If you have a mild concussion, there are several steps you can take to help your brain heal and speed up recovery. Here are some tips:
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Rest: In the first few days after a concussion, relative rest is the most appropriate way to allow your brain to recover. This means limiting activities that require thinking and mental concentration, but complete rest, such as lying in a dark room and avoiding all stimuli, does not help recovery and is not recommended.
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Monitor your symptoms: Keep an eye out for any changes in your symptoms. Let your doctor know if you experience any new or worsening symptoms. Be honest with your doctor about how youre feeling. This will help them provide you with the best possible care.
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Take acetaminophen: If you have a headache, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) may ease the pain. Avoid taking other pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) if you suspect youve had a concussion.
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Avoid physical activity: Stay out of all sports and any activities that could lead to head injury (like rough play, or riding a bike or skateboard) until your symptoms are completely gone and youre cleared by a health care provider. It’s important to prevent another concussion because repeated concussions can have long-lasting, serious effects on the brain.
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Avoid screen time: Avoid all screen time (including TVs, computers, and smartphones) for the first 2 days after the concussion.
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Stay hydrated and eat normally: Throughout concussion recovery, you should be sure to stay hydrated (60-80 ounces of water or non-caffeinated beverages per day), and eat normally.
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Seek medical attention: Make an appointment with a physician right away if you think you have a concussion. At CityMD, providers can assess the severity of your injury and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Remember, each person with a concussion heals at their own pace. Its good to add reasonable activities but also to know when your body and brain need more time to heal. Never try to “tough it out” if you have trouble with an activity, and always follow your doctors instructions.
