DIAGNOSING AND TREATING CONCUSSIONS
A concussion is a mild brain injury caused by a bump, blow (direct or indirect), or jolt to the head. It can affect how your brain works, even though there's no visible external injury. Onset of signs and symptoms of a concussion can be immediate or delayed for minutes or hours following the injury.
CONCUSSION SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
​Immediately After:
Headache
Dizziness
Confusion - may repeat questions
Cannot recall events prior or after to the injury
Appears dazed or foggy
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Nausea or vomiting
Ringing in the ears
Seeing stars
Difficulty balancing
Sensitivity to light or noise
Show behavior or personality changes
​
Later:
Difficulty sleeping
Irritability
Trouble thinking clearly
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Problems with mood or emotions.
CONCUSSION RED FLAGS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY CARE:
Prolonged loss of consciousness
Seizures.
Severe and worsening headache.
Repeated vomiting.
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
Slurred speech.
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
Neck stiffness or severe neck pain.
Confusion that worsens or doesn't improve.
Bleeding from the ears or nose.
Unusual behavior changes
Increased irritability
Increased neck pain
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
CONTINUED CARE
I hear your story and take a detailed history. To that end, I create an individualized treatment plan including Continued Care aimed at achieving the functional goals we set together.
WHY IS SLEEP, NUTRITION, AND HYDRATION IMPORTANT WHEN TREATING A CONCUSSION?
When you have a concussion, your brain needs extra rest and energy to heal.
Sleep: Getting enough sleep (at least 8-10 hours) helps your brain recover and reduces fatigue and headaches.
To allow your body to "get used" to falling asleep at a specific time, set a fixed bedtime and awakening schedule, maintaining consistency every day.
Avoid napping during the day: While naps offer benefits, daytime napping can interfere with your ability to fall asleep soundly at night.
Nutrition: Eating healthy foods provides your brain with the nutrients it needs to heal. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Avoid caffeine, heavy, spicy or sugary foods, particularly 4-6 hours before bedtime.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids (water) helps your brain function properly and prevents dehydration, which can worsen symptoms.
Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. This is a general guideline, and your individual needs may vary depending on factors like activity level and climate.
Here's an example: If you weigh 150 pounds, you'd aim to drink around 75 ounces of water daily (150 / 2 = 75).
But water alone isn't always enough: Essential minerals like electrolytes are lost through sweat and are crucial for various bodily functions. To replenish them while staying hydrated, consider adding non-sugary electrolyte drinks to your water. These options are a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, as they utilize natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
This is the electrolyte our family uses post concussion: Redmond Relyte - Code cdphysicaltherapy gets you 15% off
OLD MYTHS DEBUNKED:
Staying in a dark room: While light sensitivity is common, complete darkness isn't always necessary. Resting in a quiet, dimly lit room is perfectly fine.
Complete electronics ban: Avoiding screens for a short period (24-48 hours) may be helpful in some cases, but complete withdrawal can lead to boredom and worsen other symptoms. Focus on limiting screen time and taking breaks every 20 minutes.
HIDDEN GEMS: OUR FAMILY'S SECRET WEAPONS FOR SUCCESS:
While research on the effectiveness of specific supplements for brain injury recovery is ongoing, some potential options have shown promising results in pre-clinical studies or small-scale trials. These include Magnesium L-theonate, a highly bioavailable form of magnesium that may support cognitive function and memory, DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid crucial for neuronal health, and curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, which possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Additionally, red light therapy has emerged as a potential tool for promoting cell regeneration and improving cognitive function after brain injury.
It's also important to consult with a healthcare professional before considering any supplements or therapies, as individual needs and potential interactions with medications must be taken into account.
IF YOU SUSPECT A CONCUSSION, IT'S IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE
If you suspect a concussion, it's important to seek professional medical advice. Here are some clinics in Holly Springs, NC that specialize in treating concussions:
Duke Health Raleigh Hospital: 919-238-2017
UNC REX Healthcare: - in process of finding direct number
WakeMed Health & Hospitals: in process of finding direct number
**For information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to concussions, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines at Centers of Disease Control and Prevention - Concussion