A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is caused by an impact to the head or intense shaking of the head. This serious condition is responsible for more than 60,000 deaths per year in the United States, according to the CDC. It can also cause a variety of symptoms that could persist for weeks or months. These include dizziness, drowsiness, mood swings, memory issues, concentration issues and more.
Treatment for a concussion should begin immediately after the initial symptoms are noticed. These may include ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms that may linger throughout the recovery period. What should you do after suffering from a concussion?
Seek Medical Attention
If you believe that you have a concussion, you should seek immediate medical attention. The concussion treatment process begins when your doctor evaluates the severity of your injury through a series of neurocognitive tests. These include a cervical spine exam, eye movement testing and balance testing. Your doctor will provide you with detailed concussion recovery instructions. A prescription pain reliever may also be provided.
Avoid Screen Time
The lights and sounds from a TV, phone or other devices can worsen headaches, insomnia and other concussion symptoms. Screen time should be limited or avoided altogether until symptoms subside. This is particularly important for the two hours before bedtime if your concussion is causing insomnia.
Stay in a Dark, Quiet Environment
For at least the first few days after your injury, stay in a dark, quiet environment. For example, rest in your bedroom with the lights off and the blinds closed. Your brain will be very sensitive to stimuli during this time period. By minimizing your exposure to lights and sounds, you can help your body to heal. You may also prevent some of your symptoms from worsening.
Remain as Still as Possible
As part of your concussion recovery process, try to keep your head and neck as still as possible for the first several days after your injury. Keep in mind that this type of movement resulted in the concussion, so it may exacerbate your injury. Even after some of your most serious symptoms subside, your body may still be recovering. Because of this, you should not participate in heavy physical activity for several weeks after suffering from your concussion. Keep in mind that physical and mental rest are both critical for the recovery process, so you should take it easy until you have been cleared to return to your activities.
Focus on Hydration and Your Diet
Staying properly hydrated is crucial for total body health. While resting after a concussion, ensure that you drink plenty of water. Likewise, making a few minor adjustments to your diet during your concussion recovery process could be beneficial. At least one study has indicated that eating plenty of protein may improve cognitive function after a concussion. Some foods to consider are fish, nuts, beans and meat. Omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial to both neuron recovery and cognition function. To add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, consume a fish oil supplement, chia seeds, soy, salmon, flax seeds and walnuts. While antioxidants have not specifically been linked to concussion recovery, they are known to enhance neural function and memory. Pecans, strawberries and blueberries are only some of the foods that are rich in antioxidants that you can incorporate into your regular diet.
Take Advantage of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help you to recover fully after your injury. Your physical therapist will initially conduct several tests to determine the severity of your injury. These may include vestibular testing, visual testing, an activity tolerance assessment, balance testing and a whiplash assessment. Through these tests, your physical therapist can tailor a concussion treatment program to suit your specific needs. Through vestibular therapy and other treatments, you can return to your daily activities at a safe pace.
Consult with Your Healthcare Team
Keep in mind that the concussion recovery process can take several weeks. For some people, this extended process can be frustrating, and there may be an inclination to resume daily activities before a full recovery has been made. It is important to consult with your physician and to follow the provided physical therapy guidelines so that you do not exacerbate symptoms and impair your body’s recovery.
