What to Do after a Concussion
Concussions are a fairly common injury. If you were involved in a car accident or slipped and fell inside a store, then you could easily suffer a concussion, which is a relatively mild traumatic brain injury.
Recovery is vital, because a second concussion soon after a first will be much more disruptive. WebMD has some helpful tips for what you should do after a concussion diagnosis.
Avoid Overstimulating the Brain
After a concussion, it is normal to have trouble concentrating and difficulty making quick decisions. To promote recovery, give your brain a rest. Put away your video games, your smart phone, and the computer. You also should not watch television. Doctors recommend that you have this sort of “digital cleanse” for around 7-10 days.
What can you do instead? Try going for walks with family members or listening to soothing music.
Watch for Worsening Symptoms
After a concussion, it is normal to experience:
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Impaired concentration
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Blurred vision
- Trouble talking
- Depression
These symptoms should gradually begin to improve over time. If they don’t—say, your headaches only seem to be getting more intense—then go to the doctor or hospital as soon as possible. You might have suffered a more serious injury than you thought.
Get Enough Rest
You will need to slow down for a couple of weeks physically as well. Don’t be afraid to miss work if necessary. You might also need to come into work or school late or leave early. There is no reason to push yourself.
Protect Your Head
You shouldn’t spend all your time cooped up in your bedroom. Instead, returning to normal physical activity is a key part to getting better. However, you must protect your head:
- In a car, make sure to buckle up, which can reduce the risks of suffering a concussion in a crash.
- Wear a helmet whenever riding a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle. Also put a helmet on if you want to participate in sports.
- Don’t push yourself too hard, too fast.
Always remember to ease yourself back into your favorite activities. If you are too strenuous, you could actually slow your recovery.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
Doctors recommend taking a pass on alcoholic beverages as you try to recover from a concussion. For one thing, the alcohol could amplify symptoms, such as confusion, lack of coordination, or impaired memory. Second, alcohol could cause you to engage in riskier behavior, such as speeding or trying to climb heights, which only increases your chances of suffering a second concussion.
According to the U.S. military, there is “no safe amount” of alcohol a person with a TBI can consume. If you ultimately want to drink, then make sure to eat a big meal at the same time and switch to less alcoholic drinks.
Brain Injury Attorneys in Delray Beach
Concussions are serious injuries that warrant close attention. Even if you think you are “fine,” you should always follow your doctor’s advice for maximizing improvement.
When an accident injures your brain you might have a legal claim for compensation. Contact Earnhart Law today. One of our Delray Beach personal injury lawyers will meet with you for a free consultation. Please call 561-265-2220.
Resource:
teens.webmd.com/features/teen-concussion-recovery-what-to-do#1
navymedicine.navylive.dodlive.mil/archives/8891
