Traumatic brain injuries range in severity, and concussions are often associated with mild effects that improve on their own over time. Rest is crucial after a concussion, but doctors can also recommend pain medication to boost comfort during the recovery process.
For many people with concussions, doctors recommend rest during the recovery period. This entails avoiding rigorous physical activities and any mental activities that exacerbate symptoms (such as playing video games or reading). In most cases, concussion symptoms resolve after about four weeks or earlier, though more serious injuries can cause ongoing symptoms.
Pain management is important during concussion recovery but always check with your doctor before taking any medication. If a bleeding risk exists, non-prescription medication like aspirin and ibuprofen can increase it. In this case, your doctor may recommend an alternative, such as acetaminophen.
All head injuries should be assessed by a doctor, even if the effects appear minor. However, the following symptoms after a head injury indicate more serious damage, which requires immediate medical attention:
Adults and children exhibiting these symptoms after a head injury must seek out emergency assistance to prevent severe, potentially life-threatening, complications.