Mar 13, 2019

Activities to Avoid After a Concussion

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A concussion is a kind of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain hits into the inside of the skull. Student-athletes are more likely than others to get a concussion because of the sports they participate in, but anyone can get a concussion if there is any kind of trauma to the head. Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion are disorientation, loss of consciousness, and confusion. If you think someone might have a concussion, it is important that they receive immediate medical attention.
Concussion recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury and age of the patient. Younger people (children and teens) typically take around twice as long to recover as most adults. While recovering from a concussion, there are several activities you should avoid in order to ensure that you recover fully and quickly.
Most of these activities include things that involve looking at screens.
  • Playing video games
  • Watching TV
  • Texting
  • Using a computer
Getting a concussion temporarily causes your brain to work improperly. Often, normal brain functions such as memory, speech, balance, vision, and coordination are affected. Looking at a TV, computer, or phone screen while your brain is still healing from a concussion can disrupt the healing process and even cause more complications.
Because concussions interfere with concentration, balance, and reflexes, it is also a good idea to refrain from any activities that require deep concentration such as
  • Driving
  • Reading
  • Exercising
Recent research shows that concussions – no matter how mild – can have significant negative impacts on young people if they aren’t properly treated. This is especially important for young athletes to know; often student-athletes return too quickly to activity before a concussion is healed.
Additionally, some athletes return to dangerous sports and end up getting another concussion. This can be dangerous for the brain, and these concussions may have lasting effects. It is, therefore, extremely important to make sure that concussions heal completely and measures are taken to prevent another one.
To avoid negative lasting effects of a concussion, make sure you:
  • Wear proper protective equipment in sports such as helmets and padding
  • Follow the safety rules and procedures for sports
  • Learn to recognize the signs of a concussion
  • Do not return to participating in a sport until the concussion has fully healed
The most important thing you can do while allowing a concussion to heal is rest, both physically and mentally. Before you return to normal activities and exercise, you should be cleared by a doctor. This will ensure that your concussion is fully healed, and you won’t experience any lasting effects.

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