Concussions

Suggestions for Post Concussion Care At Home

(Adapted from www.CDC.gov/concussion and CDC’s “Heads Up on Brain Injury” Program. 2/15/2012)

AVOID:

• Physical activities that are demanding such as sports, running, dancing, martial arts,  lifting weights/working out, “rough housing” with friends or siblings, roller coasters or other high speed rides

• Mental activities requiring concentration such as reading, writing, studying, job related work, extended video game playing, computer work, texting, watching  TV, long periods of socializing with friends 

•  Late nights and sleepovers

• Use of caffeine or other drugs not recommended by your doctor

• Bright lights or noise if these trigger your symptoms

•  Driving a car or riding a bike unless your doctor gives you the OK to do this

ENCOURAGE:

• Adequate sleep at night and naps during the day when needed.

• A balanced, healthy diet

• Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal. You’ll need to be patient because healing takes time. Only when the symptoms have reduced significantly, in consultation with your doctor, should you slowly and gradually return to your daily activities, such as work or school. If your symptoms come back or you get new symptoms as you become more active, this is a sign that you are pushing yourself too hard.  Stop these activities and take more time to rest and recover. As the days go by, you can expect to gradually feel better. 

•  If you already had a medical condition at the time of your concussion (such as chronic headaches), it may take longer for you to recover from the concussion. Anxiety and depression may also make it harder to adjust to the symptoms of a concussion. While you are healing, you should be very careful to avoid doing anything that could cause a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. On rare occasions, receiving another concussion before the brain has healed can result in brain swelling, permanent brain damage, and even death, particularly among children and teens.