Table of contents:
- What are the characteristics and symptoms of a concussion?
- Symptoms in thinking and remembering
- Physical symptoms
- Symptoms in emotions and mood
- Symptoms in sleep habits
- What can be done to help with concussion recovery?
- Accelerate the healing of concussions in adults
- Accelerate the healing of concussions in children
When you have a bad fall or an accident that shakes the brain inside the skull, you can sometimes get a concussion. While there may be cuts or bruises on your head or face, it's also possible that your brain injury doesn't show any symptoms.
What are the characteristics and symptoms of a concussion?
If someone you know has a concussion, you can see the following changes in them:
Symptoms in thinking and remembering
- didn't think clearly
- unable to concentrate
- unable to remember new information
Physical symptoms
- nausea and vomiting
- headache
- confusion or blurred vision
- sensitivity to light or sound
- balance problems
- feeling tired or lacking energy
Symptoms in emotions and mood
- easily hurt or angry
- sad
- nervous or anxious
- more emotional
Symptoms in sleep habits
- sleep more than usual
- sleep less than usual
- difficulty falling asleep
What can be done to help with concussion recovery?
People who have recently suffered head injuries will not be allowed by the doctor to go to school or work. For now, let your loved one rest as much as possible if they have recently had a concussion. Rest is very important after a concussion as it helps the brain to recover. Ignoring symptoms and expecting them to function "as normal" often makes their symptoms worse. Be patient because recovery takes time.
A person with a concussion may not be able to do housework for a while. You will be urgently needed to organize everything. Cook for a serving or two, take care of the kids, or bring flowers or a film to cheer them up. With limited activities they are allowed to do, entertainment will be greatly appreciated.
Accelerate the healing of concussions in adults
- Get plenty of sleep at night, and rest during the day.
- Avoid activities that are physically demanding (such as heavy cleaning, weight lifting or sports) or that require a lot of concentration (such as checking a passbook). This can make your symptoms worse and slow your recovery.
- Avoid activities such as contact sports or recreational sports, which can cause other concussions. Avoid roaller coasters or other high-speed rides which could make your symptoms worse or even cause a concussion.
- When your doctor determines that you have improved considerably, return to your normal activities gradually, not all at once.
- Since your ability to respond may slow down after a concussion, ask your doctor when you can drive a car, ride a bicycle, or operate heavy equipment safely.
- Consider consulting your boss about returning to work gradually and about changing your work activities or schedule until you recover (for example working a half day).
- Only take medication that has been approved by your doctor.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages until your doctor tells you that you have recovered sufficiently. Alcohol and other drugs can slow down your recovery and put you at risk for further injury.
- If you get easily distracted, try to do one thing at a time. For example, don't try to watch TV while preparing dinner.
- Talk to family members or close friends when making important decisions.
- Don't neglect your basic needs, such as eating well and getting enough rest.
- Avoid continuous computer use, including computer games or video games, in the initial recovery process.
- Some people report that getting on an airplane makes their symptoms worse for some time after a concussion.
Accelerate the healing of concussions in children
You can help your child recover quickly after a brain injury by taking an active role in their recovery:
- Make the child rest a lot. Create a regular sleep schedule, including sleeping late and staying up late.
- Ensure that the child avoids high-risk / high-speed activities, such as biking, playing sports, or climbing objects on playgrounds, roller coasters or rides that can cause bumps, punches or other jolts to the head or body. Children should not return to this type of activity until the doctor says they have recovered sufficiently.
- Give the child only drugs that have been approved by the pediatrician or family doctor.
- Consult the doctor about when the child should return to school and other activities, and how a parent or caregiver can help him cope with any challenges he may face. For example, your child may have to spend less time at school, take frequent breaks, or need more time taking exams.
- Share information about concussions with parents, siblings, teachers, counselors, baby sitter, the coach, and others with whom the child interacts will help them understand what has happened and how to meet the child's needs.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.