A concussion is an injury that occurs when the brain bangs against the skull after a substantial impact on the head. It can happen anytime you experience a blow to your head or body, including car accidents, injuries playing sports like football, soccer, ice hockey, and more. Concussions are dangerous because they may cause various long-term effects on the brain depending on the severity of the injury. This is why the first step to getting help for a concussion injury is knowing what you are dealing with. You may experience headaches, vomiting, nausea, and more when you suffer a concussion. If you have suffered a concussion, you need to see a San Diego concussion specialist for treatment. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from further damage.
1. Get Enough Rest
When you have a concussion, your brain needs time to heal. This means it is important to get enough rest after suffering an injury. Some people think they can sleep as much as they want after a concussion, but this is not true and can lead to more damage than good. If you notice that headache pain becomes worse when you wake up in the morning, this means you need more rest and should see a doctor. When you visit your doctor, they may order brain imaging to check for other problems such as bleeding or blood clots that can cause further damage if left untreated.
2. Avoid Caffeine
Many people reach for a cup of coffee or energy drink to help them feel better after suffering a concussion. Doing this will not make the headache go away, and it may end up making your symptoms worse. Caffeine can stimulate your brain, which is not what you want when trying to avoid stress on your brain until it heals. This can also cause sleep problems which are bad for your brain during this time.
3. Take Your Medication
When you visit a doctor, they may recommend taking medication to help reduce the pain and inflammation of concussion symptoms. Sometimes these medications can help with the pain, but they also come with some side effects, so it is essential to talk to your doctor about these before taking any medication. Some of the side effects can include drowsiness, blurred vision, and more.
4. Avoid Physical Activity
It is crucial to avoid physical activity when a concussion until your symptoms reduce. If you start an intense workout plan or go back to playing a sport without giving your brain enough time to recover, this can lead to further damage and increase your risk of other problems such as post-traumatic headaches and depression. It is crucial to avoid physical activity until all concussion symptoms are gone to ensure you do not suffer any further injury.
In summary, the first step to recovery is knowing what you are dealing with. If you suffer a concussion after an accident, visit your doctor for treatment. Your doctor may recommend taking medication or getting enough rest. Still, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself is avoid physical activity until all of your symptoms have passed.
