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Key Points
- Concussions are brain injuries that result from a blow to the head or sudden body jolts, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
- Immediate medical attention is crucial if a concussion is suspected to rule out severe trauma.
- Home recovery strategies include rest, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, creating a quiet and dark environment, and maintaining a balanced diet and hydration.
- Recovery from a concussion typically takes 14 to 21 days, but if symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention should be sought.
- Prevention measures include wearing seatbelts, avoiding impaired driving, using protective sports gear, following safety regulations, and making homes safer.
Concussions are a common type of brain injury that can be caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt to the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of a concussion vary slightly but may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light or noise. Recovery time also varies, but the Cleveland Clinic notes that most concussions get better within a few weeks. Some common causes of concussions include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and physical assaults. It's important to note that a concussion can occur even if there is no loss of consciousness, and symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The first thing you need to do if you or a loved one may have a concussion is seek medical attention. Early evaluation is important to diagnose a concussion and rule out any severe trauma to the head. After diagnosis, you may have to care for yourself or your loved one at home. Thankfully, there are things you can do at home to help make the recovery process easier.
How to Support a Concussion Recovery at Home
Recovering from a concussion is a process that requires a lot of rest and patience, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Any time you are concerned about whether you’ve had a concussion or not, you should always seek proper medical care immediately. Below, you’ll find tips to help support your concussion recovery at home once you’ve seen a healthcare provider.:
1. Rest
Rest is an important part of the concussion recovery. According to the Cleveland Clinic, rest helps the brain to heal by reducing the amount of stimulation it receives. This means avoiding activities that are stimulating or require a lot of concentration, as well as being a restful environment.
2. Limit or Avoid Things That Can Trigger Symptoms
The “rest and relaxation” part of concussion recovery means avoiding things that can trigger symptoms—such as screen time (cell phones, television, video games, etc…), reading, loud music, and physical activity. These activities can cause symptoms like headaches and dizziness and may lead to a slower recovery time.
3. Create a Quiet and Dark Environment
Creating a quiet and dark environment can help your concussion recovery. Some tips from Healthline include:
- Use soft lighting like bedside lamps or nightlights rather than ceiling lights
- Use darkening curtains to block some of the bright sunlight
- Reduce noise levels by asking those in your house to be quiet or take noisy activity to another area
- Use earplugs and an eye mask when you’re trying to relax
- Try soft music, or ambient noise if you don’t want to be in silence
- Limit television, computer work, video games, and reading
4. Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting plenty of sleep is important in concussion recovery, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Sticking to a bedtime routine and taking a relaxing bath can help you get better sleep, according to Healthline.
5. Nourish Yourself With a Well-Balanced Diet and Hydration
Eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated are good things for your body in any case, but can also help you recover faster, according to Healthline. They also note that it is important to avoid alcohol, as it may slow down the healing process or make your symptoms worse.
6. Settle Nausea With Ginger Ale or Tums
Ginger is known for helping settle an upset stomach, according to Healthline. You can get ginger tea, ginger chews, and ginger ale from most retail pharmacies. Over-the-counter antacids like Tums can also help settle nausea, which is a common symptom of concussion.
7. Have Patience
It's important to be patient during concussion recovery, as healing takes time. The Cleveland Clinic notes that it can take 14 to 21 days for concussion symptoms to subside—this may be shorter or longer depending on your unique situation. Undiagnosed concussions tend to have a longer recovery time, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This is why it is important to get a proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider right away.
When to Go Back to the Doctor
If you or someone you are caring for has experienced a concussion, it's important to monitor their symptoms closely. While most concussions resolve within a few weeks (according to the Cleveland Clinic), some people may experience persistent or worsening symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic notes that these cases should always be reevaluated by a medical provider. If you notice any of the following symptoms, the American Academy of Neurological Surgery (AANS) recommends that you seek urgent or emergency care right away:
- A headache that worsens or does not go away
- Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Significant nausea or repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Inability to wake up
- Symptoms have worsened at any time
- Symptoms have not gone away after 10-14 days
- History of multiple concussions
If you are unsure whether to seek urgent care, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention anyway, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A healthcare provider can evaluate the severity of your concussion and recommend the appropriate treatment.
How to Prevent Future Concussions
Concussions are a type of brain injury, so it is important to avoid getting one if you can. Additionally, if you or someone you know has sustained a concussion, it is important to take steps to prevent future concussions. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of sustaining another concussion, from the Cleveland Clinic:
- Wear a seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Wear all the recommended protection (especially a helmet) when participating in sports and recreational activities
- Follow the rules of the sport or activity, especially those related to safety
- Practice safe behavior, such as not diving into shallow water or jumping from heights
- Make your home safe by removing tripping hazards, installing handrails, improving lighting, and using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
Key Things to Remember About Concussion Recovery
Supporting concussion recovery at home can help you or your loved one recover faster. According to Medical News Today, concussion recovery support should include:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Avoid activities that can worsen symptoms, such as screen time, loud music, concentrating too hard or too much, and bright lights.
- A well-balanced diet can help support brain function and aid in recovery
- Be patient and allow yourself time to recover fully before returning to your normal activities (this can take a few weeks or longer, depending on the severity of your concussion).
- If symptoms persist or worsen, get evaluated by your doctor again to make sure your condition hasn’t worsened.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Symptoms of a concussion include headaches, dizziness, and nausea.What should I do if I suspect a concussion?
If you suspect a concussion, you should seek immediate medical attention to rule out severe trauma.How can I recover from a concussion at home?
At home, you can recover from a concussion by resting, avoiding activities that trigger symptoms, creating a quiet and dark environment, and maintaining a well-balanced diet and hydration.How long does it usually take to recover from a concussion?
Recovery from a concussion typically takes between 14 to 21 days. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention.How can I prevent future concussions?
To prevent future concussions, you should wear seatbelts, avoid driving under the influence, use protective sports gear, follow safety rules, and make your home safer by removing hazards and installing handrails.What role does diet and hydration play in concussion recovery?
A well-balanced diet and proper hydration can aid in concussion recovery by providing the nutrients your body needs to heal.Can natural remedies like ginger help with concussion symptoms?
Yes, ginger can help settle nausea, a common symptom of concussions.What should I do if my concussion symptoms worsen or persist?
If your concussion symptoms worsen or persist, you should seek medical attention.
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