The effects of Concussions depend on the severity of the blow to the head. The intensity of the impact is what will cause the injury and cause permanent changes to the brain. If your child had a concussion, it is essential to let your child know about the dangers of concussions and the importance to consistently protect them from head injuries. Below, you will find information that will help you understand the effects of a concussion and what to expect after a concussion:
Age
Concussions may involve loss of memory, concentration, short-term memory loss, decreased ability to focus, and problems with learning. Younger children and teens, whose minds are still developing, usually take longer to heal from a concussion than adults do. Older adults typically require a longer recovery time for post-concussion recovery, and the presence of additional post-concussion symptom(s) may be more common in elderly individuals with dementia.
Medication
As healing progresses, it is important to maintain appropriate medication levels. If the injury is severe, you should contact your doctor immediately for an emergency prescription or advice on an alternate medication.
Physical Activity
Rest is not enough during the process of concussion recovery, and you should always take part in some form of physical activity. A good exercise program, even one that only exercises the affected muscles, is imperative to any progress. Exercise should be planned to increase your range of motion and improve your muscle strength. You should also ask your doctor if you can continue to light physical activity during the recovery period.
Headaches
Severe or continuing head trauma can lead to headaches. These headaches can interfere with your concussion recovery but can be managed if they are treated. If you suffer from frequent or severe headaches, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
After the acute phase has ended (or your doctor has advised you), you will need to proceed through the cognitive rehabilitation process. Your cognitive skills will be tested by a series of tests designed to measure your brain function after the traumatic event. In this phase, you will learn to understand how to handle various stressful situations, cope with stress, and recall information. You will also be taught how to keep your mind sharp so that it can properly process information when it is needed again.
Following these steps will improve your chances of successfully recovering from your brain injury and ensuring that you achieve maximum success with your post-concussive Healing process.
