Recovery Tips for Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is referred to as a constellation of symptoms that may occur either individually or in combination, after a concussion. In the United States, the estimated number of people who suffer from brain injury, ranges from 1.4 million to 2 million each year. Out of these, approximately 75% fail to seek appropriate medical attention unless the symptoms persist or worsen. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCS is a post head injury syndrome that results in some disparate symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, irritability, amnesia, and difficulties in performing mental tasks.
It is the persistence of a collection of physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury. It can persist for a period from two weeks to months, after the head injury. However, not everyone who has had an intracranial injury suffers PCS. The syndrome may be worse for patients who have previously had head trauma or concussions. Moreover, it may be severe for patients who have reported early cases of headaches, amnesia, or fogginess after an injury.
There is, however, no definitive test for post-concussion syndrome and its diagnosis is mainly based on a history of head injury. There is a high chance that most people recover post-concussion, but how quickly they do, depends on many factors. These include the severity of their concussion, their age, and how well they take care of themselves during recovery.
Individuals ought to play an active role in their recovery process. The tips outlined below may be of great help
- Taking plenty of rest. Patients ought to get plenty of sleep at night and rest as much as they can during the day. It primarily helps the brain to heal. Do not push yourself too hard during the recovery stage. Take a notch down in your regular daily activities and allow your body time to relax. Only when the symptoms have significantly reduced, and with authorization from a health care professional, should you gradually and slowly return to your daily activities.
- Avoid strenuous and physically demanding activities. This entails heavy weightlifting workouts or housecleaning. Moreover, do not engage yourself in tasks that require too much concentration, for instance, balancing accounts. Such activities tend to increase agitation and irritability and worsen the patient’s condition.
- Get proper education about your condition. Research states that a big percentage of patients experience anxiety about their situation and the long-term effects it has on their health. Through proper guidance and education, these patients can get the reassurance they need. This may go a long way in speeding up the recovery process.
- Take time off physical sports and exercises that may result in another concussion occurring.
- Keep off any alcoholic substances or drugs, except the ones prescribed to you by your health care professional. Such elements slow down the recovery process and further put you at risk of further injury occurring.
Children, however, are more sensitive than adults, and more attention needs to be given to them during the recovery stage. Their parents or caregivers ought to regularly watch their patterns and play an active role in their recovery process. Below are important tips to consider.
- Ensure that the child gets plenty of rest. They should maintain a regular sleep pattern both during the day and at night.
- Restrain the child from too much physical activity such as bicycle riding, roller coasters, and demanding sports that could result in further injury. Only until their healthcare experts say so, should the child return to these activities.
- Ensure that the child takes all the medication that is prescribed to them by their health care professionals.
- Provide the child with a well-balanced diet, during all the meals. This is to promote faster healing of the brain and growth and development of the child’s body.
If you or a loved one has been involved in accident where a traumatic brain injury has resulted in hospital care and on-going medical therapies, please give GreeningLaw a call for a free consultation. We are here to help ensure you and your loved ones receive the best legal expertise available.