What should I avoid after a concussion?

Stay away from stimulants such as coffee, caffeine, pop and energy drinks. Stimulants can put added stress on your brain. Keep a regular sleep schedule. Talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner or health care provider if you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep.

What makes a concussion worse?

Some people who have had a concussion find that at first it is hard to do their daily activities, their job, to get along with everyone at home, or to relax. Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often makes symptoms worse. Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal.

Can I watch TV with a concussion?

Reading, computer work, playing video games, texting and watching TV can overstimulate your brain, says Dr. Figler. It’s OK to try these activities, but if symptoms occur, you should stop, rest and recover before returning to them.

How do you pass time with a concussion?

In the meantime, try these tips to help you quickly recover from a concussion and get back to your usual activities.

Reduce screen time.
Limit exposure to bright lights and loud sounds.
Avoid unnecessary movement of your head and neck.
Stay hydrated.
Rest.
Eat more protein.
Eat foods rich in omega-3s.

What happens if a concussion goes untreated?

A: Concussion left untreated can lead to long-term complications. Potential complications of a concussion include chronic headaches, memory problems, vertigo, and post-concussion syndrome, which is headaches, dizziness, mood swings, and brain fog that can continue for months or years after a concussion.

Can a concussion get worse?

If your symptoms get worse, or if you notice new post concussion symptoms, this is a sign that you are pushing yourself too hard. Sometimes it is hard to get the balance right between activity and rest.

When should you go to ER for Concussion?

Should I Go to the Hospital for a Concussion? In general, any head injury associated with loss of consciousness, seizures, prolonged confusion or amnesia, neck pain, vomiting or numbness or weakness in arms or legs should be transported to the emergency room in an ambulance right away.

Does a concussion require medical attention?

Immediately following a concussion, you should be examined by a doctor. This can be done at an emergency department or a doctor’s office. You should also seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms within the first few days after the injury: Headache that persists or gets worse over time.

Should I go to the ER if I hit my head?

Emerman says patients who’ve suffered a head injury should visit the Emergency Department immediately if they: Lost consciousness or became confused/disoriented after they were injured. Suffered the injury at a high speed (car or bike accident, a steep fall, etc.) Are vomiting or feel nauseated.

What do hospitals do for concussions?

Most people with concussions are treated in an emergency department or a doctor’s office. Some people must stay in the hospital overnight for further treatment. Sometimes the doctors may do a CT scan of the brain or do other tests to help diagnose your injuries.

Can an xray show a concussion?

Does a concussion injury show up on x-ray, on CT scan or MRI? No, it won’t show up on an x-ray, CT scan or MRI. It does, however, affect how the brain works. It’s a problem of function and not due to structural damage of the brain that can be seen.

When you hit your head when should you go to the hospital?

When to go to hospital Unconsciousness or lack of full consciousness, even if the person has now recovered. Any clear fluid running from the ears or nose. Bleeding from one or both ears. Bruising behind one or both ears.

Can they do anything for a concussion?

However, most concussions don’t require surgery or any major medical treatment. If the concussion is causing headaches, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

How long should you stay awake after a concussion?

The Dartmouth College of Sports Medicine advises that it is fine to go to sleep after a concussion so long as someone wakes you up every two hours. They are to check to make sure you can be easily awakened and aren’t displaying symptoms of a worsening condition.

How do doctors diagnose a concussion?

Brain imaging may determine whether the injury is severe and has caused bleeding or swelling in the skull. A cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan is the standard test in adults to assess the brain right after injury. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of your skull and brain.

How do I know if I have a concussion after hitting my head?

Common symptoms after a concussive traumatic brain injury are headache, loss of memory (amnesia) and confusion. The amnesia usually involves forgetting the event that caused the concussion. Physical signs and symptoms of a concussion may include: Headache.

What does a concussion headache feel like?

Characteristics: Following a concussion, you can develop a headache that resembles a migraine headache. Pain tends to be in the front of the head area of your forehead or temple. It is commonly described as a ‘pounding’ or ‘throbbing’ pain. It is sometimes associated with nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.

How do eyes look when you have a concussion?

After more serious head injuries are excluded, a diagnosis of concussion can be made. Medical professionals have long used the pupillary light reflex—usually in the form of a penlight test where they shine a light into a patient’s eyes—to assess severe forms of brain injury.

How long after hitting head can concussion symptoms start?

“For some people, the symptoms after a concussion may not become apparent until later in the day,” says Beth Kolar, advanced clinician at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, part of Main Line Health, who explains that delayed concussion symptoms may present 24 to 48 hours after and injury.

Are black eyes a sign of a concussion?

If headaches persist or if you experience a loss of vision or consciousness, your black eye may be a symptom of a concussion or a fracture. Other symptoms of a concussion include: nausea.

How long will your head hurt after hitting it?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head. Anyone from infants to the elderly can get a concussion. Headache is the most common symptom. Most symptoms resolve within 14 to 21 days.

Can you prove a concussion?

Your doctor may order imaging tests — such as MRI or CT scans — to make sure there’s no bruising or bleeding in your brain. To confirm a concussion diagnosis, your doctor will use the data from your: Exam and interview. ImPACT or other cognitive tests.