A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain moves or twists rapidly inside the skull due to a jolt or blow to the head or body. This sudden motion can cause temporary chemical changes and affect brain function. While concussions are generally not life-threatening, proper management is crucial for recovery as the effects can be serious and may last for days, weeks, or even longer. Understanding what actions to avoid can facilitate healing and prevent further complications.
Avoiding Immediate Risks
Immediately following a suspected concussion, avoid continuing the activity that caused the injury. The brain redirects energy to healing, and symptoms signal the need for rest. Ignoring these symptoms or trying to endure them can hinder the initial recovery process.
Delaying or attempting to self-diagnose a concussion is another action to avoid. Professional medical evaluation is crucial to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious injuries, such as bleeding or swelling within the skull. It is advisable to have someone stay with the injured individual and monitor them for at least 24 hours to ensure symptoms do not worsen.
Individuals should not take certain over-the-counter pain medications without medical advice. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can increase the risk of bleeding, especially within the first 24 to 48 hours after a head injury. Acetaminophen, however, may be a safer alternative for pain relief if approved by a healthcare provider.
Restricting Physical and Cognitive Strain
During the recovery period, significantly limit both physical and cognitive strain. Engaging in strenuous physical activities, competitive sports, or heavy lifting should be avoided, as these can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of another head injury. Any reintroduction of physical activity should be gradual and only undertaken with medical guidance.
The brain requires substantial rest to heal, including limiting demanding cognitive activities. Excessive screen time, prolonged reading, studying, intense mental work, and multitasking can overstimulate the injured brain. Research suggests that abstaining from screen time for the first 48 hours following a concussion can significantly shorten the duration of symptoms, potentially reducing recovery time from a median of eight days to 3.5 days.
Exposure to loud noises, bright lights, and chaotic or overwhelming environments should be minimized. A concussed brain often struggles to filter and process sensory input, leading to sensory overload that can worsen symptoms like headaches and nausea. Creating quiet, dimly lit spaces and using tools like noise-canceling headphones can help manage these sensitivities. Driving should also be avoided because a concussion can impair reaction time, concentration, and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.
Substances to Avoid
Certain substances can impede concussion recovery or introduce additional risks. Alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged as it can worsen concussion symptoms, impair judgment, and interfere with the brain’s natural healing processes. Alcohol is considered a neurotoxin and can lower an individual’s tolerance, increasing sensitivity to its effects post-concussion. Drinking alcohol can also increase the risk of sustaining a second head injury, impair sleep quality, and elevate the risk of post-traumatic seizures.
The use of illicit drugs should also be avoided as they can exacerbate concussion symptoms, interfere with brain recovery, and increase the likelihood of seizures. These substances can further damage brain cells and prevent effective healing. They can also interact negatively with prescribed medications, reducing their effectiveness.
Beyond NSAIDs, other medications should be used cautiously or avoided unless specifically prescribed for concussion recovery. Sedatives and sleep aids, if not medically advised, can mask symptoms, impair memory, and disrupt healthy brain function. Narcotic pain relievers, such as opioids, are generally not recommended due to their potential to worsen dizziness, sedation, and mental fog, and carry a high risk for dependency. Similarly, stimulants may hinder the brain’s recovery process and could exacerbate fatigue.
Returning Too Soon
Returning to normal activities too quickly after a concussion poses significant dangers, including prolonged recovery and an increased risk of more severe injury. The brain remains in a vulnerable state as it heals, and a subsequent impact before full recovery can lead to catastrophic consequences. This rare but serious condition involves rapid brain swelling and can result in severe disability or even be fatal.
Athletes, students, and workers often feel pressure to resume their routines, but rushing this process can lead to setbacks like extended symptom duration or an increased susceptibility to other injuries. Studies indicate athletes returning to sport within 90 days of a concussion may face a two to four times higher risk of other injuries. Recovery is highly individualized, and symptoms can sometimes reappear hours or even a day after an activity.
A graded return to activity, a step-wise process that gradually increases intensity and duration, is essential for safe recovery. After an initial period of rest, typically 24 to 48 hours, activities should be slowly reintroduced while monitoring for any symptom recurrence. Medical clearance is paramount before resuming full participation in school, work, or sports. Listen to your body and avoid pushing through symptoms.