How To Prevent And Treat A Concussion

Limit Activities Requiring Mental Concentration

A concussion can cause changes in cognition including issues with concentration, memory, and thinking. Patients may feel like their thoughts are slower or their memory is worse. If the affected individual is in school, they might need to take some time off. It helps to limit activities requiring mental concentration immediately after the concussion. Trying to force the brain to function can lead to both mental and emotional exhaustion. If issues with concentration persist for a long time, patients should learn strategies to help focus and deal with concentration. The cognitive symptoms associated with a concussion will vary, so patients need to pay attention to their limits. Some common issues include remembering and learning things, paying attention, finding the right words, following and understanding a conversation, multitasking, making decisions, organizing, and planning the day. If patients are having trouble thinking, they can also go through a mental checklist. Maybe they need a break or more sleep, or perhaps they're stressed, have a headache, or are otherwise experiencing pain. All of these things can interfere with concentration and cognition.

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Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

A concussion is often accompanied by pain and headaches due to the injury. The brain itself doesn't have nerve endings, but there are nerves in the head that can register pain. Most doctors recommend patients take over-the-counter pain medication as the injury is healing. There are several pain medications available at local pharmacies. The best one to take for a concussion is acetaminophen. Patients should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinners, since these increase the risk of bleeding. Patients with concussions are more vulnerable to brain bleeds, which can cause permanent neurological damage or even death. If an individual is not sure what medication is safe to take, they can talk to a doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen treats mild and moderate pain caused by headaches, backaches, toothaches, osteoarthritis, and menstrual periods. It can also reduce fever. The medication is available in many forms, and patients should always make sure to double-check the dosing instructions and warnings. When used in children, acetaminophen should always be in a form manufactured specifically for children.

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