Full Answer
What are the treatments for post concussion syndrome fatigue?
Recent studies have shown that Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, and light therapy, which Dr. Diane and Paul Soper on our Brain Health Team provide, can be effective against fatigue. Alternative Treatment for Post Concussion Syndrome Fatigue Reiki, QiGong, and/or Energy Tapping are very helpful in re-energizing your body.
What should I do if I have a concussion?
May 23, 2019 · Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are also prescribed to treat fatigue. Both are potentially addictive, but a 2009 study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse found a low potential for tolerance or addiction when methylphenidate was used for medical purposes.
How can Mayo Clinic help with concussion-related health concerns?
Treatment of ME/CFS. There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Treating these symptoms might provide relief for some patients with ME/CFS but not others. Other strategies, like learning new ways to manage activity, can also be helpful.
What tests are done to diagnose a concussion?
Chronic fatigue is a typical symptom of neurological diseases, and is most disabling in multiple sclerosis, postpoliomyelitis, poststroke, and in chronic fatigue syndrome. Disorders of neuromuscular junction transmission and metabolic diseases cause muscle fatigability, which is characterised by failure to sustain the force of muscle ...
What can a neurologist do for post-concussion syndrome?
How do you treat chronic concussion symptoms?
How do you manage fatigue after brain injury?
Can concussion cause chronic fatigue syndrome?
Can an MRI detect post-concussion syndrome?
What is cognitive therapy for concussion?
What is neurological fatigue?
Does concussion fatigue go away?
What part of the brain controls fatigue?
Does a concussion show up on a CT scan?
A CT scan takes pictures to create images of the brain. The scan can show if there's a fracture or bleeding. An MRI creates clear images of brain tissue. But these scans cannot show if you have a concussion.
Can you play sports after a concussion?
Eventually, once all signs and symptoms of concussion have resolved, you and your doctor can discuss the steps you'll need to take to safely play sports again. Resuming sports too soon increases the risk of another brain injury.
How long after a concussion can you get headaches?
Headaches may occur in the days or weeks after a concussion. To manage pain, ask your doctor if it's safe to take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Avoid other pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin, as these medications may increase the risk of bleeding.
How long does it take for a concussion to show up?
Signs and symptoms of a concussion may not appear until hours or days after the injury. Tests your doctor may perform or recommend include a neurological examination, cognitive testing and imaging tests.
What is brain imaging?
Brain imaging may be recommended for some people with signs and symptoms such as severe headaches, seizures, repeated vomiting or symptoms that are becoming worse. Brain imaging may determine whether the injury is severe and has caused bleeding or swelling in the skull.
What to do if your child has a head injury?
If your child has received a head injury that concerns you, call your child's doctor immediately. Depending on the signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care. Here's some information to help you get ready for and make the most of your medical appointment.
What to do while waiting for an appointment?
Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions or instructions. The most important thing for you to do while waiting for your appointment is to avoid activities that cause or worsen your symptoms. Avoid sports or vigorous physical activities and minimize difficult, stressful or prolonged mental tasks.
What is the purpose of MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to identify changes in your brain or to diagnose complications that may occur after a concussion. An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of your brain.
What kind of doctor treats functional neurologic disorder?
For some people, a multispecialty team approach that includes a neurologist; psychiatrist or other mental health professional; speech, physical and occupational therapists; or others may be appropriate.
What is the best treatment for paralysis?
Depending on your needs, therapies may include: Physical or occupational therapy. Working with a physical or occupational therapist may improve movement symptoms and prevent complications. For example, regular movement of arms or legs may ward off muscle tightness and weakness if you have paralysis or loss of mobility.
What is functional neurologic disorder?
Functional neurologic disorders are diagnosed based on what is present, such as specific patterns of signs and symptoms, and not just by what is absent, such as a lack of structural changes on an MRI or abnormalities on an EEG. Testing and diagnosis usually involves a neurologist, but may include a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
What is conversion disorder?
DSM-5 lists these criteria for conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder): One or more symptoms that affect body movement or your senses. Symptoms can't be explained by a neurological or other medical condition or another mental health disorder.
Is there a standard test for functional neurologic disorders?
There are no standard tests for functional neurologic disorders. Diagnosis usually involves assessment of existing symptoms and ruling out any neurological or other medical condition that could cause the symptoms.
What does a neurologist do?
He or she asks questions about your thoughts, feelings and behavior and discusses your symptoms. With your permission, information from family members or others may be helpful.
How to improve mobility?
Working with a physical or occupational therapist may improve movement symptoms and prevent complications. For example, regular movement of arms or legs may ward off muscle tightness and weakness if you have paralysis or loss of mobility. Gradual increases in exercise may improve your ability to function.
What are the best medications for fatigue?
Medications that are prescribed for fatigue include the following: Psycho-stimulants, Dopamine agonists, Amantadine, Modafinil, and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
What is the best treatment for headaches?
Psychotherapy can help to pinpoint and alleviate depression, which can precede or accompany chronic headaches. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) helps you cope with the changes in your life and find ways of dealing with headaches. Dr. Diane ® is a licensed Psychologist and is a provider of these services.
What foods are good for the brain?
These foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dried beans, and fish. Martha Lindsay is our nutrition educator on our Brain Health Team.
What is the best painkiller for PCS?
Over-the-counter painkillers are the ideal starting, and they often bring relief to PCS headaches. Well-known examples include Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Datril, and others), Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, and others); Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, and others); Ketoprofen (Actron and Orudis); and Naproxen Sodium (Aleve).
How does acupuncture help with headaches?
Acupuncture helps control headache pain by stimulating the release of endorphins. An Acupuncturist inserts hair-like needles into specific points on your body. Acupressure involves pressing and rotating the fingertips firmly against certain points on the body.
How to reduce headaches?
Developing a relaxation response is a good way to reduce stress, release tensed muscles, and combat hormonal changes that can result in headaches. Proficiency at yoga, meditation, visualization, and other relaxation techniques, can give you a natural defense against pain.
Does chiropractic help with headaches?
Chiropractic treatment has been effective in treating post traumatic, tension-type, and some migraine headaches. Chiropractic manipulation by a licensed Chiropractor reduces abnormal motion and irritation to the neck muscles, nerves, and other tissues. Dr. Paul Schoonman is the team Chiropractor.
What are some exercises to help with fatigue?
Experiment with different types of activity—swimming, cycling, yoga, tai chi, strength training—to determine which one works the best and which one you like the best. Talk to Your Doctor About Medication. Several drugs have proved useful in combatting fatigue.
How to get rid of fatigue?
And often they can be resolved by rest and cooling off. Experiment with different types of activity—swimming, cycling, yoga, tai chi, strength training —to determine which one works the best and which one you like the best. Talk to Your Doctor About Medication. Several drugs have proved useful in combatting fatigue.
Is fatigue a symptom of MS?
Fatigue is a common symptom of many neurologic disorder s, and multiple sclerosis (MS) is no exception. Unlike weariness and a sense of exhaustion from exercise, manual labor, and stress, MS-related fatigue consistently interferes with your ability to do everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, socializing, and working.
Does amantadine help with fatigue?
Amantadine (Symmetrel), an anti-viral drug used to treat influenza, reduces fatigue in about 50 percent of patients. For some people, the drug’s effectiveness wears off over time, but if you take a several-days’ break, it may become more effective again. In general, the risk of side effects is low.
Can MS cause fatigue?
In addition, if muscles grow weak or tire quickly, it becomes harder to perform normal daily activities, and the extra exertion leads to more fatigue.
What are the symptoms of MS?
MS patients experience two types of fatigue. One, called primary, is a symptom of the disease itself. The other, called secondary, is due to factors such as sleep disturbances, medication side effects, and the increased effort it takes to get through each day. Primary fatigue is further subdivided into lassitude and nerve fiber fatigue. Lassitude is an overwhelming sense of tiredness that comes on suddenly and without warning. It isn’t typically related to exercise or being overheated, but it can be exacerbated by those things as well as stress, poor sleep, and medication.
Can MS patients exercise?
In fact, until about 20 or 30 years ago, doctors discouraged people with MS from exercising, fearing it would deplete what little energy they had. Today, a large and growing body of research shows that people with MS tolerate exercise well and it improves their quality of life.
Can ME/CFS be treated?
Many patients with ME/CFS develop depression during their illness. When present, depression or anxiety should be treated. Although treating depression or anxiety can be helpful, it is not a cure for ME/CFS. Some people with ME/CFS might benefit from antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Can ME/CFS patients do aerobic exercise?
Any activity or exercise plan for people with ME/CFS needs to be carefully designed with input from each patient. While vigorous aerobic exercise can be beneficial for many chronic illnesses, patients with ME/CFS do not tolerate such exercise routines.
How to help a patient with chronic illness?
Strategies that do not involve use of medications and might be helpful to some patients are: 1 Professional counseling: Talking with a therapist to help find strategies to cope with the illness and its impact on daily life and relationships. 2 Balanced diet. A balanced diet is important for everyone’s good health and would benefit a person with or without any chronic illness. 3 Nutritional supplements. Doctors might run tests to see if patients lack any important nutrients and might suggest supplements to try. Doctors and patients should talk about any risks and benefits of supplements, and consider any possible interactions that may occur with prescription medications. Follow-up tests to see if nutrient levels improve can help with treatment planning. 4 Complementary therapies. Therapies, like meditation, gentle massage, deep breathing, or relaxation therapy, might be helpful.
What to do if you have chronic pain?
Doctors may first recommend trying over-the-counter pain-relievers, like aceta minophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. If these do not provide enough pain relief, patients may need to see a pain specialist. People with chronic pain, including those with ME/CFS, can benefit from counseling to learn new ways to deal with pain.
How long does PEM last?
The symptoms typically get worse 12 to 48 hours after the activity or exposure and can last for days or even weeks.
Can ME/CFS cause sleepiness?
Patients with ME/CFS often feel less refreshed and restored after sleep than they did before they became ill. Common sleep complaints include difficulty falling or staying asleep, extreme sleepiness, intense and vivid dreaming, restless legs, and nighttime muscle spasms.
Can depression be cured?
When present, depression or anxiety should be treated. Although treating depression or anxiety can be helpful, it is not a cure for ME/CFS. Some people with ME/CFS might benefit from antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. However, doctors should use caution in prescribing these medications.
Sleep Problems
Many people with ME/CFS have some kind of sleep disorder. Getting a good (or at least better) night’s sleep could help you feel less tired during the day.
Stimulants
Some people are prescribed stimulants, like the ones used to treat ADHD. These medicines help ease fatigue and problems with memory and concentration. But they are tricky for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Help for Your Joints
If ME/CFS gives you muscle and joint pain, your doctor might suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen.