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what is the best way to heal from a concussion

by Dr. Scot Turcotte II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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In the meantime, try these tips to help you quickly recover from a concussion and get back to your usual activities.
  1. Reduce screen time. ...
  2. Limit exposure to bright lights and loud sounds. ...
  3. Avoid unnecessary movement of your head and neck. ...
  4. Stay hydrated. ...
  5. Rest. ...
  6. Eat more protein. ...
  7. Eat foods rich in omega-3s.
Jun 26, 2018

Medication

  • Cocoon Yourself. ...
  • Find a Health Care Provider Who Will Make an ImPACT. ...
  • Nurture Yourself. ...
  • Reach Out to Sources of Help. ...
  • Keep Track Of Symptoms Using A Spreadsheet. ...
  • Find Your Groove Again With NIA. ...
  • Ban the Screen. ...
  • Listen–Don’t Read. ...
  • Lie Down. ...
  • Live in the Moment. ...

More items...

Therapy

You can reduce your risk of concussion in contact sports through:

  • proper training
  • supervision for practices and games
  • concussion awareness and management tools

Nutrition

Working out may actually speed up recovery by healing and reducing concussion symptoms. Below is a brief look into how physical activity impacts post-concussion recovery and whether it is safe. Physical workout has several benefits to the body.

See more

  • Exercise therapy: Physical activities designed to increase blood flow to the brain
  • Manual therapy: Manipulation, massage or kneading of muscles and joints to reduce pain from injury
  • Vestibular and visual therapy: Exercises to help to reduce symptoms related to balance and vision

More items...

What can I do to make my concussion heal faster?

How can you reduce your risk of concussion?

Can working out help speed up recovery from a concussion?

How physical therapy can help you recover from a concussion?

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How long does it take to heal from a concussion?

Concussion recovery and treatment. Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. People with concussions should never return to sports or other physical activity sooner than one week from sustaining the injury.

How do you treat a concussion at home?

How can you care for yourself at home?Rest is the best treatment for post-concussion syndrome.Do not drive if you have taken a prescription pain medicine.Rest in a quiet, dark room until your headache is gone. ... Put a cold, moist cloth or cold pack on the painful area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.More items...

Can you recover from a concussion at home?

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.

What can adults do for a concussion?

Rest is one of the most important treatments for a concussion because it helps the brain to heal. Rest nearly completely for the first few days after a head injury, then slowly begin to “exercise your brain.” The unused, “stagnant” brain remains stagnant if not used and lengthens recovery.

Should you sleep if you have a concussion?

Medical experts once warned that people should stay awake if they had a concussion. They based this advice on the theory that sleeping with a concussion could cause a person to fall into a coma or even die. However, medical experts now agree that it is safe for a person to sleep if they have a concussion.

What makes a concussion worse?

Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often makes symptoms worse. Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal.

How much rest do you need after a concussion?

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

How to heal from a concussion?

Other natural concussion treatment options to help recovery include diffusing lavender oil and other stress-reducing essential oils and participating in music therapy. Sleep and rest. Light exercise.

How long does it take for a concussion to heal?

The vast majority of people who have a concussion will recover completely in a few days or weeks; however, serious complications can occur in the elderly, infants, children, and those who have experienced multiple concussions.

What is the best medicine for a concussion?

4. Creatine . In a study published in the journal Acta Paediatrica, researchers suggest that supplementing with creatine after the diagnosis of a concussion improves several concussion symptoms including amnesia, headache, dizziness and fatigue.

How long after a concussion should you monitor?

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.

How long does it take to diagnose a concussion?

Conventional Concussion Treatment. Diagnosing a concussion requires a thorough physical examination. The first 24 hours after a brain injury are crucial, and patients require observation either in the hospital or at home. The medical team will want details surrounding the event and information on past head injuries.

What are the risk factors for a concussion?

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.

What foods help you recover from a syphilis?

Great sources of these healthy fats include wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, flaxseed, walnuts, tuna and grass-fed dairy.

What is recovery from a concussion?

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

How long does it take for a concussion to heal?

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

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

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

How to help a child with a brain injury?

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

How to get rid of a swollen ear?

(Avoid screen time and loud music before bed, sleep in a dark room, and keep to a fixed bedtime and wake up schedule.) Reduce daytime naps or return to a regular daytime nap schedule (as appropriate for their age). 3.

What to take for headaches after concussion?

If you have a headache, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may ease the pain. Avoid taking other pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) if you suspect you've had a concussion. These may increase the risk of bleeding. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Concussion care at Mayo Clinic.

How long do you have to stay in hospital after a concussion?

If your doctor agrees that you may be observed at home, someone should stay with you and check on you for at least 24 hours to ensure that your symptoms aren't worsening.

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

Signs and symptoms of a concussion may not appear until hours or days after the injury. Tests your doctor may perform or recommend include a neurological examination, cognitive testing and imaging tests.

How long after a concussion can you get headaches?

Headaches may occur in the days or weeks after a concussion. To manage pain, ask your doctor if it's safe to take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Avoid other pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin, as these medications may increase the risk of bleeding.

How to improve symptoms of a symtom?

As your symptoms improve, you may gradually add more activities that involve thinking, such as doing more schoolwork or work assignments, or increasing your time spent at school or work.

How long after a sprain can you do physical activity?

Usually after the first few days after injury, you're allowed to do light physical activity — such as riding a stationary bike or light jogging — before your symptoms are completely gone, so long as it doesn't significantly worsen symptoms.

What to do if your child has a head injury?

If your child has received a head injury that concerns you, call your child's doctor immediately. Depending on the signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care. Here's some information to help you get ready for and make the most of your medical appointment.

How long does it take for a concussion to heal?

Experts aren’t sure why this happens. If you have this condition, concussion recovery can take several months or even longer . During this time, you may experience a headache and other concussion symptoms as listed above.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

In most cases, concussion recovery takes about 7 to 10 days. Trusted Source. . However, if you don’t get enough rest or follow your doctor’s recommendations, recovery may take a bit longer. Learn more about how long concussions last. In addition, some people develop a condition called post-concussion syndrome. Experts aren’t sure why this happens.

What is the brain injury that results from the brain hitting the skull?

Concussions are brain injuries that result from the brain hitting the skull or a strain on neural tissue due to excessive force. This force can be direct, like a hit to the head, or indirect, like whiplash in a car accident. Concussion symptoms range from mild to severe and include: loss of consciousness. headache, which may range in intensity ...

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

Concussion symptoms range from mild to severe and include: 1 loss of consciousness 2 headache, which may range in intensity from mild to severe 3 poor memory or concentration 4 sensitivity to noise, light, or both 5 dizziness or vertigo 6 blurred vision 7 sudden mood changes, including irritability, unexplained crying, or depression 8 nausea or vomiting 9 poor balance 10 drowsiness 11 fatigue 12 reduced hearing 13 trouble sleeping

What foods are good for concussions?

Foods rich in omega-3s include fatty fish, such as salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, soy, and chia seeds.

How to avoid a concussion?

Avoid unnecessary movement of your head and neck. Try to avoid anything that causes your head or neck to jostle around. These are the types of motions that can cause a concussion in the first place, and minimizing them gives your brain a chance to recover.

How long after a concussion do you have symptoms?

If you’ve recently had a concussion and are still having symptoms after 7 to 10 days, make an appointment with your doctor to check for signs of post-concussion syndrome.

How long does it take for a concussion to heal?

Most people with concussions will experience a complete recovery, but the length of time it takes the body and mind to heal can vary. In most cases, someone will recover within a month. In rare cases, recovery can take longer than 6 weeks, which is known as post-concussion syndrome.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

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

How does a concussion affect recovery?

One of the critical factors affecting concussion recovery is the severity of the original injury. In general, the more severe the injury, the longer it takes to recover. Rest is essential for anyone recovering from a concussion, no matter how young or how strong they are.

What is the best diet for a concussion?

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

How do you know if you have a concussion?

Common symptoms of concussion include: nausea. headaches.

What causes a concussion?

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

Can a concussion be a mild brain injury?

People sometimes describe concussions as mild brain injuries, but they must treat them seriously and take steps to help their recovery. It is important to seek medical care and follow a doctor’s instructions.

How to recover from a concussion?

Start your recovery by taking it easy. As symptoms improve, you may gradually return to regular activities. Recovery from a mild TBI or concussion means you can do your regular activities without experiencing symptoms. Recovery from a mild TBI or concussion may be slower among: Older adults. Young children. Teens.

What to do when symptoms are gone?

When symptoms are nearly gone. When your symptoms are mild and nearly gone, you can return to most of your regular activities. If your symptoms do not get worse during an activity, then that activity is OK for you.

Can TBI go away?

Do not go away, or. Get worse after you return to your regular activities. Anxiety and depression may make it harder to adjust to the symptoms of a mild TBI or concussion 2. If you have one or more symptoms that last months after the injury, your healthcare provider may talk to you about post-concussive syndrome.

How long does it take for the brain to heal after a concussion?

In the days and up to maybe 2 weeks after a concussive incident, get a lot of rest, try the strategies above, and see how your brain naturally heals. After about 2 weeks, if you still have symptoms, obviously you need more healing.

What are the symptoms of a concussion in a toddler?

A few notes about concussion symptoms in toddlers and young children that differ from adults: Babies and toddlers: sleep variance, either more or less, and uncontrollable crying, especially when head is moved. Toddlers and older children: loss of interest in what they usually love to do. drowsiness.

What are the symptoms of a head injury that doesn't go away?

Headaches (especially one that doesn’t go away) Pre- or post-injury amnesia (not remembering the immediate events around the injury itself) Loss of focus or concentration. Poor organization or clarity of thought (ok, that one doesn’t apply to kids as that’s a daily occurrence for many of them!) 😉.

Can you cut back after a concussion?

The CDC echoes that sentiment, recommending resting body and mind, then getting back to normal activity slowly once symptoms subside, cutting back if symptoms flare. Thankfully alternative medicine (which is getting more and more mainstream) has discovered that there are many ways to treat and heal from a concussion.

Is a concussion a one time event?

It seems like a concussion should be a one-time event from which your body starts to heal and should go on an upward continuum toward “back to normal,” but that’s not how it happened at all for us. The graph of improvement was definitely a roller coaster!

Does a knee injury heal on its own?

We all understand that if you have a knee injury, it doesn’t heal on its own completely. You often need rehab, massage, and/or physical therapy to completely get your strength back, even though the tissue may have physically knit back together. It’s the same concept for the brain.

Does the brain heal itself?

Brian Hanks reminded us in my post about why we see so many more concussions lately, “the brain doesn’t heal, it compensates.”.

How to heal a concussion?

Concussion Rescue Healing Protocol. To treat a head injury, I recommend supplements to quench inflammation, antioxidants to reduce oxidative damage, a dietary strategy to help get the brain the fuel it needs to heal, and the right kinds of exercise at the right time.

Did David lose consciousness?

He stayed down, disheveled, then was helped to his feet and over to the bench. Although David never appeared to lose consciousness, he had a splitting headache for the rest of the day and was very fatigued. I found out later that he was seen by his pediatrician and told to stay out of school for a week and rest.

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

Url:https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/how-to-treat-a-concussion

5 hours ago  · Rest isn’t the only thing you can do to recover from a concussion. The doctors at our concussion treatment clinic recommend physical and cognitive exercise followed by rest.

2.Concussion Treatment: 7 Natural Ways to Boost …

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35 hours ago neurological or mental health disorders, learning difficulties, and/or. family and social stressors. 1. Rest. Your child should take it easy the first few days after the injury when symptoms are more severe. Early on, limit physical and thinking/remembering activities to …

3.Recovery from Concussion | HEADS UP | CDC Injury Center

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_recovery.html

15 hours ago  · Some factors can help recovery, including getting plenty of rest and eating a healthful, high protein diet. A concussion can occur due to certain types of traumatic brain injuries. Head trauma can...

4.Concussion - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355600

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Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/concussion-recovery

5 hours ago  · So the most important way to heal from a concussion is to (a) take extra precaution that you don’t get one again, even a more minor bump, and (b) be sure to actually do some therapy to strengthen your brain and help it heal, not just compensate, or else you’ll be more susceptible to concussions (and they’ll all be like “multiple concussions”) your whole life. You …

6.Concussion recovery: Timeline and 7 tips - Medical News …

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36 hours ago  · Current Concussion Protocol. The current treatment for concussions and TBI (traumatic brain injury) is rest and time. These are helpful, but there is more that you can do. Imagine a sprained ankle. We’ve all heard of the R.I.C.E. approach (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to healing and have been told to apply this immediately.

7.Getting Better After a Mild TBI or Concussion

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