- Injury Treatment
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that disrupts the way your brain normally works. Your brain shifts or moves inside of your skull, damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. This can result in a variety of symptoms, like headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and confusion.
The good news is that most concussions heal on their own with proper rest and time. However, it’s critical to avoid any activities that could lead to another head injury during recovery.
Our Atlanta injury treatment center can diagnose your head injury with MRIs and other tests and then develop a treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
When you get your bell rung with a concussion, the symptoms can be scary. But the good news is that most concussions heal on their own within a few weeks. Some of the common signs of concussion you may experience include:
- Confusion or feeling dazed. You may not be thinking clearly or be unsure of where you are.
- Headache that gets worse with activity or exertion. The pain can range from mild to severe.
- Vision issues like double or blurry vision and sensitivity to light.
- Dizziness or balance problems. You may feel unsteady or nauseous.
- Memory loss. You may not recall events before or after the injury.
- Ringing in the ears or altered sense of smell or taste.
- Trouble concentrating or difficulty sleeping.
If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical care. A doctor at our Atlanta injury center can diagnose a concussion using an exam and imaging tests like an MRI.
The symptoms of a concussion can last for days or even weeks. See a doctor right away if symptoms get worse, last more than 10 days, or you experience loss of consciousness, weakness, numbness, or more severe symptoms.
How to Safely Return to Normal Activity
The CDC’s HEADS UP for Healthcare Providers outlines tips for safely resuming daily activities after a concussion.
Monitor Your Symptoms
As your symptoms start to improve, you can slowly ease back into your normal routine. But take it slow—returning to activities too quickly can worsen symptoms and delay your recovery. Pay close attention to your symptoms each day and avoid anything that causes them to flare up.
Some symptoms to watch out for include:
- Headache that worsens with activity
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Irritability or emotional changes
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
When your symptoms have stabilized or decreased for a few days in a row, you can start to add in some light activity. Start with basic self-care, light housework, or a short walk. See how you feel, and take a break if your symptoms worsen.
Increase your activity level gradually over days or weeks based on how you’re recovering. It’s a good rule of thumb to not increase your activity by more than 20% each day.
Prioritize Rest
Your brain needs rest to heal after a concussion. Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, and take naps or rest periods during the day if needed. Limit screen time, social interactions, and tasks that require intense focus or concentration, which can drain your mental energy.
Your brain’s ability to process information and emotions may be impaired after a concussion, so avoid overstimulation. Doing too much too soon can delay your recovery, so be patient and give your brain the time it needs.
Even after you’ve returned to your normal routine, continue to monitor your symptoms and get extra rest when needed. Concussion recovery can take weeks or months, so easing back into activities gradually is the safest approach. If at any time your symptoms get worse or last more than a few weeks, see your doctor. They can determine if further treatment or rehabilitation is needed.
Concussion Treatment in Atlanta
When recovering from a concussion, it’s critical to seek help from a doctor. The team at our Atlanta injury center has the experience and expertise to assess your concussion and develop a personalized treatment plan. If you have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or other accident, our personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call Hurt 911 today at 855-475-2588 or fill out our online contact form to get started on your personalized concussion recovery plan. We have the expertise and experience to help you heal and return safely to your daily activities.
