How to Treat a Concussion
A concussion is caused by the jarring of the head. It doesn’t all the time includes loss of consciousness. This injury is common, especially when engaging in contact sports. Here are some tips you can follow to treat a concussion.
Symptoms:
Amnesia and disorientation are the most common symptoms of this injury. You may also experience other symptoms like the following listed below.
Headache
Dizziness
Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
nausea and vomiting
slurred speech
fatigue
There are some symptoms that may not appear until a few hours or days after the injury
Sensitivity to light or noise
Irritability and depression
Difficulty or inability to sleep
Perseveration or the repetition of a word or inquiry over and over even after the question has been answered.
Children may also have the following conditions after a concussion.
Irritability and listlessness
Change in eating and sleeping patterns
Loss of balance and coordination
Lack of interest in his favorite things
Treatments:
Rest is the most important treatment for a concussion. Stop moving around to avoid any more injuries.
Ice. You can apply ice on the injured area. Wrap the ice with a cloth. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth for your concussion as this would conform easily to the shape of the head. Apply the ice for about half an hour. Do this every 2 or 4 hours within the first 24 hours after injury.
Acetaminophen. Use a mild pain reliever for the pain. Never use aspirin, non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs or other drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding.
Prevention:
Lessen your risk of getting a concussion by following these steps.
Use protective gears. When engaging in contact sports or any activity that may cause any head injury, don’t forget to wear a helmet. Buckle up every time you’re on the road.
Make your home accident- free by keeping your house well- lit, Clearing your floor of clutters, using carpet rugs with rubber matting and keeping your things in proper order.
Baby-proof your home if you have toddlers or infants. Put pads on counter tops, block stairways and put up window guards.
Use safe shoes. Try not to use high-heeled shoes and those that may cause you to slip. An ideal pair of shoes is a thin, hard-soled flat shoes.
Swimming pools that are not deeper than 9 feet are not good for diving.
Tip:
Going back to your normal routines immediately after your injury may cause you more harm. Make sure you have enough bed rest before engaging on rigorous activities again.
A concussion may seem to be a mild injury but it may cause some serious damages when it’s not treated properly. Seek help immediately if symptoms get worse.