What is the Average Period to Return to Full Health?
According to data collected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a vast majority (about 75%) of all traumatic brain injuries are considered to be mild. The American Congress of Rehabilitative Medicine defines a mild traumatic brain injury as one that leads to at least one of the following events:
- The loss of consciousness for any period of time
- Any changes in mental faculties at the time of or immediately after the injury, such as dizziness, confusion or disorientation
- An inability to remember the events that transpired immediately before or after the accident
- Any type of impingement or interference with the function of the nervous system, including brain, spinal cord and nerve damage
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Mild TBI?
Your rate of recovery can depend on a number of factors, including your age and your relative physical health. Individuals under the age of 40 tend to recuperate much faster than older persons who’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, the better your physical fitness and the stronger your cardiovascular system, the shorter your recovery period will be.
That being said, most of your recovery will take place within a week of your accident, and except in rare circumstances, you should be fully recovered within approximately two weeks.
What Can You Do to Accelerate the Healing Process?
There are a number of ways that you can help your brain recover more quickly from a mild traumatic brain injury:
- Give your brain a rest—Your brain needs to use the energy available to it to heal. Avoid mentally taxing activities, such as the use of computers or smartphones. Don’t engage in any intensive reading for a couple of weeks.
- Get your body up and moving, but gently—Exercise is good for you, but stick with low intensity workouts, such as walking
- Stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol—Your brain needs hydration to maximize recovery, but alcohol contains neurotoxins that can interfere with the healing process
- Eat right—Look for foods that offer omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, such as fatty fish, olive oil, and certain nuts and berries
- Get plenty of sleep—The proper rest also helps your brain most efficiently use its energy to heal
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.