How To Prevent And Treat A Concussion

Apply Ice to Bumps And Swelling

When a concussion has occurred, it can help to apply ice to bumps and swelling. Pre-made gel packs and ice packs work well for this purpose, and patients can also make a homemade ice pack by placing ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag that is then covered with a towel. Individuals who are using an ice pack for the first time on a new injury should apply the pack to the site for thirty seconds. After this time, the area should be checked for blisters or changes in skin color, and the ice pack should be removed immediately if these changes are found. Ice packs should be applied to the affected area for twenty to thirty minutes at a time, and most patients use them three to four times per day. If recommended by a doctor, patients can use ice as often as is necessary to provide relief. Ice packs should always be covered by a towel or another form of insulation; applying ice directly to the skin could cause burns. After the ice pack has been applied to the injured site for twenty to thirty minutes, it should be removed for at least twenty minutes before the next application. Patients should remove ice packs if numbness, tingling, or burning sensations are present at the application site.

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Avoid Screens And Loud Music

During recovery from a concussion, it is important to avoid screens and loud music. Video games, television, and loud music are overstimulating when the patient has a concussion, and the brain has to put in too much effort to process the onscreen information and to handle the noise of loud music. This can lead to a worsening of concussion symptoms in some patients, and it may delay an individual's recovery. Patients should ask for individualized screen and music recommendations from their physician, and they should obtain medical clearance before viewing screens or listening to loud music during their recovery period, and often for a little while after. These activities can typically be reintroduced gradually as the patient's symptoms improve.