What Should You Do If You Suffer A Concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur after a blow to the head. Concussions can range in severity from mild to severe. They can cause various symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. If you think you or someone you know may have suffered a concussion, it’s essential to see a Falls Church concussion specialist. Failure to treat a concussion immediately can lead to serious health complications such as brain damage, memory loss, and even death. If you have suffered a concussion, you can take steps to relieve the symptoms, and we look at some of them in this article.

1. Rest

One of the most important things you can do if you have suffered a concussion is rest. This means avoiding physical activity or mentally stimulating activities, such as watching television or using the computer. You should also avoid bright lights and loud noises. It’s essential to get plenty of sleep and take it easy for a few days following the injury.

1. Drink plenty of fluids

It’s essential to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration when you have a concussion. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink sports drinks or juice. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and worsen your symptoms.

1. Avoid Activity

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to rest when you have a concussion. This means avoiding physical activity or mentally stimulating activities, such as watching television or using the computer. You should also avoid bright lights and loud noises. It’s important to get plenty of sleep and take it easy for a few days following the injury.

1. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to drink lots of fluids when you have a concussion to avoid dehydration. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink sports drinks or juice. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and worsen your symptoms. They also can interfere with sleep, which is essential for recovery.

1. Ice Swollen Areas

If you have a concussion, it’s common to experience swelling in the area where you were injured. You can reduce the swelling by applying ice packs to the area. Make sure to put a thin towel between the ice pack and your skin to avoid frostbite. Apply the ice pack for 15-20 minutes, and do this several times a day for the first few days after the injury.

1. Elevate Your Head

If you have a concussion, it’s essential to elevate your head when you sleep to reduce swelling. Place pillows under your head and shoulders so that your head is higher than your heart. This will help reduce the pressure on your brain and allow the swelling to go down.

1. Take Pain Medication

You can take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you’re in pain. However, check with your doctor first to make sure the medication is safe for you to take.

In summary, if you think you have a concussion, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid activity, and take pain medication. You can also ice the injured area and elevate your head. By following these tips, you can speed up the healing process and reduce the symptoms of a concussion.