Steps to Protect Your Health After a Blow to the Head
Because any blow to the head can have serious consequences, you should immediately seek medical care after a fall, car accident, or other event where you experience trauma to your skull, brain, or neck. Though you may not see many of the symptoms of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury for days or weeks, medical personnel can diagnose and treat your injuries immediately. The sooner you seek medical attention, the more options you typically have and the more likely you’ll have a full recovery.
In the aftermath of any injury to your head, skull, or brain, you need to be prepared for a long and gradual road to recovery. First and foremost, you need to give your brain the opportunity to rest for a few days. That means avoiding activities that require you to use a lot of brain power, as well as strenuous physical activity. It’s generally not a good idea to sleep for the first four hours or so after a blow to the head, but you should stay home from work or school, take naps when needed, and keep all activity to a minimum.
Pay attention to your sleep patterns. To the extent possible, keep the same schedule for going to bed and getting up. To ensure that you get the most out of your nighttime sleep, avoid listening to loud music or sounds, and stay away from TV and computer screens immediately before going to bed. Furthermore, turn the lights off and shut the curtains, so your sleep space is as dark as possible.
Watch Out for the Symptoms of Post-Concussive Syndrome
Most people who receive a concussion experience a full recovery within a few weeks. However, some may have symptoms that linger for weeks, months, or longer. If it’s been more than four weeks since the blow to the head and you’re not making significant improvements, schedule a visit with your doctor. You may be experiencing post-concussive syndrome.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
