What Is a Concussion Injury, and How to Recover Faster?

Concussions occur when the brain is injured by striking the skull or when there is sudden and severe pressure on neural tissue. This force may be directly applied, as in a blow to the head, or indirectly experienced, as in whiplash.

Concussion recovery is a dynamic and intricate procedure. During rehabilitation, it is essential to pinpoint the causes of symptoms so that a specific treatment plan may be devised. Improper recovery management might lengthen the healing process more than is necessary. 

You can visit a concussion clinic in Calgary. A professional medical physician well-versed in concussion care and equipped to lead a patient through the healing process is ideal.

Concussion Causes and Risk Factors

Tissues of the brain are delicate. The brain is protected by the spinal column and the hard skull. A bump or blow to the head may send shockwaves through your brain. Sometimes it creates actual physical movement inside the skull. Bruising, broken blood vessels and nerve damage are all possible outcomes of head trauma.

The end consequence is that your brain isn’t as effective as it should be. Concussion symptoms range from blurred vision and dizziness to complete loss of consciousness. In a nutshell, the mind is in disarray.

You’re more likely to have a concussion if you do any of the following—

  • Frequent falls, especially amongst children and old people
  • Taking part in a physically demanding sport
  • Inadequate protection mechanisms and lack of oversight in contact sports.
  • Injuries to the head from vehicle, bicycle, and other types of accidents; Physical abuse; Being hit, struck with an item, or otherwise harmed
  • Conducting Military Obligations
  • Previous history of a concussion

Types of Concussions

Doctors give concussions a grade based on loss of consciousness, forgetfulness, and loss of balance. 

The three grades are as follows.

  • Category 1: Symptoms persist for less than 15 minutes and do not cause loss of consciousness
  • Class 2: Moderate; signs and symptoms persist for more than 15 minutes, but no loss of consciousness is present.
  • Category 3: In severe cases, the individual may lose consciousness for many seconds.

Here is how to speed up recovery

You should immediately see a doctor if you suspect you have a concussion. They will be able to assess the extent of your concussion and provide tailored advice for your rehabilitation.

Until then, you may put these suggestions to use to speed up your recovery from a concussion and go back to your routine.

Limit exposure to bright lights and loud sounds

You may be too sensitive to noise and light after a concussion. It might help to rest and recuperate somewhere quiet and dark, away from loud noises and harsh lights for a couple of days. Taking a break like this can let your body mend without the stress of dealing with heightened sensitivity to light or sound.

Stay hydrated

According to preliminary research, being dehydrated may raise the risk of concussion. While healing, it is advised that you take in enough fluids. Staying hydrated is crucial for a speedy recovery.

Take rest

If you’ve had a concussion, resting is perhaps the best thing you can do for yourself. Getting enough shut-eye might help you feel less frazzled and refreshed physically and mentally.

If you want to keep working out, it’s best to take it easy. If you normally jog, switch to walking. Don’t carry anything too heavy for a week.

Wear protective equipment

Concussions are more common among athletes who participate in high-contact, high-risk sports like football, hockey, boxing, and rugby. Mind damage may also occur during skateboarding, snowboarding, horseback riding, and rollerblading. Protective gear, including helmets, pads, and goggles, can reduce the risk of serious head damage.

A cycle helmet can reduce the serious chances of head injury by 66% – 88%. A new C-shaped collar-like gadget, the Q-Collar, is also available for sportsmen. When a person takes a blow to the head, this device provides pressure on the neck, increasing blood volume and decreasing brain movement. Check that everything you use fits properly and is in good working order.

Eat foods rich in omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to improving cognition and the recovery of neurons in concussions sustained by mice in a lab setting. They’re also good for overall health, so incorporating them into your diet has plenty of benefits.

Foods rich in omega-3s include fatty fish, such as salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, soy, and chia seeds. You can also take fish oil supplements on Amazon to increase your omega-3 intake.

Injury outlook

Most persons who get a concussion recover without lasting effects, making them mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

In most cases, concussions recover when the patient rests. There might be a need for a period of rest from physical activity or special accommodations to facilitate healing and return to normal life. You can prepare to stay relaxed for your first visit to a Physiotherapy Clinic.

To alleviate their discomfort, some individuals choose to use over-the-counter pain relievers. But, it is best to consult a doctor in any case of concussion as the same should not be taken lightly.