Concussion

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing a Concussion:

• DO take medicines such as acetaminophen for headache.
• DO eat a light diet. For nausea, eat mostly small amounts of food or fluids.
• DO get plenty of rest until you feel normal. Ask your health care provider about when you may return to work or may exercise. An ice pack to the spot that was hit may help with pain.
• DO watch for increasing confusion, worsening headache, drowsiness, loss of coordination, loss of memory, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, problems walking, unequal pupils, convulsions, and inability to wake from sleep. These signs mean a worsening condition and could mean an emergency.
• DO call your health care provider if you don’t improve in about 24 hours.
• DO prevent head injuries: always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. Always use helmets when riding a motorcycle. Use protective gear in sports and limit contact sports activities.
• DO avoid another concussion. Repeated concussions (especially within 3 months) may cause permanent brain damage and even death. Don’t play football or hockey, box, or practice martial arts until your health care provider gives you permission to resume these activities.

• DON’T stay alone. Someone should check on you every couple of hours for the first 24 hours or until you feel normal.
• DON’T take medicines or substances that cause drowsiness or changes in level of consciousness. These include narcotic pain medicines, alcohol, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and recreational drugs. They may mask important symptoms of a worsening condition.
• DON’T eat a heavy diet. It may lead to vomiting.
• DON’T do strenuous activities. You may get a more severe headache. Don’t operate dangerous machinery. Being dizzy or having decreased muscle coordination, ability to concentrate, or memory may make operation of machinery dangerous.