How to Treat a Mild Concussion

How to Treat a Mild Concussion

Precio Daramola |Mar 22, 2021

Learning About Mild Concussion Treatment

Research shows that concussions are often associated with people involved in sports. Most people involved in high-contact or high-risk sports are known to suffer from concussions and brain injuries due to regular head impact. In this article we will discuss mild concussion treatment options, as well as the possible causes.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion refers to a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may occur after a blow to your head. It can also happen after a whiplash-type injury that causes your head and brain to shake quickly back and forth. It may result in temporary loss of normal brain function or an altered mental state that may include unconsciousness.

What Are the Causes of a Concussion?

The brain is made of soft tissue, therefore specific head impacts from falling, getting hit, or being in an accident can cause the brain to move around in your head. Concussions are caused by such direct trauma to the head. When this occurs, it may lead to bleeding, damage to the blood vessels, and injury to the nerves.

Concussions do not always involve passing out or a loss of consciousness. In many cases, people with a concussion never lose consciousness. In several cases, external signs of head trauma, such as bleeding, may also be absent. You should see a doctor immediately if you experience direct trauma to your head.

As earlier mentioned, people who participate in high-impact sports such as football or boxing have an increased risk of getting a concussion. Although concussions are not usually life-threatening, they may result in serious symptoms that require medical treatment.

Common Symptoms of Concussions

Symptoms may vary from person to person and usually depend on the severity of the injury and the person injured. A concussion can affect memory, judgment, speech, balance, reflexes, and muscle coordination. People with concussions often suffer from a brief period of amnesia or forgetfulness; this means they cannot remember what happened immediately before or after the injury. The most common signs of a concussion may include:

  • Memory problems
  • Confusion
  • Double vision or blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Drowsiness or feeling sluggish
  • Dizziness
  • Balance problems
  • Slowed reaction to stimuli

The symptoms may begin immediately, or they may not develop for hours, days, weeks, or sometimes even months following the injury. The following symptoms can also occur during the recovery period after a concussion:

  • Irritability
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mild headaches

When to See a Doctor

Although some concussions are less serious than others, experts advise that mild concussions should not be taken lightly. Most people may recover quickly following a concussion, while some can have symptoms lasting for several weeks. You should, however, seek urgent medical attention if:

  • You keep having persistent headaches
  • You experience slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
  • You suffer from incessant nausea or repeated vomiting
  • You have seizures
  • You experience any loss of consciousness
  • Your symptoms keep worsening
  • You have a history of multiple concussions

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Concussions

Due to hidden symptoms in some cases, concussions may sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after the injury. Some symptoms may last for only a few seconds after the impact, while others may linger. Whatever the case, it is important to see a doctor to get diagnosed early and take the proper steps to treat the injury.

Mild concussion treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. In severe cases that involve bleeding in the brain, swelling of the brain, or a serious injury to the brain, you might need surgery or other medical procedures.

However, most concussions do not require surgery or any major medical treatment. The doctor may only give self-care instructions to follow. For mild concussions, some of these helpful instructions include:

  • Take time to rest. You need to stop whatever caused the concussion immediately because resting is key. If you resume the activity too soon, you risk a greater chance of having a second concussion, which can worsen the damage. You have to rest for your brain to heal properly.
  • Avoid repeat concussions. Successive concussions can have severe consequences such as brain swelling, permanent brain damage, long-term disabilities, or even death.
  • Use medicine as prescribed. Treat pain with aspirin-free medications as prescribed by the doctor.
  • Revisit your doctor. If the symptoms do not stop, please go back to the doctor.

Safety Precautions that Help to Avoid Concussions

A concussion is often difficult to prevent because it happens unexpectedly. However, there are safety precautions you can follow to lessen the possibility of a traumatic brain injury:

  • When participating in high-contact or high-risk sports, wear protective equipment, as they increase the likelihood of a concussion. You can wear a helmet, headgear, padding, mouth guards, and eye guards to help safeguard against traumatic head injuries.
  • Drive and ride smart by always wearing your seat belt, avoiding excess speed, and never driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Remove hazards in the home that may contribute to falls, e.g., installing window guards and blocking stairways.
  • Avoid fights. Concussions are often sustained during an assault, and more men than women report traumatic head injuries.
  • Exercise regularly to help you keep fit and maintain a better balance. It can give you stronger leg muscles and better balance, which can help prevent falls.
  • Look out for other important safety precautions as the need arises.

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