Can You Effectively Treat a Concussion with Medication?
In the 21st century, with the amazing scientific and medical advances, it seems as if there’s medication to treat just about anything. What if you have a blow to the head or sustain some other injury that results in a concussion? How effectively can you treat a concussion and its effects with pharmaceutical products?
What Happens Physically When a Concussion Occurs?
A concussion often results from a blow to the head but also can happen without any impact to your head or neck. A sudden snapping of your neck (as in a whiplash injury) can cause your brain to bounce off the inside of your skull, causing a concussion.
The events that result in a concussion—blunt force trauma, a violent jerk to the head—can cause a number of physiological consequences:
- Twisting and stretching of cells and nerves
- Changes in chemical interactions in the brain
- Bruising or tearing of cells
- Bleeding in the brain
- Swelling in the brain
The Value of Medication to Treat a Concussion
While there are medications to treat the symptoms of a concussion, there is no pharmaceutical product that will treat or heal the concussion itself or post-concussion syndrome. While anti-inflammatory drugs can help in the long term, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) should be avoided in the immediate aftermath of a concussion due to the risk of brain bleeds. Acetaminophen is generally considered safe for the treatment of headaches, and anti-nausea medication typically has no negative impact on the healing process.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). 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.
