A concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury produced by a blow to the head, a bump, or a sudden jolt. A concussion may affect everyone, from newborns to the elderly. The most frequent symptom is a headache. The majority of symptoms go away in 14 to 21 days. While each person's recuperation plan is different, they all include mental and physical rest and a gradual return to activities. When your brain bounces or twists inside your skull, or when it undergoes fast, whiplash-like back and forth movement, it collides with the interior of your skull, causing a concussion. This movement of the brain causes chemical changes in the brain by stretching and damaging brain cells.
Management and treatment of a concussion
According to CognitiveFX, you don’t have to experience a blow to the head to sustain a concussion because receiving a shake, jolt, or hit to the head can cause this problem. The best practice is to see a healthcare professional for a suspected concussion.
Rest
Relative rest is the best method to enable your brain to recuperate during the first few days following a concussion. To recover from a concussion, your doctor would advise you to take physical and mental rest. While recovering, relative rest includes limiting activities that require high mental concentration. However, complete rest may slow recovery, hence include activities that will not strain your brain. Additionally, avoid strenuous or vigorous physical activities that may trigger symptoms. However, after a period of relative rest, gradually increase the daily activities and decide which ones do not triggr the symptoms.you may also include some physical activities and exercises gradually, which are sad to improve the recovery process. As you recover from a concussion, your doctor may recommend that you have abbreviated school or workdays, take breaks during the day, or have modified or decreased school workloads or job projects. Different therapy, such as vision rehabilitation, balance rehabilitation, or cognitive rehabilitation for issues with thinking and memory, may be recommended by your doctor.
Pain reliefs
Headaches are common in the days and weeks following a concussion. Your doctor may recommend the use of pain relievers. However, be sure to ask your doctor if using an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen is safe (Tylenol, others). Other pain killers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), and aspirin, should be avoided since they might cause bleeding. Therefore, during recovery, ask for doctors' advice on the medication to use for the headaches or get a prescription from them.
Getting back to routine activity
As your symptoms improve, you can gradually add more thinking-intensive tasks to your routines, such as accomplishing more schooling or job assignments or increasing the amount of time you spend at school or work. When it's safe for you to resume light physical exercise, your doctor will let you know. Before your symptoms are entirely gone, you're usually permitted to conduct modest physical exercise — such as riding a stationary bike or light running — as long as it doesn't severely exacerbate your symptoms. After all signs and symptoms of a concussion have subsided, you and your doctor may talk about the actions you'll need to take to return to sports safely. Resuming sports too soon might lead to injury.
Return to Work Gradually
Returning to work gradually after a concussion is recommended to facilitate a smooth recovery and prevent the worsening of symptoms. Concussions, classified as mild traumatic brain injuries, necessitate sufficient time for the brain to heal. A gradual return enables close monitoring of symptoms, allowing for prompt adjustments to the return-to-work plan if necessary. This approach also helps avoid overexertion, effectively managing mental and physical fatigue and allowing the brain to adapt slowly.
Moreover, a gradual return addresses the cognitive challenges associated with many jobs, reducing the risk of cognitive fatigue and overload. Simultaneously, this method supports the management of emotional well-being, aiding individuals in adapting to the work environment and ensuring a more individualized recovery plan. Given the unique nature of each concussion, the gradual return considers specific symptoms and tailors the plan accordingly.
Additionally, seeking medical guidance is crucial in determining the appropriate pace for returning to work. This minimizes the risk of re-injury and helps prevent potential complications. Collaborating closely with healthcare professionals ensures a flexible process, allowing for adjustments based on the individual's response to increased activity and cognitive demands.
Reviewed by
