastic or cloth; do not press it directly onto the skin. If you don’t have ice, use something else cold such as a package of frozen vegetables.

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.

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 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).

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.

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 ...

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?

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