what is the course of treatment for a concussion

by Gino Stokes IV 9 min read

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.

Medication

When to Seek Treatment for a Jammed Finger. There is a prominent deformity, such as the finger not being straight or a portion of the finger looking elevated or lower than the same finger on the other hand. If the finger is unable to hold normal alignment and seems to fall in and out of place with movement. 2,3.

Therapy

What Steps Should My Child Take to Feel Better?

  1. Rest. Your child should take it easy the first few days after the injury when symptoms are more severe. ...
  2. Light Activity. As your child starts to feel better, gradually return to regular (non-strenuous) activities. ...
  3. Moderate Activity. When symptoms are mild and nearly gone, your child can return to most regular activities. ...
  4. Back to Regular Activity. ...

Nutrition

What to do for a concussion

  • Immediately after the injury. The first step for someone with a concussion is to leave the area where the injury occurred. ...
  • 24–48 hours after the injury. The person should restrict cognitive and physical activity for 24–48 hours after the injury. ...
  • A week after the injury. ...
  • Long-term prevention. ...

See more

Light Activity

  • Find relaxing activities at home. Avoid activities that put your child at risk for another injury to the head and brain.
  • Return to school gradually. ...
  • Get maximum nighttime sleep. ...
  • Reduce daytime naps or return to a regular daytime nap schedule (as appropriate for their age).

When to seek treatment for a concussion?

What therapy is needed After a concussion?

How do you help someone with a concussion?

What is needed to recover from a concussion?

What is the best course of treatment for a 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.

How long is treatment for concussion?

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 the steps to treat a concussion?

If you suspect that you have a concussion, the following are helpful steps for recovery:Visit a Concussion Specialist. The first step after a traumatic brain injury is to visit your doctor. ... Rest & Relax. ... Be Patient. ... Stay Hydrated & Eat Well. ... Avoid Electronics. ... Seek Physical Therapy. ... Ease Back into Your Routine.

What are the 4 steps of recovering from a concussion?

Remember, this is a gradual process....After more rest and no concussion symptoms, the athlete can start at the previous step.Step 1: Back to regular activities (such as school) ... Step 2: Light aerobic activity. ... Step 3: Moderate activity. ... Step 4: Heavy, non-contact activity. ... Step 5: Practice & full contact. ... Step 6: Competition.

How long does it take to get over a mild concussion?

How long does it take to recover from a mild concussion? The average recovery time after a concussion has been estimated to be between 16 and 29 days. Most people recover in 2-4 weeks. An estimated 20% of people need more than 6 weeks to recover from persistent symptoms of concussion.

How long should you rest after a mild concussion?

Right after a concussion, in what doctors call the acute phase, experts recommend 24–72 hours of rest. During this time, individuals need to cut back on all their activities, from work and school to sports and housework. People should not take any medication without a doctor's advice.

How do you treat a concussion at home?

How to Treat a Concussion at HomeDo cardio for about 30 minutes a day or as tolerated. ... Immediately after exercising, engage in cognitively demanding activities — like reading. ... Calm your autonomic nervous system. ... Rest from screens and try to do some normal activities if you can. ... Return to work or school gradually.

What can adults do for a concussion?

See a doctor immediately to have your injury and symptoms evaluated. Even if they don't seem serious, symptoms following any type of head injury should be treated as an emergency. Rest during the day and try to get a good night's sleep. It's the key to helping the brain heal.

What is the best treatment 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.

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.

What happens if you get a concussion right away?

If you sustain a head injury and experience symptoms of a concussion right away—such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, or vomiting—do not go back to whatever you were doing even if those symptoms disappear. If you were hurt while playing a sport, for example, do not go back on the field until you've been evaluated by a healthcare provider. 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.

How long does it take to feel better after a concussion?

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 .

Does repeated concussion increase the risk of a concussion?

Repeated concussions not only increase the risk of further concussion but have been associated with early-onset dementia.

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.

Who to see for a concussion?

If you, your son or daughter or your older parent has experienced a mild blow to the head, you can see your family medical doctor or your pediatrician first for an initial exam. 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:

Who is involved in making sure the concussion protocol is followed?

The people involved in making sure the concussion protocol is followed include trained healthcare providers with knowledge of concussion care, athletic trainers, school nurse/counselor/teachers, rehabilitation specialists and parents.

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.

How to keep blood sugar up after a concussion?

Make sure to encourage eating throughout the day to keep blood sugar up and to try and drink six 8 oz. glasses of fluid (water, juice, Gatorade®) throughout the day. The brain is sensitive to low blood sugar and dehydration and these conditions can mimic or worsen concussion symptoms like headache, dizziness, fogginess, stomachache and irritability.

What happens when you hit the brain?

The force of a hit can cause a concussion on the part of the brain that was directly hit or on the opposite side of the brain (as the brain tissue itself moves from the force of the blow and hits the opposite side of the skull).

What causes a concussion in a child?

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries are common causes of concussions. Any sport that involves contact can result in a concussion. Among children, most concussions happen on the playground, while bike riding, or when playing sports such as football, basketball, ice hockey, wrestling, or soccer.

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 recovery from a concussion?

Recovery from a concussion is when your child is able to do all of their regular activities without experiencing any symptoms. Also, be sure to: Schedule a follow up appointment for your child’s doctor or nurse.

How long does it take for a concussion to heal?

Most children with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. However for some, symptoms will last for a month or longer. Concussion symptoms may appear during the normal healing process or as your child gets back to their regular activities. If there are any symptoms that concern you or are getting worse, be sure to seek medical care as soon as possible.

What is the best medication for a child with a headache?

Ask your child’s doctor or nurse about safe over-the-counter or prescription medications to help with symptoms (e.g., Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headache).

How to help a child with a brain injury?

Rest. Your child should take it easy the first few days after the injury when symptoms are more severe. Early on, limit physical and thinking/remembering activities to avoid symptoms getting worse. Avoid activities that put your child at risk for another injury to the head and brain.

What to do if your child's symptoms are not worsening?

If your child’s symptoms do not worsen during an activity then this activity is OK for them. If symptoms worsen, your child should cut back on how much he or she can do that activity without experiencing symptoms.

What is the treatment for a concussion?

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.

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.

How many lessons are in Concussion Rescue?

My new online course, Concussion Rescue, is a 15-lesson comprehensive online course designed to put you on a path to brain repair and recovery.

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.

Did David's brain heal after a concussion?

Fortunately, in David’s case, I was able to help his mother develop a strategy that put David’s brain into a healing state instead of allowing his brain to suffer the cascade of events that happen in the brain after a concussion. While David did take it easy and rest for much of the week following his injury, once put on a plan, his symptoms rapidly began to improve. Several weeks later, he had no symptoms and had returned to his happy self.

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 long does it take for a concussion to heal?

Typically, people with a concussion start to feel better within 1–2 weeks of the injury.

How long after a sprain should you rest?

24–48 hours after the injury. The person should restrict cognitive and physical activity for 24–48 hours after the injury. Again, it is important that they are not alone during this time, as symptoms can appear days after the injury.

When to check in after a concussion?

It is important for parents and caregivers to check in on their children in the hours and days after a concussion to watch for any symptom progression. If symptoms get worse or are severe, it is important to seek immediate help.

How can sports help prevent concussions?

For sports, other safety strategies, such as stricter body-checking policies, may help prevent concussions.

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.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

After a concussion, the majority of people recover from the initial symptoms within 2 weeks to 1 month.

What is the best diet for a concussion?

The Headway Foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting safer sports, recommends the following foods: protein to support healthy brain function. fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin E to support the nervous system.

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

The symptoms and the amount of time it takes for them to go away may differ between people and between concussions. Each concussion is different, even for the same person, and the path to concussion recovery will vary for every individual.

How long after a concussion can you sleep?

Not all concussion symptoms will be noticeable right after the injury, with some not appearing until days or weeks later. Right after a concussion, in what doctors call the acute phase, experts recommend 24–72 hours of rest.

What are the factors that affect the recovery of a concussion?

One of the critical factors affecting concussion recovery is the severity of the original injury. In general, the more severe the injury, the longer it takes to recover.

What causes a concussion?

A concussion can occur due to certain types of traumatic brain injuries. Head trauma can damage the brain due to direct force or when the brain rapidly shifts or turns. Causes include falls, blows, or shaking.

What foods help the brain heal?

fish, nuts, and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to promote brain healing

What is the best treatment for a concussion?

Pain medicine doctors to help with headaches and spine pain. Psychologists to help you cope with concussion symptoms. Care can include: Rest: Both mental and physical rest are important in the first few days after you are diagnosed with a concussion.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a mild — but still serious — traumatic brain injury. Normally, liquid surrounding the brain cushions it against jostling and bumps. In a concussion, the brain is shaken or jolted with enough force to cause it to twist or bounce inside the skull.

What happens when you get a concussion?

In a concussion, the brain is shaken or jolted with enough force to cause it to twist or bounce inside the skull. Short- and long-term effects can include: Changes in memory and reasoning. Dizziness or balance problems. Blurry or double vision. Changes in the ability to communicate and understand.

How to get back to normal after a concussion?

Avoid sports or vigorous movement, which could make your symptoms worse. Your doctor will help you ease back to regular activity. Pain relief: You may have headaches in the days and even weeks after a concussion. Your doctor may recommend pain treatments or medication.

Why is it important to have one concussion?

Having one concussion raises the risk of a second one because your brain is more vulnerable while healing. Your balance and judgment also may be impaired, making a second injury more likely.

What kind of doctor treats concussions?

A variety of specialists, including neurologists, psychologists and rehabilitation therapists. Sports medicine experts to treat every aspect of athletic-related concussions, including evaluating when your child can return to sports and school. The most sophisticated imaging tests. Doctors with the expertise to give you a precise diagnosis.

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

Signs and symptoms of a concussion may develop right away, or after hours or days. They go away within 10 days for about 80% of people, according to the National Institutes of Health, but last longer for others. They can include: Unable to remember events before, during or after the injury. Dizziness.

How long does a concussion last?

The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not show up immediately. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or even longer.

What are the effects of a concussion?

Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. Concussions are usually caused by a blow to the head.

Why is it so hard to recognize a concussion in a toddler?

Head trauma is very common in young children. But concussions can be difficult to recognize in infants and toddlers because they can't describe how they feel . Concussion clues may include:

How long does it take for a concussion to show symptoms?

You may have some symptoms of concussions immediately, and some can occur for days after the injury, such as:

How long does it take for a concussion to cause headaches?

Post-traumatic headaches. Some people experience concussion-related headaches up to seven days after a brain injury.

What causes sudden acceleration of the head?

Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head, caused by events such as a car crash or being violently shaken, also can cause brain injury.

When was the consensus statement on concussion in sport?

McCrory P, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport: The 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017; doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699.

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