Making Certain You Don’t Rush Your Recovery
There’s a common sentiment about dealing with pain, particularly for those living an active lifestyle. It says to just keep moving forward—play through the pain, so to speak. That may be fine with a minor sprain or pulled muscle (although rest is still probably the best immediate approach), but it’s never a good idea when you’ve suffered any kind of head trauma, particularly a concussion. In fact, some of the simplest activities of daily life—walking, visual or auditory stimulation, or even excessive mental activity—can interfere with the healing process or lead to complications. When you suffer a concussion, your body typically reacts as it does to other types of injuries—with swelling or inflammation. Because your brain is encased in your skull, and because increased pressure in your skull can cause damage to your brain, you should minimize activities that contribute to additional swelling.
How Long Is the Healing Process with a Concussion?
There’s really no simple answer to this question, as it can vary based on the person, as well as the degree and type of trauma. You may be fine in a week or two, or you may need months to fully recover. If you have a mild bump to the head, you probably can recover by resting at home. However, if the trauma is significant, you may need hospitalization or treatment by a medical professional. Your doctor probably will consider you to be recovered when you stop exhibiting symptoms like these:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to noise or light
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained mood changes
Taking the following measures may shorten your recovery time:
- Avoid bright lights, including television screens, smart phones, laptops, and tablets.
- Minimize time listening to music or other loud sounds.
- Minimize movement. Stay seated or lying down and avoid moving your head from side to side.
- Get plenty of fluids.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
Let us help you take steps to properly respond to a concussion. Call Advantage Healthcare Systems 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.
