How can you effectively treat a mild concussion at home. What are the key symptoms of a concussion to watch out for. Why is rest not always the best treatment for concussion recovery. What role does exercise play in concussion healing. How long should you wait before seeking professional help for concussion symptoms.

Understanding Concussions: More Than Just a Bump on the Head

A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), can occur from various incidents involving head movement, not just direct blows. It’s crucial to recognize that even seemingly minor jolts can lead to concussive symptoms. But what exactly happens in the brain during a concussion?

During a concussion, the brain experiences a temporary disruption in its normal functioning. This disruption can affect various cognitive processes, including memory, concentration, and balance. The severity of symptoms can vary widely, making each concussion unique to the individual.

Common Causes of Concussions

• Sports-related impacts
• Vehicle accidents
• Falls
• Sudden head movements without direct impact

Can a concussion occur without a direct hit to the head? Yes, any sudden movement that causes the brain to move within the skull can potentially result in a concussion. This is why whiplash injuries from car accidents can sometimes lead to concussive symptoms even without a direct head impact.

Identifying Concussion Symptoms: When to Be Concerned

Recognizing concussion symptoms is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. While some signs are immediately apparent, others may develop over time. It’s important to monitor for both immediate and delayed symptoms.

Immediate Concussion Symptoms

• Confusion or disorientation
• Headache
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise

Delayed Concussion Symptoms

• Memory issues
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood changes
• Fatigue

Are all concussion symptoms immediately noticeable? No, some symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after the initial injury. This is why it’s crucial to monitor your condition closely in the days following a head injury.

The Myth of Complete Rest: Why Traditional Concussion Advice Falls Short

For years, the standard advice for concussion treatment has been complete rest in a dark room until all symptoms subside. However, recent research and clinical experience suggest that this approach may not be the most effective for all patients.

While initial rest is important, prolonged inactivity can actually hinder recovery. The brain, like any other part of the body, benefits from controlled stimulation and exercise during the healing process.

Drawbacks of Prolonged Rest

1. Muscle deconditioning
2. Increased anxiety and depression
3. Slower cognitive recovery
4. Potential for prolonged symptoms

Does complete rest speed up concussion recovery? Contrary to popular belief, extended periods of complete rest may actually slow down the recovery process. Moderate, controlled activity has been shown to promote faster healing in many cases.

Active Recovery: The New Approach to Concussion Treatment

Modern concussion treatment emphasizes an active recovery approach. This method involves a careful balance of rest and controlled activity to promote healing and prevent long-term symptoms.

Key Components of Active Recovery

• Gradual return to cognitive activities
• Controlled physical exercise
• Monitored sensory exposure
• Proper sleep hygiene

How soon after a concussion can you start active recovery? While it’s important to rest immediately after the injury, most patients can begin gentle activities within 24-48 hours, gradually increasing intensity as symptoms allow.

Exercise and Concussion Recovery: Finding the Right Balance

Incorporating exercise into concussion recovery may seem counterintuitive, but research shows that controlled physical activity can significantly benefit healing. The key is to find the right balance and intensity.

Benefits of Exercise in Concussion Recovery

• Improved blood flow to the brain
• Enhanced neuroplasticity
• Reduced risk of depression and anxiety
• Faster return to normal activities

What types of exercises are safe after a concussion? Low-impact activities such as walking, stationary cycling, or swimming are generally safe to start with. It’s crucial to avoid exercises that risk further head impact or excessive jostling.

Guidelines for Post-Concussion Exercise

1. Start with 5-10 minutes of light cardio daily
2. Gradually increase duration and intensity as tolerated
3. Monitor symptoms before, during, and after exercise
4. Stop if symptoms worsen significantly
5. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily once tolerated

How do you know if you’re exercising too much after a concussion? If symptoms worsen significantly during or after exercise, or if you experience new symptoms, it’s a sign to reduce intensity or duration. Always listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if unsure.

Cognitive Rehabilitation: Exercising Your Brain After a Concussion

Just as physical exercise is important for recovery, cognitive exercises play a crucial role in healing the brain after a concussion. These activities help restore neural pathways and improve cognitive function.

Effective Cognitive Exercises for Concussion Recovery

• Memory games
• Puzzle solving
• Reading (starting with short periods)
• Simple math problems
• Controlled screen time for specific activities

When should you start cognitive exercises after a concussion? Begin with short periods (5-10 minutes) of gentle cognitive activities within the first few days post-injury, gradually increasing duration and complexity as symptoms allow.

Implementing a Cognitive Exercise Routine

1. Start with activities that don’t exacerbate symptoms
2. Gradually increase difficulty and duration
3. Take frequent breaks to avoid overstimulation
4. Monitor symptoms and adjust accordingly
5. Incorporate a variety of activities to engage different cognitive skills

How can you tell if cognitive exercises are helping or hurting? If you experience increased symptoms or fatigue that lasts more than 30 minutes after the activity, it may be too strenuous. Adjust the intensity or duration and consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Nutrition and Hydration: Fueling Your Brain for Recovery

Proper nutrition and hydration play a vital role in concussion recovery. The brain requires specific nutrients to heal and function optimally, especially after an injury.

Key Nutrients for Concussion Recovery

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Antioxidants
• B vitamins
• Magnesium
• Zinc

What foods should you eat to support concussion recovery? Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods like salmon, blueberries, leafy greens, and nuts are particularly beneficial for brain health.

Hydration Guidelines for Concussion Patients

1. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily
2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
3. Consider electrolyte-rich beverages for better absorption
4. Monitor urine color (pale yellow indicates good hydration)

Why is proper hydration crucial for concussion recovery? Adequate hydration supports blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and helps maintain proper cognitive function. Dehydration can exacerbate concussion symptoms and slow recovery.

Sleep and Concussion: Balancing Rest and Activity

Quality sleep is essential for concussion recovery, but finding the right balance between rest and activity can be challenging. While excessive sleep isn’t beneficial, getting adequate, restorative sleep is crucial for brain healing.

Tips for Improving Sleep Quality After a Concussion

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a calm, dark sleeping environment
• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed
• Practice relaxation techniques before sleep
• Limit daytime naps to 20-30 minutes

How much sleep is optimal during concussion recovery? While individual needs may vary, aim for 7-9 hours of nighttime sleep. Avoid oversleeping, as it can disrupt your sleep cycle and potentially slow recovery.

Managing Sleep Disturbances

1. Address any pain or discomfort that may be affecting sleep
2. Consider using a sleep diary to track patterns and improvements
3. Gradually adjust sleep habits as symptoms improve
4. Consult a healthcare professional if sleep issues persist

Can melatonin supplements help with post-concussion sleep issues? While melatonin may benefit some patients, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as individual needs and potential interactions can vary.

When to Seek Professional Help: Recognizing Persistent Symptoms

While many concussions resolve with proper home care, some cases require professional intervention. Recognizing when to seek additional help is crucial for preventing long-term complications.

Signs That Professional Help May Be Needed

• Symptoms persisting beyond 2-3 weeks
• Worsening symptoms over time
• Development of new symptoms
• Significant impact on daily activities or quality of life
• Recurrent concussions

How long should you wait before seeking professional help for lingering concussion symptoms? If symptoms persist or worsen after 2-3 weeks of home treatment, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional specializing in concussion management.

Types of Specialists for Concussion Care

1. Neurologists
2. Sports medicine physicians
3. Rehabilitation specialists
4. Neuropsychologists
5. Vestibular therapists

What treatments might a specialist recommend for persistent concussion symptoms? Depending on your specific symptoms, treatments may include targeted physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, vestibular therapy, or in some cases, medication management.

In conclusion, effective concussion treatment goes beyond simple rest. By incorporating controlled exercise, cognitive stimulation, proper nutrition, and quality sleep, most individuals can recover successfully from a mild concussion at home. However, it’s crucial to monitor symptoms closely and seek professional help if recovery doesn’t progress as expected. Remember, each concussion is unique, and personalized care is key to optimal recovery.

How to Treat a Concussion (Hint: It’s Not Rest)

If you visit a healthcare professional for a concussion, you’ll probably be told to lie down in a dark room until all your symptoms go away. If you get any other advice, it’s usually just another way of saying, “Rest.” But in most cases, that’s not the best way to treat a concussion. And in our experience treating hundreds of patients, many of whom have had symptoms that lasted for months or years, we know that it can be frustratingly ineffective.

Fortunately, there’s another way. In this guide to treating a concussion, we’ll answer commonly asked questions and share our findings after years of research and treating patients. We’ll cover:

As you’ll see, there’s a lot more you can do to recover from a concussion than lie around in bed all day.

Note: Have your concussion symptoms lingered for weeks, months, or even years? On average, our patients improve by 75% after treatment at our center specializing in post-concussion therapy. To see if you are eligible for treatment, sign up for a free consultation. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion: Do You Have a Concussion?

A concussion is the same thing as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). You don’t have to receive a blow to the head to get a concussion: A concussion may occur whenever you receive a hit, shake, or jolt to the head. For example, if your car stops suddenly, your brain might be jarred enough to hit your skull. If it does, that jostling is enough to cause concussion symptoms.

If you have any of the symptoms of a concussion listed in the checklist we created (see below), and you received a known bump or shake to the head, you probably have a concussion. You can learn more about concussion symptoms, when they appear and disappear, and why in our guide to the symptoms of a concussion.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any signs of a concussion that constitute an emergency, such as loss of consciousness or convulsions, seek medical care at an emergency room immediately. If you’re experiencing less dangerous but still serious symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, or notable balance problems, it’s not a bad idea to see a medical professional.

Otherwise, most concussions can be treated at home, at least for the first three weeks. If after three weeks your symptoms haven’t resolved, you’ll need more targeted therapy than you can receive at home. But we’ll revisit that topic later.

What to Do After a Concussion

What you do after a concussion depends on the severity of the head injury. If you have significant bleeding, structural damage, or any of the emergency symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor immediately.

If you’re not in immediate danger, then you have a choice. You can see a doctor just to be safe, or you can try to treat the concussion at home. Here’s what to expect in either situation. 

How Do Doctors Treat a Concussion?

If you visit a general practitioner, you probably won’t get any treatment you couldn’t get at home. Most family doctors stick to old concussion advice: bedrest in a dark room with no screens or strenuous activity. If any structural damage is suspected, they might order a CT scan or an MRI. Unfortunately, those scans don’t provide information about the cellular damage caused by a concussion. (For that, you would need an fNCI.)

If you visit a sports medicine practitioner, there’s a chance that you’ll get more up-to-date medical advice. But concussion healthcare definitely varies from doctor to doctor.

Here’s what we recommend as a first step. 

How to Treat a Concussion at Home

Rest is an important aspect of treating a concussion. But it’s not the only thing you should be doing. A good concussion recovery includes exercise and cognitive stimulation. Why?

When you get a concussion, there is an initial period of inflammation and a temporary breakdown of tiny structures in and around the brain cells at the site of your injury. Because of that, the affected cells can’t signal for oxygen. When they don’t get enough oxygen, they can’t complete the cognitive processes — like seeing, thinking, or reading — they were trying to achieve. As a result, other neural pathways pick up that task, but it’s harder on your brain.

Ideally, your brain will return to the normal, more effective neural pathways when inflammation goes down. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. When it doesn’t, patients can be left with lingering symptoms for weeks, months, or even years.

Physical exertion and cognitive exercise, in reasonable quantities, will increase your chances of healing properly. Here’s the specific regimen we recommend:

1. Do cardio for about 30 minutes a day or as tolerated.

Don’t do any exercises that would result in jostling your head. For example, you shouldn’t go for a run as your cardio workout. If you have access to a stationary bike or an elliptical machine, those are ideal for getting your blood pumping without making your concussion worse.

If you don’t have access to exercise equipment, do your best to get your heart rate up with calisthenic exercises. If you have any dizziness or difficulty balancing, switch to something that doesn’t aggravate your symptoms. You can read more about how to exercise after a concussion here.

If you can’t make it thirty minutes without a sharp increase in symptom severity (such as dizziness or headaches), just go as long as you can. Physical activity once per day makes a big difference in healing.

2. Immediately after exercising, engage in cognitively demanding activities — like reading.

Now that you’ve gotten your blood pumping, use that extra oxygen to reinforce healthy pathways. Try reading a book or having an intellectually demanding conversation with someone. If that’s not an option, solve a puzzle like Sudoku. Do that for another thirty minutes or as tolerated. Here is a list of cognitively stimulating activities you can do at home.

3. Calm your autonomic nervous system.

Your autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls the processes in your body that you don’t think about, can be impacted by a concussion. Damage to that region can cause everything from heartbeat irregularities to skyrocketing stress.

While exercise will help, it’s also good to relax in any way you can. People turn to meditation, prayer, soothing music, yoga, and other calming activities to ease the strain on their ANS. There’s also an app called 35 Binaural Series that will help.

Plan on resting for the majority of your day.

4. Rest from screens and try to do some normal activities if you can.

This part of traditional concussion advice is good: If you can, give the electronics a break. That’s not to say you can’t have any time in front of screens, but you shouldn’t spend the whole day playing video games.

Exposure to normal non-screen activities will help your brain recover. Doing chores, chatting with friends, and even light work could be helpful. Remember to rest in between these activities as needed.

5. Return to work or school gradually.

If at all possible, gradually increase your return to everyday obligations. Be it work or school, try to start at 10 hrs your first week back, then try 20 hrs the following week. By gradually working your way up to full-time attendance, you’re giving your brain the space it needs to finish healing. Even if you feel better, this step is important (if you can make it work).

Bonus advice: If you’re looking for something else you can do to help your brain heal, consider an anti-inflammatory diet. If that’s too much, reduce your intake of processed foods and refined sugar. Above all, make sure you eat regularly: six small meals per day or three normal-sized meals.  

How to Treat a Concussion Headache

Head trauma never feels good. You can take over-the-counter pain medicines like Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, etc., to reduce your pain while you recover from a concussion. Follow the directions on the bottle suitable for your age, and never take more than the maximum dose without a doctor’s approval.

For a severe headache that isn’t controlled by OTC pain medicine, speak to your doctor about alternatives. 

Read this post to learn more about concussion headaches and what to do if they’re not going away.

How to Treat Concussions in Children

While all the advice above applies to children as well, it can be difficult to put into practice (depending on the age of your child). If they’re old enough to listen and follow instructions, you can help them with their daily physical and cognitive exercises. Listen to their feedback; if they’re in too much pain or getting overwhelmed, help them calm down. It’s important for their autonomic nervous system (discussed above) to recover in a low-stress environment.

If your toddler has a concussion, then follow-up care is more difficult. Do what you can to protect them from falls and encourage as much rest as possible. If you can get them to solve some puzzles, that’s great. You may need to work with your family physician to set up a realistic care plan. 

What

Not to Do After a Concussion

What are some things you should avoid while you heal from your concussion? Don’t push yourself to do more than you can handle, don’t rush your recovery, and don’t return to sports or work environments that put you at risk for another concussion.

Here’s the most important rule of recovery: Do not engage in activities that put you at risk for another concussion.

This holds true for athletes in any sport, but especially for athletes who play contact sports. When you’re recovering from a concussion, your brain needs time to heal, and your symptoms may affect balance, coordination, and other skills necessary for staying safe while you practice. You’re more likely to get another concussion when those abilities are compromised. Even if you’re the kind of person who would push your limits with other sports injuries, don’t put your brain at risk.

If you get a second concussion while recovering from the first, you risk longer-lasting symptoms and brain damage. And in extremely rare cases, some patients die from a rapid swelling reaction in their brains (known as second impact syndrome). Given the possible consequences, it is never wise to engage in activities that put you at risk for a second concussion while you’re healing from the first.

It’s also best to avoid screens whenever possible. They won’t help your brain heal. 

For most concussions, symptoms should resolve within two weeks. In some cases, it may take up to three months for a full recovery.

Unfortunately, not all concussion symptoms resolve within those time frames. Sometimes, it takes additional treatment to repair the communication pathways in your brain affected by the concussion(s).

At Cognitive FX, we have a one-week long, intensive therapy regimen that we custom-build around the needs of each patient. After a battery of testing (including fNCI), we’ll know which areas of your brain are affected and in what way. That allows us to tailor a week’s worth of physical training, cognitive drills, and emotional therapy to your specific needs.

On average, our patients’ brains show an improvement of 75% by the final, end-of-week scan. And they go home with a concrete plan to continue improving on their own.

Many patients are told that their symptoms are incurable. Or worse, they’re told to stop faking their symptoms and get back to work. Your symptoms are real and they are treatable. To discuss your experience and determine your eligibility for treatment, sign up for a free consultation with our staff.

Suspect a Concussion? How to Help (Not Hurt) Your Recovery – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussions are believed to occur across the United States each year. Thankfully, an increased awareness has prompted an increase in diagnosis of concussive injuries.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But what exactly is a concussion?

“It’s a short-lived functional brain injury typically caused by a bump or blow to the head,” explains concussion specialist, Richard Figler, MD. “A concussion sets off a chemical process in the brain as it’s trying to heal itself. During that process, and depending on what part of the brain was impacted, it can affect different functions like balance, memory, focus or even cause visual disturbances.”

There’s also usually a neck component when it comes to concussions. When you hit your head, the neck can take on some of that force as well.

If you’ve been diagnosed or suspect that a friend or family member has a concussion, treatment — including physical and mental rest — should start right away. Don’t wait to seek help from a medical professional with expertise in evaluating and managing concussions.

What are the signs, symptoms & warning signs of a concussion?

Signs and symptoms of a concussion can occur immediately, hours or even days after the initial “hit” or fall. Symptoms can change over time, depending on activity level and with other potentially associated injuries, making them difficult to recognize and manage.

“Only about 5 to 10% of people who get concussions will experience loss of consciousness,” says Dr. Figler. “Loss of consciousness does equal a concussion, but not having loss of consciousness does not mean you didn’t have a concussion either. ”

Anyone experiencing or demonstrating any of the following sign and symptoms after suffering a direct blow or jarring contact with their head or body may have a concussion and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Signs:

• A dazed or stunned appearance.
• Personality or behavioral changes.
• Confusion.
• Loss of consciousness — even brief.
• Clumsiness.
• Forgetfulness.
• Seems “out of it.”
• Forgetting events prior to or after a “hit.”
• Slow response to questions or repeatedly asking questions.

Symptoms:

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Balance problems.
• Double, blurry or changed vision.
• Sensitivity to light and/or noise.
• Excessive fatigue or drowsiness.
• Trouble comprehending, concentrating and/or paying attention.
• Irritability, nervousness.
• Feeling increasingly emotional or sad.
• Feeling “just not right” or in a “fog.”
• Changes in sleep patterns.

Because more concerning problems can arise in the first 24 to 48 hours after a head injury, anyone suspected of sustaining a concussion should be monitored for worsening symptoms.

If you have any concerns or notice any of the following warning signs after a head injury, always seek medical attention immediately.

Warning signs:

• Repetitive severe nausea or vomiting.
• Pupils that are enlarged or unequal in size.
• Unusual or bizarre behavior.
• Inability to recognize people or places.
• Seizures.
• Severe dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
• Progressively worsening headache.
• Double or blurry vision.
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, clumsiness.
• Excessive drowsiness or fainting.
• Slurred speech.
• Difficulty waking from sleep.

How do doctors assess a concussion?

Since there’s such a wide range of symptoms, doctors use an array of tests to evaluate, monitor and diagnose a concussion.

“We’ll test everything from checking their balance, to their reaction time, to some in-depth neurocognitive tests,” says Dr. Figler. “But every evaluation will include a graded symptom checklist and then an exam to make sure that there’s nothing lurking that we don’t outwardly see.”

Other tests can include: eye movement and function testing, a cervical spine exam and a thorough neurological exam to make sure there’s nothing underlying that might warrant further imaging or testing down the road.

5 steps to take after a concussion

Follow these tips to start the healing process after a concussion:

1. Identify and avoid triggers. Any activity that produces or increases symptoms is considered a trigger. It’s important for you to know what aggravates your symptoms to help recovery.  For example, if bright lights are bothering you more than they have in the past, control that brightness by turning down the light, wear sunglasses or use a brimmed hat such as a baseball cap.
2. Get some sleep. Our brain recovers during sleep. Sleep is even more important when recovering from a concussion. Dr. Figler says it’s common to feel more exhausted from daily activities such as school or homework while recovering from a concussion. If needed, take short naps (30 to 60 minutes) when tired. But try not to take so many that they interfere with your ability to sleep later on at night. Minimize any distractions, such as TV or phones, while trying to fall asleep.
3. Rest your brain. Over stimulating your brain after a head injury will not allow it to rest and recover. Using your brain to think hard, read, study or try to learn new material may be very difficult and may aggravate your condition. Processing new information can be harder for anyone who is concussed. If you have work or studying to do, spread it out and take frequent breaks. Students should talk to teachers about adjusting assignments while they recover.
4. Rest your body. While recovering, avoid doing anything that significantly increases your heart rate unless you’ve been cleared by a physician. Light activity, such as walking or riding a stationary bike, may actually help in your recovery, as long as it doesn’t worsen the symptoms.
5. Be smart. Rest and recover. Returning to sports or other activities too soon after a concussion can worsen symptoms and keep you off the court or field longer.

4 things to avoid after a concussion

Steer clear of these things to optimize your recovery:

1. Excessive physical activity. An increased heart rate may worsen your symptoms, dragging out your recovery.
2. Strenuous mental activities. Reading, computer work, playing video games, texting and watching TV can overstimulate your brain, says Dr. Figler. It’s OK to try these activities, but if symptoms occur, you should stop, rest and recover before returning to them.
3. Driving too soon. As a precaution, do not drive for at least 24 hours after a concussive injury. Your reaction time may be slowed down, increasing the risk of accidents and further injury.
4. Pain relievers. Use caution taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®). Theoretically, they may increase your risk of bleeding. They can also mask symptoms, leading to worsening symptoms when the medications wear off.

Concussion Treatment and Recovery | Michigan Medicine

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 a health care provider with expertise in concussion care and who has ready access to treatment resources.  

Please note that reading information about concussion, including this web page or others, is not a substitute for appropriate care. A specialist should direct care for recovery from concussion.

Three Phases of Concussion Recovery

There are three phases of concussion recovery:

1. Acute symptomatic phase
2. Recovery phase
3. Recovered phase

The time spent in each phase is influenced by many factors and has individual variation.

Phase 1: Acute Symptomatic Phase

The acute symptomatic phase is defined as the time from injury, through maximum symptoms, to the beginning of when the symptoms resolve. 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:

• Loss of consciousness for more than one minute
• Increasing confusion or inability to stay awake
• Repetitive vomiting
• Seizure or convulsion
• Severe or increasing headache
• Severe neck pain
• Weakness, tingling, or burning in arms or legs
• 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.

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

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. Exposure to bright lights, loud sounds, and movement may also worsen symptoms. During the acute symptomatic phase, any activity that worsens symptoms should be avoided or limited. See Electronic Devices and Screen Time During Concussion Recovery (below) for information about screen time during recovery.

Management During the Acute Symptomatic Phase

During the first 24 hours you should avoid medications that can increase risk of bleeding. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Aleve). During the first 24 hours acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for pain relief. 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. 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.

Throughout concussion recovery you should be sure to stay hydrated (60-80 ounces of water or non-caffeinated beverages per day), and eat normally.

Phase 2: Recovery

The recovery phase is characterized by:

• Lessening symptoms
• Ability to perform more intense thinking and physical activities without symptoms getting worse
• Gradual return to your preinjury state

During this phase it is common that symptoms will worsen with more thinking and physical activity. 

Gradual Return to Thinking and Physical Activity

After a 1-2 day period of rest, gradually increasing thinking and physical activity should be encouraged. During the recovery phase, symptoms should gradually improve to the point where you are symptom-free at rest, first with thinking activities, and then with physical exertion.

The amount of thinking and physical activity that is tolerated during recovery from concussion is dynamic and based on symptoms. Until recently, the recommendation had been to rest until symptom-free. New studies, including one performed at Michigan NeuroSport, suggest that limited exercise during the recovery phase allows for quicker recovery from concussion. 

Return to physical activity and exercise should be gradual and determined by your doctor. 

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. Exercises that require bearing down, such as situps, pushups, pullups and weight lifting, should be avoided at first unless directed by your doctor, as they typically worsen symptoms.

Determining what type and how much activity is part of an individualized care plan that should be provided by your clinic. Accommodations may be needed during the transition to full-time school and work (see below).

Academic Accommodations Following Concussion

• Notify school of concussion
• Develop plan for gradual return-to-school demands
• Provide waiver of missed assignments or exams
• Plan to assist/support completion of missing assignments
• Provide rest time/breaks during school day
• Consider exemption from upcoming standardized tests
• Excuse activities requiring rigorous physical activity
• Reduce homework assignments
• Reschedule, coordinate or pace exams during times when the student is asymptomatic
• Negotiate timing of large assignments
• Assign a counselor
• Preferential seating for nose reduction and teaching monitoring
• Allow test-taking in a distraction-free environment
• Allow extended time for exams and assignments
• Using dedicated notetaker

Adapted from O’Neil JA, Cox MK, Clay OJ, et al. A review of the literature on pediatric concussions and return-to-learn (RTL): Implications for RTL policy, research, and practice.  Rehabilitation Psychology: 2017;62(3):300-323

Management During the Recovery Phase

During the recovery phase factors that are causing symptoms should be sought and treatment plans put in place for their resolution. Common treatable causes of concussion-like symptoms include; neck injury, dizziness, lightheadedness, vision problems, difficulty with sleep, and new or worsening mood symptoms.  Continued follow up at a clinic with expertise in management of concussion during the recovery phase allows for an individualized recovery plan including, a prescription for exercise and referrals to optimize recovery.

During the symptomatic/recovery phase use of medications may still be necessary. Consistent scheduled medications used to treat headache should be discouraged, and reserved for severe headaches that limit activities. 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.

For sport-related concussion recovery, visit our Concussion in Athletes page.

Normal and Prolonged Concussion Recovery

Recovery is influenced by several important factors (see “Symptoms Associated With” list below), but age appears to be particularly important. 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 during each phase of concussion. Key milestones in the recovery process are return to learn, school, work, exercise, and sport. Each of these milestones is approached gradually from symptom-limited activity to full participation.

Symptoms Associated With (or Not Associated With) Prolonged Concussion Recovery

Factors associated with prolonged recovery:

• Initial symptom burden
• Female gender
• Age less than 18, with ages approximately 13-17 being at highest risk for prolonged recovery
• History of mental health issues
• Concurrent cervical involvement
• Convergence insufficiency

Factors not consistently assocated with prolonged recovery:

• History of migraine
• History of a neurobehavioral or attention disorder, i.e. ADHD or ADD
• Loss of consciousness

Adapted from Iverson GL, Gardner, AJ, Terry DP, et al. Predictors of clinical recovery from concussion: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2017;51(12):941.

About Michigan Neurosport

The University of Michigan is one of only a handful of comprehensive programs in the country dedicated to the neurological concerns of athletes of all levels through our multidisciplinary NeuroSport outpatient clinic. Visit our Concussion in Athletes page or NeuroSport page for more information.

Patient Resources

Make an Appointment

To request an appointment or to get more information, please call 734-930-7400 and a team member will get back to you within two business days.

Electronic Devices and Screen Time During Concussion Recovery

It is important not to completely avoid use of electronic devices or exposure to screens unnecessarily. 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. Computers, phones, TVs and social media can help avoid the complications of boredom and social isolation as well as their potential harmful consequences. Electronics use should be reasonably limited based on symptom worsening.

Concussion Treatment: 7 Natural Ways to Boost Recovery

Millions of people in the United States suffer from a concussion each year due to motor vehicle accidents, falls, assault and taking part in sports. With lawsuits pending against the NFL and NHL over the long-term consequences of multiple concussions, athletes are considered the most at risk, particularly if they participate in football, hockey, basketball, soccer, cheerleading, wrestling, boxing or cycling.

The University of California Brain Injury Research Center states that somewhere between 1.6 million and 3.8 million sports-related concussions happen each year in the United States. And, their research shows that the majority of these injuries occur in teen athletes. (1)

Read on to learn  about the symptoms of concussion plus the key aspects of concussion treatment.

What Is a Concussion?

A mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is called a concussion. This injury typically occurs due to a blunt force trauma; however, a penetrating trauma can cause concussions too. A concussion happens when the brain bounces inside the skull; this can cause contusions, bruising and even bleeding. 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. Medical concussion treatment should be sought as quickly as possible after any whiplash-like event, fall or abuse.

In the hours following an injury, subdural and epidural hematomas, contusions and edema may develop, and it is imperative that patients are monitored closely.

The most common signs of a concussion in healthy adults and teens include: (4, 5)

1. Temporary loss of consciousness
2. Headache
3. Feeling of pressure in the head
4. Ringing in the ears
5. Confusion or brain fog
6. Memory loss surrounding the event
7. Nausea or vomiting
8. Slurred speech
9. Fatigue
10. Delayed response to stimuli
11. Appearing dazed
12. Mood and personality changes, including irritability and depression
13. Sensitivity to noise and direct light
14. Neck pain
15. Uncharacteristic clumsiness

A Note About Concussions in Infants, Children and Seniors

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. It’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of concussions in each of these groups as they can all present differently.

Concussion Treatment: 7 Natural Remedies

Concussion treatment focuses on making the person comfortable, alleviating headaches and getting plenty of physical and mental rest. Below are seven natural remedies for concussion treatment. 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
2. Light exercise
3. Fish oil
4. Creatine
5. Turmeric
6. Antioxidant-rich foods
7. Caffeine

1. Sleep and Rest. It takes time for the brain to heal after a concussion. In addition to physical rest and plenty of sleep, the brain needs to be mentally rested as well. For that reason, reading, playing video games, using the computer or another device should be avoided until all concussion symptoms are gone. Reintroduce technology slowly and if any symptoms occur, discontinue immediately. (8, 9)

This means for children and adults alike, returning to work or school should be introduced slowly, preferably with half-days. If you operate machinery or equipment, climb ladders or scaffolding, or are required to do other tasks that need excellent balance, do not return until you are symptom-free.

2. Light Exercise. As mentioned above, in the immediate days following a brain injury, rest is an imperative part of concussion treatment, and following doctor’s orders is recommended. However, a new study shows that there may be a benefit to adding light activity sooner than originally believed, particularly for children and adolescents. The study looked at over 3,000 students with acute concussions and found that activity within seven days is associated with a reduced risk of persistent postconcussive symptoms. (10)

To be clear, this study does not support children and teens returning to competitive team sports or practices during this period. The study indicates that light aerobic activity that increases as the symptoms of the concussion decrease is generally safe and effective and may protect against ongoing symptoms.

Of special note here: There is recent research that indicates that females take significantly longer — more than four times as long — to heal from a concussion than their male counterparts. Researchers are looking into the reason for this, however, no definite answer is clear. While males typically recover in seven days, it can take females 28 days for concussion symptoms to subside. (11)

3. Fish Oil. In a study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, researchers found that fish oil supplements may speed healing for those with concussions and other mild TBIs. The researchers encourage further investigation and trials to understand the mechanisms behind using fish oil supplements as a therapy and even preventive measure for sports-related brain injuries. While fish oil is considered safe, if there is any sign of bleeding on the brain, do not take fish oil as it may cause excessive bleeding. (12)

In addition to taking a high-quality supplement, boosting your intake of omega-3 rich-foods may help you to recover more quickly. Great sources of these healthy fats include wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, flaxseed, walnuts, tuna and grass-fed dairy. Try my recipe for kid-friendly salmon cakes, which are packed with protein and healthy fats.

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. The study included children from 1 to 18 years of age, with each child receiving 0. 4 grams of creatine for every kilogram of weight. Researchers urge further double-blind studies to determine the role in recovery and the prevention of traumatic brain injury complications. (13)

5. Turmeric. Researchers from the Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Georgia have found that curcumin reduces swelling, pain and oxidative brain injury in mice. Turmeric has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression and inflammation, two common side effects of a concussion. (14, 15, 16)

Sipping turmeric tea while healing supports a healthy immune system and may help to lower inflammation. Eating a healthy diet rich in protein supports brain health; for an added boost of power, try my turmeric scrambled eggs recipe.

6. Consume more Antioxidant-Rich Foods. A study published in the journal Surgical Neurology International found “encouraging results” in the neuroprotective properties of natural compounds in the treatment of concussions and TBIs. Some of the top compounds highlighted in this review are the antioxidant powerhouses mentioned above, including turmeric and creatine, as well as resveratrol and green tea. (17)

To enjoy the benefits of resveratrol, eat red grapes, blueberries, cranberries and pistachios. A cup or two of green tea each day during healing can help cognition, alertness and memory while protecting the brain from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

7. Drink Caffeine. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Department of Critical Care department have found that caffeine has neuroprotective qualities in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism indicates that higher caffeine levels are associated with more favorable outcomes in the six months following a brain injury. (18)

Research from around the world shows that coffee, for example, may promote longevity, fight depression, improve heart health and protect against some neurodegenerative diseases. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants, which are known to help reduce inflammation. For those with insomnia or other sleep disorders, consuming caffeine products like coffee and tea earlier in the day can help prevent unwanted sleepless nights. (19, 20)

Causes & Risk Factors

Concussions are caused typically by a blunt-force trauma, penetrating trauma or a whiplash-like event. 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
• Drug and alcohol use
• Car accidents
• Falls, particularly in young children and the elderly
• Being physically abused
• Improper use of seatbelts and child safety seats
• Improper use of safety equipment in sports

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. Imaging scans like a CT or an MRI may be ordered.

Most healthy patients are sent home for observation. It is important to follow care and observation directives exactly. Athletes must be medically cleared prior to engaging in sports and individuals with jobs that require balance and coordination should be cleared prior to returning to work. (21)

Precautions

Research indicates that repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries are associated with CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a degenerative disease all too common in professional hockey and football players. Mild TBIs are also associated with an increased risk of prematurely developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. (22, 23)

Life-threatening complications are possible, and if any of the following signs of a hematoma appears, call 911 immediately: (24)

1. Patient cannot be awakened
2. Slurred speech
3. Decreased coordination
4. One pupil appears larger than the other
5. Excessive drowsiness
6. Severe weakness or numbness in the body
7. Repeated vomiting
8. Convulsions or seizures

Key Points

• Concussions affect millions of people in the United States each year.
• Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in young children and teenagers.
• People who participate in contact sports like hockey, football, soccer and boxing are at an increased risk for a concussion.
• Recognizing symptoms of concussions in young children and teen athletes is imperative and may include changes in personality, headaches, balance issues, changes in eyesight, taste, hearing and smell.
• The CDC’s HEADS UP Resource Center provides free online courses for coaches and clinicians about concussions and head injuries. For young children and teens there are even free games and handouts that encourage kids to speak up about any symptoms they are experiencing. Parents are invited to browse the website and to push for their children’s coaches to engage with the website as well.

7 Natural Remedies for Concussion Treatment

1. Sleep and rest
2. Light exercise
3. Fish oil
4. Creatine
5. Turmeric
6. Antioxidant-rich foods
7. Caffeine

Read Next: Neurokinetic Therapy: Revolutionary Rehab for Injuries & Chronic Pain

Natural Remedies for Post-Concussion Syndrome: What’s Worth Trying?

Looking for some natural remedies for post-concussion
syndrome? You’ve come to the right place.

These homeopathic treatments are ideal for people looking to
stay away from heavy medications. They also promote faster healing.

Let’s get started.

Natural Remedies for Post-Concussion Syndrome

The following are a few of the most effective natural
remedies for post-concussion symptoms.

1. Essential Oils

By far, the most common post-concussive symptom is headaches
and migraines. To treat these, try diffusing high-quality lavender essential
oil.

Researchers have found that lavender is a safe
and effective remedy for migraines. It can even help with anxiety
and nausea symptoms.    

Just make sure you are not allergic to lavender before
trying it.

2. Acupuncture

Another helpful natural remedy for post-concussion syndrome is acupuncture.

Not only
can acupuncture relieve many concussion symptoms
such as migraines and dizziness, several studies have
shown that it promotes the
production of BDNF which will help speed
up your recovery time.

Of course,
that doesn’t mean it’s a miracle cure. While some brain injury patients report significant
improvements after
acupuncture, some do not see any benefits, so there is no guarantee it will
help everyone.

Still, if
you are looking for more natural ways to treat post-concussion syndrome,
acupuncture might be a good fit for you!

3. Fish Oil

Fish oil is clinically proven
to speed up healing of concussions.

That’s because the omega-3 in fish oil promotes BDNF, a
neurotrophic agent that boosts the production of new brain cells.

You don’t want to take just any fish oil supplement,
however. Not all fish oil brands contain the same amount of omega-3. Some
labels will claim it contains “1,200 milligrams of fish oil” but that refers to
the total amount of oil, not the omega-3 content, which is all that matters.

Therefore, when shopping for a fish oil supplement, look at
the supplement facts, and add up the listed milligrams of EPA and DHA. That
will show you how much omega-3 you are actually getting.

The ideal dose is at least 1,000 mg of omega-3 content,
though for people recovering from concussion, the dose should be even higher.

Make sure you only use fish oil supplements after you have ruled out any intracranial bleeding you might have.    

Besides fish oil supplements, you can get omega-3 from fatty
fish such as salmon and certain nuts like pecans and walnuts.

4.
Turmeric

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice that has been found
to reduce swelling and pain in mice.

It’s also been used to treat depression, another common side
effect of concussions.

Turmeric has a strong taste, and can take some getting used
to. But because it is a spice, you can add it to almost anything! You can
sprinkle some on rice, eggs, or add some to your tea. Chicken soup also goes
great with turmeric.

If you want more specific ideas for how to use turmeric in
your diet, check out these recipes.

5.
Manual Neck Therapy

Most people don’t know that a neck injury can have the exact
same symptoms as post-concussion syndrome. They just assume that
their symptoms are stemming from their brain.

But if your symptoms
have not subsided after several months, it is possible the problem is in your
neck, even if you do not have neck pain.

If nothing else seems to be working for you, it might be
worth seeing a professional massage therapist to rule out whiplash.

6. Saffron Tea

Saffron is one of the most potent antioxidants that can
cross the blood brain barrier. It’s been used for centuries to treat
neurological conditions and severe headaches.

Several studies have demonstrated its effectiveness at
reducing inflammation.

7. Creatine

Creatine’s most famous use is as a work-out supplement, but
recent research suggests it has brain-healing properties as well.

It works by helping extend the energy capacity of cells,
including brain cells. This means the brain will have more energy to heal
itself.

8. Flavonoids

Perhaps the best natural remedy for post-concussion syndrome
is a type of food called flavonoids.

Flavonoids are rich in antioxidants and stimulate BDNF, both
of which significantly aid in the brain’s healing process.

Most brightly colored foods contain flavonoids, including:

• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Red kale
• Strawberries

The more antioxidants you consume, the more you will reduce
the inflammation in your brain. Over time, this will alleviate your symptoms.

9. Light Exercise

While rest is critical during the first few days after a
concussion, new
research is showing that light, aerobic exercise can help
drastically reduce post-concussion syndrome symptoms.

Here are some of the reasons that exercise is such a great
natural remedy for concussions:

• Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. When you practice aerobic exercise, this improves your cardiovascular functioning, which increases blood flow to every part of your body, including your brain. More blood flowing to your brain means more nutrients for your brain to receive, which means your brain can function much better!
• Exercise affects neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in your brain that transmit messages between neurons.  It is basically “transmission fluid” for your nerves. Scientists have found that regular physical exercise boosts the level of this “transmission fluid” in your brain, making the impulses in your brain travel faster from one nerve to the next. This increase in neurotransmitters helps you process information faster and can even improve your mood and memory!
• Exercise activates neuroplasticity. Repetitive exercise is one of the best ways to engage your brain’s neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to rewire and repair itself after brain injury.

Still, you should only do what you can handle. If even light
exercise causes your symptom to worsen, then continue resting and try some
other treatments instead.

Treating Post-Concussion Syndrome Naturally

It’s hard living with post-concussion syndrome. When the
symptoms drag on for weeks and months, you might feel as though this is the way
life will be forever. But do not despair.

Most post-concussion syndrome cases will resolve, it just
might take longer than expected. But with the right remedies, you should notice
your symptoms subsiding, until eventually you can return to normal activities.

Recovery | Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injury

What Can I Do to Help Feel Better After a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury?

Although most people recover after a concussion, how quickly they improve depends on many factors. These factors include how severe their concussion was, their age, how healthy they were before the concussion, and how they take care of themselves after the injury.

Some people who have had a concussion find that at first it is hard to do their daily activities, their job, to get along with everyone at home, or to relax.

Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal. Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often makes symptoms worse. Be patient because healing takes time. Only when your symptoms have reduced significantly, in consultation with your health care professional, should you slowly and gradually return to your daily activities, such as work or school. If your symptoms come back or you get new symptoms as you become more active, this is a sign that you are pushing yourself too hard. Stop these activities and take more time to rest and recover. As the days go by, you can expect to gradually feel better.

Getting Better: Tips for Adults

• Get plenty of sleep at night, and rest during the day.
• Avoid activities that are physically demanding (e. g., heavy housecleaning, weightlifting/working-out) or require a lot of concentration (e.g., balancing your checkbook). They can make your symptoms worse and slow your recovery.
• Avoid activities, such as contact or recreational sports, that could lead to another concussion. (It is best to avoid roller coasters or other high speed rides that can make your symptoms worse or even cause a concussion.)
• When your health care professional says you are well enough, return to your normal activities gradually, not all at once.
• Because your ability to react may be slower after a concussion, ask your health care professional when you can safely drive a car, ride a bike, or operate heavy equipment.
• Talk with your health care professional about when you can return to work. Ask about how you can help your employer understand what has happened to you.
• Consider talking with your employer about returning to work gradually and about changing your work activities or schedule until you recover (e.g., work half-days).
• Take only those drugs that your health care professional has approved.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages until your health care professional says you are well enough. Alcohol and other drugs may slow your recovery and put you at risk of further injury.
• Write down the things that may be harder than usual for you to remember.
• If you’re easily distracted, try to do one thing at a time. For example, don’t try to watch TV while fixing dinner.
• Consult with family members or close friends when making important decisions.
• Do not neglect your basic needs, such as eating well and getting enough rest.
• Avoid sustained computer use, including computer/video games early in the recovery process.
• Some people report that flying in airplanes makes their symptoms worse shortly after a concussion.

Getting Better: Tips for Children

Parents and caregivers of children who have had a concussion can help them recover by taking an active role in their recovery:

• Having the child get plenty of rest. Keep a regular sleep schedule, including no late nights and no sleepovers.
• Making sure the child avoids high-risk/ high-speed activities such as riding a bicycle, playing sports, or climbing playground equipment, roller coasters or rides that could result in another bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Children should not return to these types of activities until their health care professional says they are well enough.
• Giving the child only those drugs that are approved by the pediatrician or family physician.
• Talking with their health care professional about when the child should return to school and other activities and how the parent or caregiver can help the child deal with the challenges that the child may face. For example, your child may need to spend fewer hours at school, rest often, or require more time to take tests.
• Sharing information about concussion with parents, siblings, teachers, counselors, babysitters, coaches, and others who interact with the child helps them understand what has happened and how to meet the child’s needs.

Help Prevent Long-Term Problems

If you already had a medical condition at the time of your concussion (such as chronic headaches), it may take longer for you to recover from the concussion. Anxiety and depression may also make it harder to adjust to the symptoms of a concussion. While you are healing, you should be very careful to avoid doing anything that could cause a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. On rare occasions, receiving another concussion before the brain has healed can result in brain swelling, permanent brain damage, and even death, particularly among children and teens.

After you have recovered from your concussion, you should protect yourself from having another one. People who have had repeated concussions may have serious long-term problems, including chronic difficulty with concentration, memory, headache, and occasionally, physical skills, such as keeping one’s balance.

Learn more about potential long-term outcomes of concussion and other forms of TBI.

What to do for a concussion: Symptoms, treatment, and recovery

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. The injury disrupts the brain’s neurons, which are responsible for transmitting information to different parts of the body.

The neurons can stop functioning properly, which is what causes the symptoms of a concussion. People with a concussion may experience loss of consciousness, disorientation, and nausea.

In this article, we will look at the symptoms of a concussion, how to spot signs of a concussion in others, and what to do for 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.

Immediately after the injury

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.

Athletes who immediately stop play after a suspected concussion recover more quickly than those who return to play and receive an assessment later.

Next, the person should seek help from a doctor. While waiting for help, they should not be alone.

Some sports coaches use diagnostic tools to assess a player before they go to the hospital. These include Sport (or Sideline) Concussion Assessment Tool 5 and the Child SCAT-5. However, there are no set criteria for a concussion diagnosis.

During the first assessment, a doctor will ask questions about:

• the accident
• the symptoms
• when the symptoms began
• the severity of the symptoms

The doctor will then perform a physical examination of the head and neck area for injuries. A neurological exam will test a person’s:

• strength
• sensation
• reflexes
• vision
• balance

The doctor will also run cognitive tests and assess the person’s emotional state. A neuropsychologist may supplement the doctor’s examinations with their own assessment.

Some doctors may order a CT scan or MRI scan if they suspect other injuries. If the person is stable, they will be able to go home.

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. If the symptoms worsen or become severe, a person should report these changes to a doctor.

If a person has pain or a headache, they may wish to take pain relievers to manage it. However, doctors may encourage people to avoid the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), as this overuse can also cause headaches.

Overuse can also cause serious complications, so it is important to only take medication according to the directions on the label or a doctor’s instructions.

A week after the injury

There is not enough evidence 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. 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.

Long-term prevention

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.

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

People with the symptoms of a concussion should always see a doctor.

However, there are additional signs of danger that require emergency care. If a person has any of these symptoms, they must seek help immediately:

A person with a concussion may experience physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.

The most common symptom is a headache. 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:

If a person receives a blow to the head or body, an observer may notice these signs of a concussion:

• being unable to recall events before or just after the injury
• appearing dazed or stunned
• moving clumsily
• answering questions slowly
• losing consciousness, even if only briefly
• sudden mood, behavior, or personality changes
• being unable to follow instructions

In babies, parents and caregivers may notice a refusal to eat or continual crying. Older children may report similar symptoms as adults, including headaches and memory loss.

Although some symptoms appear immediately after the injury, some may take longer to develop.

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.

People can get a concussion from a direct or indirect injury to the head. A direct injury is when something impacts the head, which can happen during:

• motor vehicle accidents
• assault
• recreational sports, such as football or soccer

An indirect injury happens when a strong force impacts a different location on the body. Sometimes, this can also cause injury to the brain.

A concussion can lead to several different complications, including those below.

Postconcussion syndrome

The most common complication of a concussion is postconcussion syndrome. People with postconcussion syndrome experience persistent concussion symptoms for weeks or months after the injury.

Doctors say that the severity of the initial symptoms does not predict future complications. However, a history of previous concussion makes it more likely that someone will develop postconcussion syndrome.

Second-impact syndrome

Another serious complication is second-impact syndrome (SIS). Second-impact syndrome occurs when someone with a concussion receives another blow to the head or body before the first injury has resolved.

People with SIS may have rapid and severe swelling in the brain. In some cases, SIS may cause brain herniation and death.

Researchers are still unclear about the long-term consequences of concussions.

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

Some research suggests that recovery from a concussion usually lasts about 10 days. However, the 5th International Conferences on Concussion in Sports stated that most athletes recover in about 1 month.

The severity of the concussion symptoms in the first few days can be a good indicator of how well the person may recover, although this may not help predict complications. There is no definitive way of knowing how long recovery will take.

Learn more about concussion recovery here.

People with a concussion can experience a wide range of symptoms that affect their cognition, physical health, emotions, and sleep. Anyone with a suspected concussion should consult a doctor immediately.

After experiencing a concussion, a person should rest for 2 days and then gradually return to normal activities. Most people begin to feel better within 1–2 weeks.

90,000 Concussion – home treatment

When there is a collision between the head and a solid object, the brain also experiences damage, striking the walls of the skull from the inside. As a result of such an injury, soft tissue edema occurs, a violation of most of the basic functions of the organ and a deterioration in blood circulation. The combination of these problems is characterized as a concussion – treatment at home for this pathology is possible, but only after a thorough examination and with the permission of a doctor.

Help with concussion at home

Regardless of the severity of the impact and the severity of the symptoms of brain damage, it is necessary to immediately call a team of specialists and take the following measures:

1. Examine the person for bleeding wounds, if any, they need to be processed and bandaged.
2. Help the victim to lie down (if he is conscious), placing his head on a hill.
3. Do not allow the patient to fall asleep for at least 40-60 minutes, preferably before the arrival of medical personnel.Also, he cannot get up, walk and actively move.
4. Apply an ice pack or something very cold to your head.
5. If a person has lost consciousness, turn him to his right side, direct his face to the floor or the ground, and throw his head back. The left limbs should be bent at right angles.

It is important that the victim must be taken to the hospital and examined:

• X-ray of the skull and neck;
• encephalography, echoencephalography of the brain;
• checking the condition of the fundus;
• computed or magnetic resonance imaging.

Only in the course of instrumental studies can one draw conclusions about the severity of the damage. Otherwise, it is easy to miss a serious concussion, because the insidiousness of the injury in question is that its symptoms often appear much later.

If the disorder is mild, doctors usually do not mind home therapy. But even in such cases, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of a specialist and attend scheduled examinations.

Home treatment of mild concussion

For a full and quick recovery you will need:

1. For at least 3 days to be in absolute peace – not watching TV, not using a computer, smartphone or tablet at all, not reading and even less communication.It is only allowed to listen to music quietly, but not with headphones.
2. Observe bed rest for at least 72 hours, ideally 5 days. Sleep for a long time, at least 9-10 hours.
3. Avoid any experience, emotional upheaval, including positive events.
4. Do not turn on the bright light in the room; on sunny days, curtain the windows, creating semi-darkness.
5. Adhere to a dairy-plant diet, limiting salt intake.

If you do not ignore the above recommendations, the general condition will improve in 2-3 days, and after a week, the state of health is completely back to normal.

How to treat a concussion at home?

Naturally, in addition to the regimen and diet, various medications are needed. It is important that they are appointed by a specialist, independent selection of even folk remedies is dangerous.

The following medications and preparations are used in the standard course of treatment for concussion at home:

1. Painkillers:

2. Sedatives:

• Corvalol;
• tincture of motherwort, valerian;
• Valocordin.

3. Against dizziness:

• Tanakan;
• Microzero;
• Belloid.

4. Tranquilizers:

• Nosepam;
• Sibazon;
• Grandoxin.

5. Sleeping pills:

• Donarmil;
• NaSleep;
• Relaxon.

6. Nootropics:

• Pantogam;
• Glycine;
• Nootropil.

7. Vascular:

• Sermion;
• Cavinton;
• Stugeron.

8. Antioxidants:

9. Against asthenia:

• Cogitum;
• Vasobral.

10. Toning:

• extract of lemongrass, ginseng, arnica;
• Saporal;
• tincture of eleutherococcus;
• Pantokrin.

90,000 Concussion: how to recognize and what to do | Healthy life | Health

Concussion is a mild form of brain injury; in terms of frequency of occurrence, it ranks first in the structure of traumatic brain injury.The key to treating a concussion is rest and sleep. But a concussion can easily be confused with a more severe injury – a brain contusion. This injury requires compulsory medication and hospitalization.

In any case, after a tangible blow to the head, you need to see a doctor, take an X-ray, exclude the presence of cracks in the skull, hemorrhages and consult a neurologist.

First aid

In case of minor head injuries (from a fall from a height not exceeding human height) without loss of consciousness, provide first aid to the victim and watch for symptoms.If you fall from a greater height, bleed and lose consciousness, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Click to enlarge

First aid for concussion:

– Examine the victim;

– If there are wounds, process and bandage them;

– If you have any symptoms, call a doctor;

– Provide peace. Lay the victim in a comfortable position and do not let him sleep for 30-60 minutes or until the doctor arrives;

– Constantly monitor the condition of the victim;

– If the victim has lost consciousness, lay him on his side with bent knees, hands under his head;

– If the victim is feeling well, the incident must not be ignored and allowed to move actively.

Symptoms of a concussion

One can suspect that something was wrong immediately after the injury.

Symptoms:

• Pallor, sweating, weakness.

• The victim does not concentrate well.

• Headache, nausea and vomiting.

• Inhibition of reactions, answers inappropriate.

• The victim is poorly oriented in space and time.

• Lack of appetite.

• Temperature rise.

• Short-term loss of consciousness.

• Feeling of “fog in the head” or unsteadiness in the legs.

• Sleep disturbances (appear later)

• Fatigue, feeling tired

• Noticeable damage, nosebleeds.

Degree of concussion

✔ Concussion of the 1st degree – slight fainting, normal state of health 20 minutes after the injury.

✔ Concussion of the 2nd degree – disorientation lasts more than 20 minutes.

✔ Concussion of the 3rd degree – loss of consciousness for a short period of time. The victim does not remember what happened.

Treatment

Treatment of concussion lasts from 10 days to a month.

Treatment at home is possible only with a minor head injury with the permission of a doctor.At home treatment:

– bed rest and long sleep;

– listen to music (but not through headphones), it is not recommended to read;

– use sedative folk remedies or light herbal infusions;

– long-term dairy-vegetable diet with restriction of salt intake.

DO NOT

– watch TV, video, play on a computer, gameboy or Tetris – flickering frames irritates the brain;

– to play sports.

Consequences

Signs and symptoms of concussion usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours. With repeated brain injuries, their effects are cumulative.

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Concussion home treatment

Concussion refers to a slight dysfunction of the brain as a result of trauma. In such cases, the brain hits the skull, which stretches the nerve cells.

It is a common injury that does not harm basic bodily functions. The cells of the brain remain intact, but there is a temporary disruption of some processes. Poor Condition Explained:

• impaired neuronal connections;
• vasospasm, which affects the degree of oxygenation of nerve cells;
• changes in the balance of cerebral fluid;
• violation of communication of the pillar structure of the brain .

According to all-Russian statistics, 60% of concussion occurs in everyday life.Children often face this diagnosis.

Symptoms and treatment of concussion

If you have concussion, home treatment is possible only if the disease is identified in advance. The main signs include loss of consciousness. It lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. Another symptom is nausea, which is accompanied by vomiting.

Total shock includes:

• the appearance of tinnitus;
• clouding of the eyes;
• general malaise of the body;
• headache worse in bright light;
• high blood pressure;
• insomnia;
• irritability;
• nosebleed;
• weakness;
• profuse perspiration.

Depending on the degree of damage, some patients have symptom of memory loss . A person may not remember what happened to him before the impact. He will be confused, unable to determine his own state. Severe degree is accompanied by profuse vomiting, hallucinations. If the patient has a convulsive seizure or paralysis, then he urgently needs to be shown to a specialist.

First steps for concussion

Concussion home treatment is primarily accompanied by first aid. The victim is helped to lie down. Please note that the head should be raised. The patient must be kept awake, the first hour he must not fall asleep.

If a person has lost consciousness, lay him on his right side, and tilt his head back a little, turning his face down. If there are no fractures, then the left leg and arm should be bent at right angles. This position allows the lungs to be saturated with oxygen to the greatest extent, and vomit to escape.

If there are wounds, they need to be treated, and a cold bandage or ice should be put on the head.To identify concussion , treatment at home is not always possible. The patient must be shown to the doctor in order to avoid further complications.

Why see a doctor?

Injuries cannot always be identified and treated on their own. The patient should be taken to the traumatology department or an ambulance should be called if the victim does not regain consciousness. A traumatologist or neuropathologist will order an examination, take an X-ray, and prescribe follow-up directions for treatment.

Examination is mandatory for severe brain damage . In such cases, only tomography can tell about the degree of damage. Without timely treatment , cells will gradually die off, which can lead to serious consequences, including paralysis. The traumatologist will determine if there are fractures or cracks.

The doctor prescribes pain relievers, sedatives. Elderly people and children need to see a doctor. In children , the symptoms of concussion are different, so the disease cannot always be determined without professional help.

Mild concussion home treatment

After a doctor’s examination, the patient needs to follow a certain regimen. Peace is provided for him. To make heal concussion faster:

• The patient should be in bed. For the first three days he is not allowed to go up. Also, the victim should avoid physical activity for one month.
• Give him peace. In case of shock , it is forbidden to watch TV, read, use a telephone, tablet, or computer.Long communication is not recommended.
• Do not turn on bright lights. The lighting should not be harsh; it is better to close the curtains during the day.
• Eliminate worries, stresses from the patient’s life.

Pain relievers should only be taken with a doctor’s prescription. To accelerate recovery, you can take vitamin complexes. To renew the process of cell regeneration, vitamins C, A, E, B are suitable.

People’s Councils

For concussion treatment you can use:

• Infusion of thyme.The semi-shrub is harvested in the summer. From its leaves, you can get active substances, mineral salts, essential oil. Ursular, caffeic acid has a beneficial effect on the cells of the brain . Thyme helps to reduce fever and cramps. You can also use thyme honey. The herb tincture is effective when combined with blueberries. The plant is brewed and taken 100 grams before meals.
• Walnut. It has a lot of unsaturated fats that help with cardiovascular problems.Vitamin E in its composition resists oxidative processes. Walnuts will lower the blood pressure that occurs with concussion .
• Argenin will reduce the risk of blood clots. All nuts contain the required amount of calcium. Potassium is good for calming the nervous system. The complex of biologically active substances will improve the functioning of the brain , accelerate cell renewal.
• Periwinkle. Periwinkle is popular due to the presence of alkaloids in it.They are actively used in medicines. Tincture of periwinkle is used to treat brain disorders. Due to the fact that the plant is poisonous, consult a doctor before use. An alcoholic broth is prepared from periwinkle: 1 teaspoon of herb leaves is mixed with 40% alcohol. It is not recommended to drink it if you have heart disease. For a simple decoction, take a tablespoon of periwinkle and pour a glass of boiling water over it. The broth must be infused for 30 minutes and filtered.
• Sea buckthorn.Sea buckthorn fruit contains malic acid, tartaric acid, vitamin C, B, PP, E, K. The nervous system will also be supported by serotonin, it will calm the patient down, reduce mood swings. Sea buckthorn oil has bactericidal properties. If the patient has open wounds, the remedy will heal the mucous membrane, soothe itching, headache . Sea buckthorn can be eaten raw, drink juice, make decoctions from leaves. Well, the brain cells will be affected by taking a mixture of sea buckthorn, hawthorn, honey.
• Propolis tincture.Propolis accelerates tissue regeneration, restores damaged cells. Homemade tinctures will help to avoid infection, inflammation. The complex of minerals will relieve fatigue, remove toxic substances from the body. For quick preparation of the tincture, you need to pour the propolis with alcohol or vodka, infusing the mixture for 14 days in a dark place. Shake it 2 times a day. 20-60 drops of the finished solution are mixed with tea, milk or water. The tincture can also be made with water.

The patient can undergo a course of massage or physiotherapy. But before such procedures, you should consult a doctor. Recovery will take several weeks. But there is a condition! It depends on the correctness of the diagnosis, the severity of the concussion. Consult a physician to avoid severe head injury head injury .

90,000 Concussion, adverse effects on the body

Concussion

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF BRAIN CONCUSSION?

Any head injury can have very serious consequences for your health.If you want to be sure of your future, contact the specialists. Make an appointment by phone. + 7-495-689-03-30, + 7-495-689-61-75. Questions by email mail [email protected]

Is it necessary to treat a mild concussion, because usually the main symptoms last for 3-7 days? Necessarily necessary, since a concussion is dangerous by the development of early and late complications. If, with a head injury, there are at least minimal consequences in the form of: headache, dizziness, visual impairment, loss of memory, you must definitely consult a doctor and undergo a course of rehabilitation treatment.Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes such pronounced changes in the brain that its consequences can be observed even after decades. The main symptoms and complications of TBI are associated with progressive damage to the processes of nerve cells (axons) that unite brain cells into functional systems. This process is associated with the sudden rupture of small vessels and disruption of the barrier between the brain and blood.

The prognosis of brain injury is determined by the degree to which recovery processes prevail over the destruction of brain structures.The severity of the consequences of trauma depends not only on the severity of the brain injury, but also on the patient’s age. The likelihood of complications increases dramatically with repeated brain injuries.

Usually people do not understand well that pathological processes in the brain are usually irreversible. Any degradation of the nervous system or blood vessels cannot be resolved on its own. To treat such diseases, it is necessary to restore the disturbed natural regulation of the process. That is why it is so important to receive highly effective treatment in a timely manner.After all, 25% of patients who have suffered a slight traumatic brain injury become disabled over time. Repeated trauma significantly increases the risk of disability.

As practice shows, the standard methods of treatment used to recover from trauma do not always give a positive result. The method used in our clinic to restore cellular respiration proved to be very effective for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries.

Even with the mildest trauma of the brain – with its concussion, the damage to the brain structures increases by the 10th day of the injury, despite the complete regression of neurological symptoms.Therefore, concussion should be treated until the consequences of the trauma are completely normalized. It is very important to restore the violation of the world circulation and eliminate ischemia of the most important formations of the brain that regulate the activity of the whole organism. Rapid elimination of the pathological consequences of brain injury is possible only through the use of normoxic therapeutic compression (NLC), treatment in a pressure chamber under slight excess pressure in combination with antioxidants involved in beneficial oxygen consumption.

The essence of the therapeutic action of the method consists in restoring the formation of energy in the ischemic zone in the brain (against the background of an increase in external pressure) and improving the delivery of oxygen to the tissue by erythrocytes, which are saturated with NLK up to 100%. It is very important that with NLT the oxygen tension in the blood remains normal. Therefore, the method is called normoxic and has practically no contraindications.

To reduce the complications of concussion, long-term bed rest up to 3-4 weeks, vascular and diuretic drugs were previously recommended.The use of pain relievers was excluded, as they could hide the symptoms of worsening of the condition, especially in children.

Now most adults and even children will stay at home for 2-3 days at best, and take headache medications to relieve headaches and dizziness. But it is known that concussion often provokes the development of epilepsy in children and adults. The risk of complications increases with repeated injuries.

In adults, especially in old age, concussion usually causes vascular complications, an increase in blood pressure, persistent neurological symptoms, up to the development of a stroke.It has been shown that trauma to the brain can contribute to the development of vascular dementia in later life and even Alzheimer’s disease.

How to prevent complications and eliminate the consequences of brain injury without being chained to a pillow for a whole month?

A new method of restoring microcirculation in the brain allows you to quickly eliminate the consequences of even severe brain trauma. In case of a concussion, 3 to 5 days of hospitalization are enough with one or two sessions of medical compression daily in combination with vascular preparations and vitamins.

Symptoms of concussion disappear without a trace, EEG, REG and energy metabolism are normalized. The dynamics of the restoration of microcirculation in the fundus makes it possible to track and restore the brain. In case of brain injury and the presence of vascular complications, the course of treatment is 10-15 sessions against the background of a complex of rehabilitation therapy.

For traumatic brain injury, the patient must be examined. To assess the severity of the injury, it is necessary to study the fundus, EEG, REG.To exclude a fracture of the skull bones – X-ray or CT of the brain. To exclude subdural hematoma – MRI or CT. It is very important in the first days after the injury to be under the supervision of a neurologist.

A course of medical compression in a pressure chamber and a full examination can be done at the LeDa-pressure treatment rehabilitation center.

Physician-neurologist, MD, professor Kazantseva N.V.

90,000 When the brain is shaken – Health

A bruise, a fall, a blow – there are many insidious accidents that lead to a concussion. This problem ranks first in the structure of traumatic brain injury.
The main thing in the treatment is rest and sleep. However, a concussion can easily be confused with a more severe injury – a brain contusion. And he requires compulsory drug treatment and hospitalization.

Better to be safe
– A concussion is considered fairly mild compared to a bruised brain injury. Nevertheless, with a concussion, multiple microshibs, numerous minute perivascular edemas and hemorrhages occur, the functions of nerve cells in the brain are disrupted, and their nutrition deteriorates.And all this can result in close and distant complications: increased intracranial pressure, severe headaches, decreased visual acuity, ”says Valery Sergeev, deputy chief physician for the medical department (disaster and emergency medicine) of the city ambulance station. – In any case, after a tangible blow to the head, you need to see a doctor, take an X-ray, in order to exclude the presence of cracks in the skull.
The most typical symptoms of a concussion are headache, vomiting (single or repeated), dizziness, and short-term loss of consciousness also occurs.For example, you were renovating an apartment, fell off a step-ladder, hit your head, and it seems that everything worked out. It seems that there are no symptoms either, and after a few hours you feel weak or lethargic (do not blame it on fatigue!), Sweating appears or you are annoyed by the turned on TV, bright light, you cannot fall asleep.
Do not disregard even the smallest “deviations from the norm”. In this case, it is better to play it safe and be sure to see a doctor than to “disentangle” the consequences for a long time and painfully.

Painkillers will harm
The ideal option after a head injury is to get to the clinic or emergency room. And in case of obvious symptoms of a concussion, immediately call an ambulance. Before she arrives, you need to go to bed. Better – on a low pillow, especially if there was vomiting after the injury.
Apply a cold compress to the affected area as quickly as possible: you can use bags of frozen food from the refrigerator by wrapping them in a thin towel. In no case should you take painkillers or any other medications before being examined by a doctor: this can mask the growing symptoms of a worsening condition.After a concussion to any degree, it is imperative to undergo a course of rehabilitation treatment. It is selected by the doctor specifically depending on the severity of the injury.
Even with a mild concussion, bed rest is required for 2-3 days. The best medicine in the early days is sleep. You can take mild sedatives, herbal preparations with valerian, motherwort. In the room, you need to draw the curtains on the windows or lower the blinds, do not turn on the bright light in the evening, but use a night light.For several days, even if you feel quite decent, TV, computer, reading are prohibited.
“One of the consequences of such an injury is the occurrence of edema,” the doctor continues. – For their prevention, the doctor may prescribe a mild diuretic with the intake of potassium preparations to prevent its loss by the body with the exiting fluid. In general, you need to try to drink less, strong tea, coffee and other tonic drinks are categorically excluded, the best option is mineral water. A dairy-plant diet is preferred.Bananas, citrus fruits, walnuts are very useful.
Even after a mild concussion, you will have to forget about household chores and any physical activity for at least a couple of weeks, do not rush to get behind the wheel.
If the injury is moderate or severe and you are admitted to the hospital, the doctor, of course, will give specific recommendations after discharge, but do not forget that during the year you should be under the supervision of specialists.

Treatment features
A concussion is usually treated within 10 days to a month, depending on the complexity of the situation. With the permission of the doctor, in case of minor injury, you can also recover at home. Subject to bed rest, as well as quality and long rest (sleep). You can listen to soft music, but not through headphones, but reading is not recommended. It is worth using sedative folk remedies or light herbal infusions, as well as adhering to a dairy-vegetable diet with limited table salt. You can’t go in for sports, as well as watch TV or play computer games – the flickering of frames irritates the brain.

Typical symptoms of concussion

• Pallor, sweating, weakness.
• The victim does not concentrate well.
• Headache, nausea and vomiting.
• Inhibition of reactions, answers out of place.
• Poor orientation in space and time.
• Lack of appetite.
• Temperature rise.
• Short-term loss of consciousness.
• Stiffness in the legs.
• Sleep disorders (appear later).
• Fatigue, feeling tired.
• Bleeding from the nose.

Degrees of shock
1st degree – slight fainting, normal state of health about 20 minutes after injury.
2nd degree – “disorientation” for more than 20 minutes.
3rd degree – short-term loss of consciousness. The victim does not remember what happened.
Important (!): Even after a minor concussion, various complications may occur (headache, irritability, sleep disturbance, inability to concentrate). Contact urgently
to the doctor! The signs and symptoms of a concussion usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours. With repeated brain injuries, their effects are summed up.

Before the ambulance arrives

• Examine the victim.
• If there are wounds, treat and bandage them.
• Provide rest. Place the person in a comfortable position and keep them awake for about half an hour or an hour or until the doctor arrives.
• Monitor the victim’s condition at all times.
• In case of loss of consciousness, lay the patient on his side with bent knees, hands under his head.
• Even if you feel well, you cannot leave the situation unattended and allow the victim to move actively.

For minor head injuries without loss of consciousness (for example, falling from a height no more than a person’s height), provide first aid to the victim and watch for symptoms.If you fall from a greater height, bleed or become unconscious, call an ambulance immediately.

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90,000 Concussion treatment with folk remedies | Traditional medicine

Concussion – the first place in the system of injuries.

Concussion is one of the most famous and common traumatic brain injuries. Anyone can hit, fall, slip, get injured in training. A large number of cases are directly associated with alcohol consumption. At the first suspicion, it is worth undergoing an examination, determining the degree of injury, and being treated in a hospital or at home with the help of traditional medicine.

How long is the rehabilitation period in case of a concussion.

With full compliance with the regime and the absence of serious injuries, recovery of the victim is possible with full restoration of working capacity.Patients who have undergone a course of treatment for some time have noted weakening of memory and attention, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, special sensitivity to sounds and light. These signs should go away after a maximum of a year or become almost invisible. Although a certain percentage of patients after a concussion remain moderately disabled.

Non-compliance with the treatment regimen, drinking alcoholic beverages, eye strain (watching TV or reading), driving a car, hypothermia of the head – leads to an increase in the recovery time of the body and the emergence of all kinds of consequences. Constant insomnia, vegetative-vascular dystonia, asthenic syndrome, and in some cases even the development of epileptic seizures, stomach pain – treatment must necessarily proceed in a calm atmosphere and in compliance with all the rules.

Causes of the disease

The main cause of concussion is head trauma, there is a sharp failure of the functions of the vascular system and the brain. Therefore, immediately there is pain in the head, dizziness, loss of orientation.

The most common causes of concussion are industrial, domestic and sports injuries, road traffic accidents, a large percentage of which are criminal.

Loss of consciousness in a person for a short period of time after a blow to the head may indicate a concussion. But often this does not occur and the person continues to live his daily life, thereby causing even greater harm to his health.

Symptoms of the disease

Concussion – symptoms: vomiting, increased or slowed heart rate, loss of consciousness for a short period of time, nausea, dizziness, respiratory failure, deterioration in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.With concussion, the symptoms in children do not differ from those of adults.

Concussion occurs when one of the head regions is affected: frontal or occipital. According to the severity, concussion (symptoms, treatment) is divided into mild, moderate and severe forms.

The danger of this disease lies in the fact that often people who have received a slight injury do not pay attention to constant headache and neurological disorders, linking them to other causes.Be sure to lie in bed with a slight concussion for about 10 days and cure the concussion (symptoms, treatment with folk remedies).

Home treatment of concussion.

Concussion, home treatment for this disease begins with the immobilization of the patient. It is not desirable for him to get up and walk, he needs to apply ice or any cold object from the refrigerator to his head. Do not give the patient a lot of fluids. Only a few sips of sweet tea are allowed.Alcohol is strictly prohibited, you should forget about it for a few months altogether.

Treatment of concussion can take place at home or in a hospital. In any case, it is worthwhile to undergo an examination and see a doctor, only he will be able to determine the degree of injury and prescribe treatment. Concussion, treatment with folk remedies , also takes place, but for this it is necessary to see a specialist and be completely sure of the correctness of the chosen treatment method.

Signs of a concussion will clearly show how serious the victim’s condition is and, depending on this, it is worth choosing a certain option and prescription for treating a concussion (mild or severe).

It is worth paying attention to the heartbeat, breathing and intracranial pressure of the patient, from time to time to check his condition. In order for the consequences to pass faster after a concussion, it is imperative to provide peace and sleep to the victim, make the lighting as muted as possible, and the sounds moderate.

Treatment with medicinal herbs

Concussion (symptoms will indicate which treatment is preferred) is often treated with sedation. For example, they use all kinds of infusions of valerian and motherwort herbs, they are excellent help in the treatment of stomach ulcers with folk remedies and in case of concussion of the brain, all kinds of drugs containing tranquilizers, for example, sibazon, nosepam, rudotel, elenium, as well as phenobarbital such as valocordin and corvalol. Often used tonic drugs for concussion symptoms, the treatment of which allows for a normal recovery at home.You can replace your regular pillow with a pillow filled with herbs like lovage, mint, and clover.

The use of proven folk methods for pain in the stomach, treatment of concussions bring a positive and quick effect.

• Recipe. Concussion is mild and is treated with thyme herb infusion. One tablespoon of thyme herb is poured into 2 cups of water, brought to a boil and set aside. We leave the infusion for one hour, filter it, and give the patient half a glass every day before meals.It perfectly restores the work of the brain, and it is advisable to take it for six months, depending on the condition of the victim.
• Recipe. Treating concussion with galega herb. A tablespoon of lemon balm and chamomile herb, three tablespoons of galega herb, two tablespoons of periwinkle and larkspur – all this must be mixed. Pour 2 tablespoons of herbs with half and half a liter of boiling water. Leave to infuse for several hours in a tightly sealed container. Then strain and give the patient half a glass before meals.
• Recipe. Treatment of the brain with a tincture of mint and motherwort. Mix the following components and pour two glasses of boiling water: 100 g of motherwort, 100 g of mint, 100 g of mistletoe, 75 g of lemon balm. We insist the resulting composition for about 10 hours, filter and drink daily 4 times a day in a total amount of 100 ml.
• Recipe. Treatment of concussion with aralia tincture. Aralia is considered an excellent remedy for restoring the central nervous system, brain function, treatment of stomach ulcers with folk remedies and with the help of herbs.Aralia tincture is poured with half a glass of alcohol. Close tightly and infuse for about three weeks in a dark and dry place. Strain and give thirty drops to the patient in the morning and before dinner. The course of treatment is from six months to 2 years.
• Recipe. Myrtle and arnica flowers for the treatment of concussions. You need 2 tablespoons of dried arnica flowers and one tablespoon of myrtle leaves, slightly chop and pour a glass of boiling water, leave for several hours in a thermos. We filter the mixture and give one tablespoon to the patient before meals.
• Recipe. Treat concussion with a mixture of cones. Grind for a mixture 20 g of valerian root, hop leaves, mint, 10 g of cones, buckthorn bark and lemon balm. From the resulting composition, take 2 tablespoons and pour 2 cups of boiling water. We infuse the mixture for 15 minutes. After straining, it is necessary to take the medicine six times a day and be sure to drink it before going to bed at night.
• Recipe. Shepherd’s purse, as a remedy at the first sign of a concussion. It is necessary to prepare a composition of the following components: 40 g of yarrow herb, 40 g of shepherd’s purse, 40 g of mistletoe herb, 20 g of black oak, 20 g of horsetail herb, 20 g of thyme.All this must be poured with 1 liter of boiling water and cooked for several minutes. Drink small amounts throughout the day.
• Recipe. Prevention of concussion with St. John’s wort herb. We take 2 teaspoons of St. John’s wort herb (you must first make a hole in it) and pour a glass of water. Then you need to bring the mixture to a boil, set aside and strain. The tincture should be taken daily for several weeks, three times a day, drinking 1/3 cup. In case of stomach pain, it is better to postpone treatment in this way until later.

We treat concussion with folk remedies.

Concussion (symptoms) treatment of the disease should begin with a doctor’s round. Medicines, pain pills give their results, and for those who prefer natural ingredients in medicines, treatment of concussion with folk remedies is suitable. Alcohol tinctures are considered a good remedy. If you suspect a child has a concussion (symptoms in children are similar to those in adults), you should not use these tinctures, as they contain alcohol.With concussion, treatment with folk remedies is considered an effective, inexpensive and safe option.

1. Recipe. Treating concussion pain with aralia root. If headaches are often tormented after a bruise, this recipe is worth remembering. Grind the Manchurian aralia root and fill it in a ratio of 1/5 with alcohol, preferably 70%. It is important to do this in a glass and dark bottle. Then everything is shaken well and placed in a dark, cool place for 15 days.After that, it is squeezed out and filtered. It is worth taking it before meals three times a day, be sure to dilute it with boiled water (proportion of 20 drops per 1 tablespoon of water).
2. Recipe. Tincture of Mary’s root for concussions. It has been considered an excellent tool for a long time. In order for the consequences to be minimal after a concussion, it is worth preparing this tincture. Grind the root and fill it with vodka, observing the 1/10 ratio. We insist the composition for about 10 days, then filter and take one teaspoon a couple of times a day every day.It is worth taking the tincture 20 minutes before meals. If you combine the treatment with tincture with the use of pollen granules (half a teaspoon three times a day), the result will be even better.
3. Recipe. Propolis as a helper for bruises and concussions. Concussion – Home treatment is considered a great option. It is necessary to take such a tincture for the fastest recovery: thirty drops of hawthorn tincture, combined with thirty drops of propolis tincture. Twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, we take 25 drops.We also take a tincture of mountain arnica – this enhances the effect.

You are now familiar with the main causes of concussion, symptoms and treatment options. You need to be careful and take care of your health. However, if trouble happened, then concussion – treatment with folk remedies is the most optimal and inexpensive option.

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