Caring for Your Concussion

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that is usually the result of a blow (impact) to the head or body that causes the brain to move inside your skull. This movement is associated with a change in brain function.

Concussions are serious—but common—injuries, especially among young athletes. In fact, concussions account for more than half of ER visits for kids ages 5 to 18 every year in the United States. Experts estimate that more than 3 million people visit the emergency room with a concussion in the United States each year.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Not everyone who experiences a hit to the head will end up with a concussion, but it is important to know what signs and symptoms to watch for. The symptoms of concussion aren’t always immediately apparent, and they might be subtle. Pay attention to your body and any symptoms you might experience in the days following a head injury. Typical symptoms of a concussion include the following:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue or drowsiness

You Have a Concussion. Now What?

In the past, complete rest, such a lying quietly in a dark room was recommended; however, it is now known that doing so does not aid recovery. The newest guidelines for concussion care recommend relative rest—which allows your brain to recover—for up to 48 hours after the concussion. What is relative rest? Relative rest includes activities of daily living, such as light household chores like preparing a meal or washing the dishes; easy walking; and more carefree social interactions as tolerated. It is also essential to limit screen time on phones and texting, computers, and TV. Patients who limit their screen time (to about an hour per day) recover in half the time of those who do not limit their screen time.

Although some physical activity can help speed brain recovery, refrain from physical activities that make your symptoms worse. This may include general physical exertion, sports, or any vigorous movements. Usually, after a period of relative rest, you can resume both physical and mental activities at levels that do not trigger your symptoms.

Most often, the effects of a concussion are short-term. Relative rest is the most important part of treating a concussion, especially at first. Your brain and body need time to heal. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional regarding your recovery and when you can safely return to more intense or vigorous physical activity.

Our Fort HealthCare Therapy & Sport Center athletic trainers, among other responsibilities, work with athletes at area schools to help prepare them physically for sports and to help assess head injuries that might result in concussions. To learn more, visit Athletic Training – Fort HealthCare.