If you are a fan of playing sports, you may have come across a person, or you yourself may have been the person, who had a sports-related concussion. While concussion is widely prevalent among those who play contact sports, there is little information on what concussion is and how to treat it. This article will describe common causes and symptoms of concussion, steps one can take to treat the symptoms, and what are ways to prevent concussions in the future.
- What is a Concussion?
- What are the Symptoms of Concussion?
- What are the Long-Term Effects of a Concussion?
- What are Treatments for Concussions?
- What Foods are Good for Concussion Recovery?
- What Foods Should Be Avoided?
- What Can Prevent Future Concussions?
- Summary
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), as a result of blunt force to the head. As a result, the brain may move back and forth within the skull, damaging itself in the process. Because the brain is made of soft tissues, such movement of the brain can lead to chemical changes or damage to brain cells.
There are 3 levels of severity of concussion: mild, moderate, and severe.
- Mild: symptoms last less than 15 minutes without loss of consciousness
- Moderate: symptoms last longer than 15 minutes without loss of consciousness
- Severe: symptoms involve loss of consciousness
What are the Symptoms of Concussion?
A range of common concussion symptoms may include headache, fatigue, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbance. Symptoms may last from 1-2 weeks or as long as several months. Symptoms can be categorized into 5 types of concussions:
- Vestibular: nausea, dizziness, light-headedness; movement may worsen the symptoms
- Ocular-Motor: headache, eye pain/pressure/strain, sensitivity to light
- Cognitive: trouble focusing, impaired reaction time, memory problem
- Cervical: pressure/stress on neck/spine
- Mood: nervousness, irritability, sadness
What are the Long-Term Effects of a Concussion?
A single or repeated case of concussion may increase the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). However, not all those who have experienced concussions have neurodegenerative diseases. There is still a gap in research to investigate the relationship between concussion and later risk of diseases. So far, existing research done on individuals, such as National Football League players, indicates a relationship between traumatic brain injury and the risk of later onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
What are Treatments for Concussions?
If a person is experiencing or suspected to have experienced a concussion, it is highly recommended to see a doctor immediately, or at least within 1-2 days.
Most people who experience traumatic injury may want to take pain medications. However, Ibuprofen or Aspirin may exacerbate potential bleeding in the head as a result of the concussion. Please consult your physician before taking medications.
For mild or moderate concussions, a head CT scan is generally not recommended. While CT scans can detect bleeding in the head, bleeding as a result of a concussion is usually microscopic in nature, and may not be detected by a CT scan. Please consult your physician about medical imaging options.
It is highly recommended to take rest, nap, and properly eat during recovery. 8 to 10 hours of sleep is recommended for the following days after the concussion. It is recommended to avoid a loud environment, such as concerts and outdoor activities. Reducing sensory stimulation by reducing indoor light and noise levels could help with recovery. Stay in contact with those around you. Communicate with your school, work, and your family members about your need to rest and recover.
What Foods are Good for Concussion Recovery?
There are micronutrients and natural foods that you can eat to aid your concussion recovery. Important micronutrients for concussion recovery include: Flavonoids, Omega-3, Vitamin K, Magnesium, and Zinc. Foods you can eat include:
- Berries: blueberry, cranberry
- Nuts: chia seeds, walnuts, soybeans,
- Dark chocolate
- Fatty fish: Mackerel, salmon, and sardines
- Green vegetables: broccoli
What Foods Should Be Avoided?
While some foods may help recover from a concussion, there are foods that may worsen your concussion symptoms:
- Alcohol: may delay neurological recovery by aggravating neuroinflammation
- Caffeine: there is a mice study that indicates adverse effects on recovery
What Can Prevent Future Concussions?
If a person has experienced a concussion, it is recommended to avoid any activities that may lead to repeated injury to the head. Especially for those who have had an injury before, the likelihood of a corollary concussion is much higher.
If a person has not experienced a concussion yet, wearing safety apparel, such as helmets or headgear, for sports is highly recommended. Sports that should be keen for protective gear are:
- football/baseball/softball/soccer
- cycling/skateboarding/scooters
- wrestling/martial arts
Summary
Having a concussion is an unfortunate event that brings unpleasant consequences. However, there are steps that you can take that can aid your recovery and prevent the onset of worsening symptoms. By adjusting lifestyle behaviors, taking precautions, and proactively seeking professional help when needed, you can have a healthy recovery from concussion.
References: source1, source2, source3, source4, source5, source6, source7, source8, source9, source10, source11, source12,
Disclaimer: This web post is for information purposes. If you have medical needs, please contact your primary care physician.
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