Have you gotten a concussion recently? Perhaps you suffered a severe head trauma in a car accident, a fall, or a workplace accident. Concussions are serious, and they can have lasting symptoms that really affect your life. Before you succumb to expensive medical treatments, ask your doctor about other options. While you should always follow the recommendations of trained medical professionals, there are some other things that have been shown to help concussions, including changes in diet and exercise.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when you lose consciousness or lose situational awareness, even for a brief moment. There is a broad spectrum for concussions, ranging from momentary lapses in consciousness to long-term comas that can last hours or days.
What Causes a Concussion?
There are many things that can lead to concussions and traumatic head injuries. For instance, here are a few common causes:
- Drug overdoses
- Alcohol abuse
- Shaking injuries (e.g. shaken baby syndrome)
- Puncture wounds
- Blows to the head
- Car accidents
- Falls
- Explosions
- Medication errors
Regardless of what causes your concussion, if you have suffered one, then you are at risk for a host of complications and other conditions that can plague your life for months or even years to come.
Symptoms of Concussion
The Mayo Clinic offers advice on symptoms and when you should consult a doctor, but in general, if you experience any of the following lasting more than a day or two, you definitely need to be evaluated by a specialist.
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Chronic and persistent headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Vertigo (balance problems)
- Sensory problems (hearing, vision, taste, etc.)
- Loss of motor skills
- Seizures
- Lack of focus or concentration
- Memory loss or lapses
- Speech impairment
- Loss of judgment or reasoning skills
- Mood disorders, anxiety and depression
- Irritability
What are the Traditional Treatments for Concussion?
Following a concussion, most doctors will want to take radiological images of your brain to determine if there are signs of stroke, seizure, or damage to the tissues of the brain. There are powerful medications that can mediate some of the symptoms of a concussion. In severe cases, there are even surgical options. In most cases, however, doctors will refer you to rehabilitation centers or occupational and physical therapists to receive clinical assistance in rebuilding skills, such as relearning how to perform manual tasks, dealing with auditory or visual limitations, and even emotional and psychological therapy, such as behavioral modification.
What Other Options can Help?
Believe it or not, your diet can be a powerful tool in reducing the effects of a concussion. Diets that are high in anti-inflammatory foods can actually help your brain heal after an injury. Here are some quick tips that you can try:
- Reduce sugar, corn syrup, and other sugar derivatives
- Increase your Omega 3 intake
- Add good fats to your diet, such as coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, and fish oil
- Drink lots of water
There are also some herbal supplements that tend to produce good results. Be sure to discuss any supplements with your doctor before taking them, but some have found it helpful to try:
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
- Blue-green algae
If you are new to herbal supplements and home remedies, you should check out valuable resources like the National Center for Homeopathy.
Did Someone Else Cause Your Head Injury?
Treatment of severe post-concussive syndrome can be expensive, and as the medical bills continue to grow, you may find that the costs are prohibitive. If someone else is responsible for your injuries, you may have a right to have the responsible party pay for your care. At The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP our personal injury lawyer in Long Island can help injured people recover compensation for injuries, in order to help with medical expenses, medications, lost income, and other unforeseen consequences of severe injuries. Call or visit us online today and schedule your free consultation.
