There are a few key principles to concussion recovery. Rest, exercise, cognitive stimulation, and avoiding certain activities are just a few of the important things you should be doing while recovering from a concussion. Follow these steps, and you should be on your way to a full recovery in no time. But it’s important to know that no activity is completely safe for recovery from a concussion. If you’re unsure about what activities to avoid, read on.
Rest
A typical treatment for a concussion is rest, which entails limiting physical activity and screen time. During the concussion recovery process, patients should avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants and avoid all cognitive activities that are metabolically or visually stimulating. A brain injury requires a lot of energy to recover, so limiting the physical and mental activity after the concussion can help speed up recovery.
The amount of rest required for a concussion recovery depends on the severity of the injury. For grade one concussions, rest is recommended for two weeks. Rest for concussion recovery can take as long as a month, while a grade two concussion may require more time. If you are experiencing the symptoms of grade three concussions, a doctor will probably recommend neurological evaluations and brain scans to ensure the proper rehabilitation.
Exercise
Aerobic exercise therapy is a popular management technique for concussion symptoms. This type of exercise, also known as cardio training, is opposed to the standard rest-is-best treatment for concussions. Depending on the severity and type of concussion, it can be used for sleep-related symptoms, physical symptoms, or both. For this purpose, aerobic exercise intensity should be kept at moderate to low levels.
A person suffering from a concussion should begin gradual increases in physical activity. If you’ve had a head injury, a direct blow to the head or jostling from whiplash can cause a concussion. Inflammation in the brain prevents proper communication with the brain during the recovery process. While these pathways return to normal, it takes about a week; symptoms can persist for several months or even years. It is best to follow your physician’s recommendations and gradually increase the difficulty of your workouts.
Cognitive stimulation
Research has shown that using cognitive stimulation for concussion recovery can reduce the time it takes to recover. Researchers have looked at heart rate variability in college athletes after a concussion to determine the effectiveness of such therapy. Some have reported immediate improvements in mood after using the therapy. The technique can also help with the recovery of depression and anxiety.