Best way to recover from concussion

 The best way to recover from a concussion

Neurological Disorders

A concussion overview

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that briefly affects normal brain function. It is caused by a blow to the head or chest, whiplash, or other violent shaking of the head and body. It can occur with or without the loss of consciousness and may lead to temporary cognitive problems.  The brain rapidly oscillates inside the skull due to a blow to the head or a sharp jolt to the body. 

Concussion 

Key features

• Falls (particularly in kids and seniors)
• Football, soccer, and cycling injuries
• Bicycle or car accidents
• Physical assaults or blasts

Symptoms:

They may manifest instantly or develop over hours or days. Among them:

• Headache, dizziness, “seeing stars”
• Confusion or daze
• Nausea, vomiting
• Memory loss, especially event-related
• Light or noise sensitivity
• Sleep issues
• Changes in mood, like aggression or sorrow
• Young children may cry excessively. 
• lose interest in toys or change their eating/sleeping routines.

Most people recover fully, but repeated concussions can lead to long-term concerns like chronic headaches or cognitive difficulties.

When to see a doctor for emergencies

After a concussion, seek medical attention if you or someone else experiences any of the following emergency symptoms:

• A short loss of awareness
• Multiple vomiting episodes
• An aggravating headache
• Speech impediment
• Fits or seizures
• One pupil is bigger.
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
• Struggling to walk, balance, or coordinate
• Unusual behavior, disorientation, or agitation
• Sleepiness or trouble awakening
• Vision changes (such as double vision or fuzzy sight)
• Lack of bladder/bowel control

Children 

• Continuous sobbing, 
• Unwillingness to eat 
• Immediately evaluate individuals who struggle to find comfort after a brain injury.

Even modest symptoms can worsen over hours or days. It's best to monitor a suspected concussion for 24 hours.

What causes a concussion?

A quick hit or jolt that accelerates brain movement produces a concussion. Even without obvious damage, this movement can strain and destroy brain cells, alter chemical impulses, and temporarily impede brain function.

The diagnosis of concussion

Although there is no single test for concussion, we use clinical examination, symptom assessment, and imaging to diagnose it.

Diagnostics of Concussion

1. Symptom review/history Healthcare providers inquire:

• How and when the damage occurred
• Instant symptoms (confusion, memory loss, headache)
• Any unconsciousness or amnesia

2. Neurological Exam This entails checking:

• Coordination and reflexes
• Balance, gait
• Vision and hearing
• Strength and feeling

3. Cognitive Tests: Brain function testing may assess:

• Concentration and memory
• Concentration span
• Memory for recent events

4. Standard Tools Sports use tools like the SCAT-6 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool).

•  Assessments include symptoms, orientation, memory, and balance.

5. Imaging (if needed)

• To rule out bleeding or edema, CT scans are utilized for severe headaches, vomiting, or seizures.
• If symptoms continue or problems are suspected, an MRI may be performed.

6. Observation 

• To prevent symptoms from worsening, a person may be watched for 24 hours in a hospital or at home.

Athletic concussions

The high-impact nature of many sports makes concussions common in athletes. Mismanagement can cause long-term symptoms or repercussions, but most recover.

Why Athletes Risk

• Football, rugby, hockey, and boxing are collision sports.
• Speed activities like cycling and skiing enhance fall and head trauma risk.
• Many athletes underreport symptoms to stay competitive.

Main Concerns

• Second Impact Syndrome: Rapid brain swelling after a second concussion can be fatal.
• Recurrent head injuries, particularly in professional sports, can lead to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is associated with memory loss, emotional issues, and cognitive decline.
• Delayed Recovery: Early returners may have longer post-concussion symptoms.

Management Best Practices

• Concussion-related immediate withdrawal from play—“When in doubt, sit them out.”
• Medical evaluation by a concussion specialist.
• Gradual return-to-play, depending on symptom remission, over days or weeks.
• Education and SCAT-6 baseline testing to better identify and manage concussions.
• Concussions are recognized and treated by athletes, coaches, and parents.

Concussion therapy

• Concussion treatment involves providing the brain with adequate time and appropriate conditions to heal. Conservative care can treat most concussions, but rest and cautious activity are crucial.

Main Treatment Methods

1. First 24–48 Hour Rest:

• Physical rest: Avoid sports, strenuous activity, and head injuries.
• Cognitive rest: Reduce symptom-causing screen time, reading, work, and school.

2. Gradually Resume Activity:

• As tolerated, mild physical and mental activity can resume after repose.
• Reduce activity if it worsens symptoms, then try again later.
• For athletes and students, a gradual return-to-play or return-to-learn protocol is implemented.

3. Managing Symptoms:

• Headaches: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is best; avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen early due to bleeding risk.
• Sleep problems: Plan your sleep and avoid caffeine and screens before bed.
• Consume balanced meals and stay hydrated to recuperate.

4. Tracking and Following:

• Note worsening symptoms like confusion, vomiting, or severe headache.
• Consult a doctor if symptoms last 10–14 days.

5. Avoid:

• Alcohol, recreational drugs, and injury-risky activities.
• “Pushing through” symptoms might delay or aggravate healing.
• Many recover within weeks, but some develop post-concussion syndrome.

Also, read https://www.physiotattva.com/conditions/concussion

Other concussion issues

Most concussions heal within weeks, but some can cause difficulties if symptoms are ignored or repeated traumas occur.

Common Concussion Problems

1. Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS): Headache, dizziness, weariness, irritability, and concentration problems can last weeks or months. Some people endure these symptoms for a year or longer.

2. Post-Traumatic Vertigo: Head movements cause dizziness or spinning. Post-traumatic Ménière's illness or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may cause it.

3. Cognitive and Emotional Changes: Some experience memory loss, difficulty, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. These can affect daily living subtly or severely.

4. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, disturbed sleep, and sleepiness can increase symptoms.

5. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Repeated concussions, especially in sports, cause CTE, a degenerative brain disease that causes memory loss, aggressiveness, and dementia-like symptoms.

6. Increased Risk of Future Concussions: Once you've had one concussion, you're more susceptible to another, and recovery may take longer with each future incident.

Prevention of concussions

Smart practices, correct equipment, and awareness can limit concussion risk in sports, at home, and on the road.

General Prevention Methods

1. Wear safety gear

• Biking, skateboarding, skiing, and contact sports require well-fitted helmets.
• Check helmets for safety and replace them after major impacts.

2. Build Neck Muscles

• Strong neck muscles can help absorb shock and reduce head movement during a collision.
• Exercises that focus on neck flexion, extension, and lateral movement may minimize concussion risk.

3. Use Sports Safety

• Learn and utilize proper tackling, heading, or falling methods.
• Avoid danger and play by the rules.

4. Safeguard Environment

• Home: Install stair gates, window guards, and non-slip mats.
• On playgrounds, use mulch or rubber instead of concrete or grass.

5 Vehicle Safety

• Always buckle up.
• Children should use age-appropriate car seats or booster seats.
• Avoid distractions while driving.

6. Teach and Communicate

• Educate players, parents, and coaches on concussion symptoms.
• Avoid overexerting yourself. Encourage reporting and management.

7. Manage Risks

• Fix vision or balance issues that increase fall risk.
• Exercise caution when prescribing dizziness medications, particularly for seniors.

Consultant for concussion

Neurologists are the best concussion specialists. Neurologists are qualified to assess the severity of a concussion, manage symptoms, and monitor for sequelae like post-concussion syndrome or cognitive abnormalities.

In difficult or lengthy situations, you may be referred to

• Neuropsychologists assess cognition and emotion, notably memory and mood.
• Athletic concussions: Sports medicine experts can advise on return-to-play protocols.
• Physiotherapists or vestibular therapists handle chronic balance issues or dizziness.
• ENT experts treat vertigo and tinnitus.

Conclusion

Emergency signals like persistent vomiting or confusion require immediate medical intervention. Repeated concussions can cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy, so athletes must be careful. Wear protective clothing, practice safe procedures, and strengthen neck muscles to prevent it. Neurologists, neuropsychologists, and vestibular therapists may help in difficult instances.