A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Essentially, your brain moves rapidly back and forth within your skull, causing bruising. The good news is that most concussions heal within a week or two.

It’s important to allow your brain adequate time to rest to prevent permanent damage. You also need to follow your doctor’s advice while recovering. The experienced doctors at our Greenville injury center can diagnose and treat your head injury, helping you return to your normal activities.

At Injury Medicine, we offer urgent care, pain management, neurology, and more under one roof. Contact us anytime 24/7 to schedule an appointment at one of our South Carolina treatment centers.

Initial Rest

The first and most critical step in concussion recovery is rest. Give your brain time to heal by getting plenty of rest, both physically and mentally. Limit physical activity and avoid any strenuous exercise. Rest as much as possible – take time off work or school if needed.

Get extra sleep, nap when tired, and avoid screens or bright lights. Your brain needs time to recover from the trauma. Mentally rest your mind as well. Avoid stressful situations limit social interaction and stimulation from TV, phones, and computers. Your brain is in a vulnerable state, so avoid anything taxing or aggravating.

Medical Evaluation

Once you’ve sustained a concussion, it’s important to see your doctor right away for an evaluation and diagnosis. They will determine the severity of your concussion and recommend a recovery plan tailored to your needs.

A medical evaluation is the first step to safely recovering from a concussion. Be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms and condition. Their guidance can help ensure you heal properly and avoid permanent damage or repeat injury.

With rest and time, most people fully recover from a concussion. But it’s critical to get the care you need and follow your doctor’s recommended recovery plan.

Monitor Symptoms After a Concussion

Monitor your symptoms closely as you start to return to your usual activities. Pay attention to any changes or worsening in symptoms like:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Irritability or difficulty concentrating

If at any time your symptoms become worse, stop the activity immediately and rest. You may have pushed yourself too quickly and will need to dial back and restart at the previous step. It’s important to be patient through the recovery process.

Avoid Alcohol and Recreational Drugs

Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs is one of the most important things you can do to promote healing after a concussion. These substances negatively impact the brain and slow down recovery.

Alcohol is a depressant that slows brain activity, impairs thinking and reasoning, and worsens symptoms like dizziness or balance problems. After a head injury, the brain is already impaired and struggling, so alcohol only makes things worse. It’s best to avoid drinking altogether during recovery.

Drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and others also slow down brain function and blood flow. They impact memory, concentration, and coordination – all things that are affected by a concussion. Recreational drugs will significantly hinder the brain’s ability to heal itself after an injury.

Our Greenville Injury Center Can Help You Recover

Dealing with a concussion can be scary and frustrating. The road to recovery often feels long and lonely. However, you don’t have to go through this difficult process alone. Our doctors and staff at Injury Medicine are here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.

Having physicians with years of experience streamlines your recovery and allows you to get back to normal activities sooner. We understand what you’re going through and want to help you on your journey to healing. Our caring staff will answer your questions, address your concerns, and make you feel at ease during your visits.

You don’t have to deal with the uncertainty and stress alone. We provide the guidance and support you need to safely and confidently return to work, driving, exercise, and daily life following a concussion. Your health and happiness are our top priorities.

Don’t delay—call us today at 864-866-PAIN to schedule an appointment.