Treatment of Mild TBI/Concussion

Because the diagnosis of concussion is becoming more common, medical personnel have become more aware of the symptoms of traumatic brain injury and the value of early treatment. If the injury is found and treated early, most patients can recover normal or near normal brain function.

In many cases, medical personnel will prescribe medications to help reduce the symptoms of mild TBI, and will also make the following suggestions:

• If possible, cut back on work and duties for a week or two
• Get plenty of rest
• Stay away from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs
• Avoid activities that might end up in another concussion until symptoms are controlled
• Simplify life and activities
• Write things down
• Do one thing at a time
• Eat healthy food, and
• Stretch, keeping the body moving

It is particularly important to avoid activities that can result in another injury. In most cases, the brain can recover from one mild traumatic brain injury. Another TBI soon after the first one, can cause a snowball effect, making the symptoms worse than after the first concussion alone, and the recovery more difficult.