How To Maximize Healing After A Concussion

You probably know someone that has had a concussion at some point in their life, but did you know it’s considered a mild brain injury?
 
In honor of National Concussion Awareness Day, I’ve got some prevention & recovery tips to share with you.

Can you guess the #1 cause of brain injuries?
 
It’s not sports or motor vehicle accidents.
 
It’s FALLS especially in our youngest (0-4 years old) and oldest (over 65 years old).
 
What do both age groups have in common?
 
Balance issues!

75% of brain injuries fall into the mild category each year.
 
Males are higher risk for brain injuries due to sports and higher risk-taking behaviors.
 
Brain injuries related to motor vehicle accidents are highest in ages 20-24.
 
67% of females have symptoms of traumatic brain injuries due to domestic violence.
 
Concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries are caused by a jolt or blow to the head causing the brain to bounce around inside the skull.  This stretches and damages brain cells and is sometimes referred to as shearing. 

It’s not going to necessarily show up on CT scans or MRI's because it can be microscopic tears.  
 
90% won’t lose consciousness.  It can take 3-5 days to show signs.  
 
The brain is not a muscle, but it bruises somewhat like a muscle does when injured.  
 
Sprain your ankle and it bruises, swells, hurts.   You can’t put weight on it, so you don’t walk.  You slowly put more weight on it as it heals.  
 
What bruising looks like in the brain is headache, dizziness, nausea, difficulty reading, irritability in noisy environments, light sensitivity, memory issues, confusion etc.    
 
While it’s healing, the brain needs to avoid taking another hit.  It needs time to recover. 

REST is key.  
 
Unlike a sprained ankle, you can’t see it so it’s hard to decide when it’s safe to go back to normal activities.
 
Headaches with exertion are the main reason people go to the doctor after a concussion.
 
<<BTW always go to ER if you have a headache after a brain injury>>
 
Most concussions resolve within 1-2 weeks but 10-15% of people will have symptoms for longer.
 
After a concussion, you can have physical, cognitive, behavioral or emotional issues. You might see changes in personality, behaviors, mood, and routines.
 
PPCS or Persistent Post Concussive Symptoms refers to symptoms lasting > 4 weeks.
 
In my Rehab Work, these patients have difficulty returning to work or school due to ongoing issues typically with dizziness, brain fog, decreased concentration, fatigue, anxiety, vision issues, and/or headaches.
 
The Beauty of the Brain is its ability to rewire and heal (neuroplasticity) but it can heal in a chaotic way without the right guidance in place.
 
It’s important to get support from a neurologist or neuro trained therapists as early as possible in order to get strategies for managing the symptoms of PPCS.
 
You’re higher risk for PPCS if you’re:

• Over 40
• Female
• Traumatically injured
• Have a history of substance abuse
• Have a prior mental health diagnosis
• Lower socioeconomic status

 
I previously wrote a FIT Blog with tips for return to play (sports) after concussion that apply to anyone dealing with a mild brain injury or PPCS.
 
I would emphasize that Rest & Relaxation are KEY when recovering from a concussion (mild BI). 
 
You CANNOT get too much rest.
 
It takes time for the brain to heal.
 
So remember to get plenty of NAPS and pull out the APPS for Relaxation Exercises to help your brain recover.
 
Stress will SLOW and can even HALT brain healing after injury. 
 
Check out the blog post for 10 Things To Help Heal After A Concussion that’ll walk you through how to avoid stressing your brain & for tips to help support the healing process.

And since dealing with a brain injury is no fun, let’s talk PREVENTION for a second.
 
Although helmets and seatbelts are really important prevention tools, FALLS are #1 cause of brain injuries.
 
What can you do to prevent falls?
 
I’m so glad you asked.
 
You want to do regular MOBILITY & AGILITY exercises especially as you age.
 
That includes all the fascia body work, resistance band work, & balance work that I share regularly on FIT Blog, in my weekly newsletter, and in my online camps  to help build your REST & RECOVERY Toolbox.

In terms of fall prevention around your home, keep your paths well lit & clear of clutter. 
 
Also make sure you can handle the shoes you wear especially if they don’t have heel support (i.e. flip flops, slippers). 
 
And finally, be careful around little ones- pets & kids.
 
Staying active & agile as you age will help prevent falls & reduce your risk for all kinds of injuries including brain injuries. 
 
If you take a hit to the head, take it seriously.
 
Get support if you’re having symptoms or just don’t feel like yourself.
 
It’s in your head, literally.
 
Your brain needs support healing just like an injured muscle does.
 
Reach out if you’re stuck or check out some additional resources below.

P.S. 
--For tips on Return To Work or Sports after Concussion, check out this FIT Blog.

--If you need some Brain Injury Resources for Texas, you can book a consult with me here.

--If you're ready to start working on your mobility & agility, check out Mini Massage Camp.