Embedded Files
Concussions, often referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can have lasting impacts on health and well-being. While most people recover fully within a few weeks, some experience persistent symptoms that can affect their daily lives for weeks,months, or even years.
Concussions, often referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can have lasting impacts on health and well-being. While most people recover fully within a few weeks, some experience persistent symptoms that can affect their daily lives for weeks,months, or even years.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when a blow to the head or a sudden jolt causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement damages brain cells and disrupts normal brain function. Common causes include sports injuries, falls, car accidents, and physical assault.
Short-Term Symptoms
The symptoms that most people experience right after suffering a blow to the head resulting in a concussion are:
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light and noise
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Feeling sad
Trouble falling asleep/sleeping
These symptoms typically resolve within a week to a few weeks depending on the severity, but for some, they can persist and lead to long-term issues.
Long-Term Effects
For those who do not fully recover within a few weeks, the condition is often referred to as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). The long-term effects of a concussion can include:
Cognitive Impairments: Difficulty with concentration, memory, and problem-solving can persist. Tasks that were once simple may become challenging.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression are common. Some individuals may also experience changes in personality.
Physical Symptoms: Chronic headaches, dizziness, and fatigue can continue long after the initial injury. Sensitivity to light and noise may also persist.
Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much can be ongoing issues.
Increased Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Repeated concussions have been linked to an increased risk of conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer’s disease.
Concussion recovery includes a gradual return to activities, which may take days to weeks. The first steps require full brain rest, including abstaining from screens, reading, and excessive visual stimuli.
Later steps involve gradually introducing exercise, short intervals of visual stimulation or screen time, while avoiding excessive noise or lights and intense movies. Competitive sports and intense physical activity is the last step to work back into daily life.
Some pediatricians recommend the following to assist in the healing process:
1. Omega 3/Fish Oil: No more than 3000mg/day
2. Magnesium: Children 9-13 should take 130mg/day, 14-18 year olds should take 400mg/day
3. Melatonin (if having sleep troubles): 0.5mg-3mg/night. Start with the smallest dose and work up. Can help with sleep but can also cause vivid dreams.
4. Vitamin B12 (dosing varies by age)
5. Coenzyme Q10 (dosing varies by age)
The key to recovery is patience with the healing process. Attempts to accelerate healing and return to normality too quickly often backfire, causing the recovery process to slow or reverse instead of progressing. There is no way to tell how long recovery will take, and it can be exceptionally frustrating for patients and their families. An effort at self-care and rest is the best way to help recovery efforts so that normal life and activities can resume.
Written by: Claire
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse