If you suspect you have a concussion, it is important to take the following steps to help your brain heal and speed up recovery:
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Rest: Give your brain time to heal by avoiding physical and mental activity as much as possible in the days following the injury. This means avoiding screens, including TVs, computers, and smartphones, and taking a break from physical activities like sports or exercise. However, complete rest, such as lying in a dark room and avoiding all stimuli, does not help recovery and is not recommended.
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Monitor your symptoms: Keep an eye out for any changes in your symptoms. Let your doctor know if you experience any new or worsening symptoms. Be honest with your doctor about how youre feeling. This will help them provide you with the best possible care.
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Seek medical attention: Make an appointment with a physician right away if you think you have a concussion. At the doctors office, they will ask about how and when the head injury happened, ask about symptoms, test your memory and concentration, and do an exam and test your balance, coordination, and reflexes.
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Follow your doctors instructions: When it comes to concussions, there are certain things you should avoid to ensure a safe and effective recovery. Here are some things you should NOT do if you suspect you have a concussion: dont ignore your symptoms, dont return to physical activity too soon, dont drink alcohol or use drugs, and dont take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can cause bleeding.
Other tips for recovery from a concussion include:
- Avoid or cut down on screen time.
- Get plenty of rest, especially in the first few days after the injury.
- Gradually resume your normal daily activities, including screen time, as youre able to tolerate them without significantly worsening symptoms.
- Stay out of all sports and any activities that could lead to head injury (like rough play, or riding a bike or skateboard) until your symptoms are completely gone and youre cleared by a health care provider.
- Stay hydrated and eat normally.
- Follow the recovery phase guidelines recommended by your doctor[[5]](https:...
