A sudden bump, jolt, or blow to your head may lead to a concussion. Classified as a mild traumatic brain injury, the condition’s symptoms will differ from person to person. These symptoms may include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. If there is a loss of consciousness, it lasts for 30 minutes or less. Usually, concussion symptoms subside after 2-3 weeks but may last longer in severe or untreated cases.
Here are three steps you can take to jumpstart concussion recovery:
1. Get Adequate Rest
Both mental and physical rest are important when recuperating from a concussion. Getting a day off work or school is encouraged for this period. Be sure to get hours of uninterrupted sleep at night and take naps throughout the day. Avoid strenuous workouts and sports activities during recovery, especially if they leave your head vulnerable to further injuries.
Certain activities, like exposure to bright screens, could also trigger symptoms. It’s crucial to take a break from gadgets, such as televisions, laptops, and computers for the time being. For others, too much eye movement could worsen their concussion symptoms. So, you may want to consider limiting reading, playing video games and texting.
Some patients have also said that listening to loud music aggravates their symptoms. It’s best to gradually try a few of your usual activities and observe which of them might trigger your condition. Avoid the triggers while you recuperate.
2. Hydrate
Hydration is the key to a quicker recovery. It’s common not to be hungry or thirsty after a concussion. Despite this, it’s essential to stay hydrated. So, whether you’re thirsty or not, ensure that you drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of water every day. You may also take other liquids like:
- Juice
- Electrolyte drinks
- Vitamin water
It’s vital to keep your blood sugar up and stable during concussion recovery so that your symptoms don’t worsen. That is because changing blood sugar levels and dehydration affect the brain.
If your blood sugar drastically decreases while recuperating from a concussion, you could experience nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Other patients also reported having brain fog, stomachaches, and irritability when dehydrated.
3. Consult Your Doctor
Though most concussions result from seemingly mild blows to the head, it’s still important to see a doctor for first aid. Your physician will be able to assess your symptoms and diagnose whether you suffered a concussion. They can also tell if it may lead to something more severe.
Call your doctor or head straight to the emergency room if you suspect a concussion. Do that, especially if you experience the following symptoms after an impact to the head:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Headache that worsens
- Fatigue
- Numbness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Convulsions
Once your physician has conducted an initial assessment and confirmed a concussion occurred, they can help develop the best concussion treatment for you.
Concussion Treatment Near You in Wilmington & Newark, DE
Rest, hydrate, and consult a physician during your recovery after a concussion. Be sure to have at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night and to take naps as much as you can. Limit yourself from doing intense physical activities as well. Drink at least six 8-ounce of water to stabilize your blood sugar levels and lessen nausea, migraines, and fatigue. Finally, consult a doctor, especially if you experience vomiting, seizures, and drowsiness.
Do you need concussion treatment near you? The team at Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers is ready to help you recover from a concussion. All our locations also have a doctor on call 24 hours a day for urgent incidents. Concussion patients can rest assured that our medical providers and physiatrists are trained and certified to treat traumatic head injuries.
To schedule an appointment, submit an appointment request form or call us at (302) 529-8783. You may also call any of our clinics in Dover, Middletown, Milford, Newark, Smyrna, and Wilmington, Delaware. Check out our website for complete location and contact details. We look forward to serving you!
