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Managing a Concussion

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What to expect

Treatment, Timeframes + Evidence Based Advice

concussed, what next?

Initial Steps to Recovery

Concussion is a traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanical forces, which may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on the body with an impulsive force transmitted to the head.

Rest in the early phase of the injury, especially in the first 24-48 hours, plays a crucial role in recovery. New evidence suggests however that getting physically active early (after an initial 1-2 days of rest) may facilitate a quicker recovery.

Early exercise in this case may be as easy as a daily walk and as a rule, should NOT further aggravate symptoms. Speak with your Physician before returning to sport or any activity that poses a risk of head contact.

Concussions may also require a level of cognitive rest in the early stages. Tasks requiring attention, concentration and visual effort require considerable energy (work) to accomplish.

Engaging in these tasks prematurely may cause symptoms to worsen and prolong recovery, which is why modifications to your school or work routines may be required.

The more energy a concussed individual spends on school tasks, work obligations, or video games, the less energy there is available to help the brain repair itself.

What to Avoid + Expect

Return to Work/School

A few days of absence may be required from work or school during the early phase of recovery.In general, return to school or the workplace is highly individual and is often more successful when there is room for temporary modifications such as reduced duration, workload, or alternate task options (to limit computer work, reading, etc.). Ask your doctor what is best for your case.

Sleep

It is not usually necessary to have someone wake you up in the night after experiencing a concussion. Get a good night’s sleep and rest when you need in those first 24-72 hours.After the initial rest phase it is important to maintain a healthy sleep routine.However, try to eliminate napping altogether or keep naps short (no greater than 30 minutes) and early in the day (before 3pm).It is more important to get a good night’s rest in the evening. Maintain a consistent bedtime, and build in time to “wind down” before bed.

Avoid

FOR 48-72 HOURS AFTER EXPERIENCING A CONCUSSIONThe more energy a concussed individual spends on school tasks, work obligations, or video games, the less energy there is available to help the brain repair itself.Current recommendations suggest eliminating the following after experiencing a concussion (48-72 hours):TVVideo GamesTextingReadingComputer-workThe goal is to limit cognitive activity to a level that is tolerable and does not worsen or result in the re-emergence of the concussion symptoms.As symptoms improve, try adding in short (15-min) intervals of these activities and increase duration as tolerated.

Safe Alternatives

FOR 48-72 HOURS AFTER EXPERIENCING A CONCUSSIONIn general, activities that do not require significant visual demand are often tolerated reasonably well after a concussion.It is important to keep yourself engaged in some level of activity. Consider trying:PodcastsAudio booksListening to musicListening to a radio or TV
programGoing for a walkGentle household chores (ie
. folding laundry)
at melbourne headache + concussion group

Your concussion treatment will be individualised and may include

A brain injury can be traumatic and overwhelming, but with support from the Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group, we will help ensure you’re on the right track to recovery.

  • Computerised testing (Swat Medical & RightEye)
    for balance, vision and cognition
  • Osteopathic assessment & hands-on treatment  (i.e. massage, stretching and joint mobilisation)
  • Return to school/work advice
  • If an athlete AIS-aligned return-to-play planning
  • Supplement guidance to support brain recovery
  • Eye exercises
  • Dizziness + Balance training
  • Exercise pacing

 

Recovery Timeframe

Most concussions resolve within a short time frame but some may persist up to a month or longer. A small percentage of individuals may go on to experience Post Concussion Syndrome – a term used to describe the persistence of concussion-related symptoms beyond the expected recovery time frame.

It is normal to feel frustrated, sad, or angry during your recovery because you cannot return to sports, work, or academic activities right away.

Expert Advice

When can I return to sport?

When it is safe for an athlete to return to play contact or collision sports after symptoms of concussion clear depends on many factors, including the athlete’s age, baseline test data, time symptoms take to clear and severity, and concussion history.

Read More Here about Return to Sport Protocols