Things to Avoid to Minimize the Risk of Complications
You’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, hit your head in a slip and fall, or suffered a bump or blow to the head in athletic competition. The good news is that, if your traumatic brain injury/concussion is minor, chances are that you’ll make a full recovery within a couple of weeks. However, even if you’ve suffered a mild TBI, you can make things much worse by failing to take the right precautions. Here are some of the things you should avoid in the immediate aftermath of any type of head trauma:
- Avoid any activities that require you to lift anything heavier than a coffee cup, or that involve a lot of standing, sitting, squatting or bending over
- Stay away from recreational sports until cleared by your doctor
- Let someone else handle most of the household chores—no sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, mowing or yard work until your doctor allows it
- Don’t engage in activities that require a lot of mental exertion or concentration—it’s not the time to play chess, tackle the Saturday New York Times crossword puzzle or balance your checkbook
- Stay away from screens of any kind—television, movies, smartphones and tablets. Bright lights of any kind can be detrimental to your recovery.
- Minimize your exposure to loud sounds or noises—it’s not the time to put heavy metal on the stereo and crank it
- Refrain from using alcohol or recreational drugs, and only use prescription or over-the-counter drugs with the guidance of your physician
- Don’t try to multi-task—it’s too taxing on your brain
- Don’t ignore your diet—There are certain foods that will promote brain health after any type of head trauma. Your doctor can help you ensure that you are getting the right nutrition to maximize your recovery.
- There is some evidence that flying in a plane in the hours, days and weeks after a traumatic brain injury can aggravate your condition. Don’t fly unless you absolutely must.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. 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.
