Concussions are the least severe and most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). As such, it’s easy to underestimate the damage they can cause. If you fail to seek medical attention after suffering a blow to the head, the consequences could be devastating.
In addition to monitoring your condition and preventing complications from arising, a doctor can prescribe various treatments to facilitate the brain’s natural healing process and relieve the worst of your symptoms. Such treatments might include:
- Rest
It’s important to rest both physically and mentally while recovering from a concussion. Your provider will likely advise you to avoid physical exertion and may instruct you to limit activities that demand your full attention such as reading, going to class, and using the computer. It may also be necessary to lighten your workload temporarily by taking on fewer daily obligations until your brain is fully healed.
- Acetaminophen
Concussions are often accompanied by throbbing headaches. Sometimes acetaminophen can help. Avoid taking pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen, though, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Antidepressants
It’s not uncommon for those recovering from TBI to experience anxiety and depression. When conservative treatments like counseling are not effective, medicinal therapies may be recommended. Both tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat traumatic brain injury-related depression. As an added benefit, sertraline, which is an SSRI, has been shown to improve cognitive functioning in those with TBI.
- Melatonin
Sleep disturbances are common following concussions. Prescription sleeping pills are habit-forming, though, and can cause unwanted negative side effects. As such, doctors often instruct those with TBI to try melatonin first.
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the body’s circadian rhythm. When taken as a supplement, it essentially lets your body know it’s time to go to sleep, even if your internal clock is saying otherwise.
- Psychostimulants
Psychostimulants are prescription drugs that can speed up cognitive processing. If you’re feeling a little foggy after the accident, your doctor might prescribe a psychostimulant to help improve your problem-solving skills, memory, and attention span until your brain has healed.
For optimal efficacy, these medications are often taken in conjunction with cognitive therapy. During these therapy sessions, patients practice different kinds of mental exercises to retrain their brain. They may also learn how to implement various techniques for coping with the psychological side effects of TBI.
How Can I Speed up the Recovery Process After Sustaining a Concussion?
If you’ve sustained a concussion, the best way to facilitate your recovery is to follow your doctor’s orders. Even if you feel relatively fine, it’s a good idea to rest and take any medication exactly as prescribed.
Discuss Your Case with a Brain Injury Attorney in Massachusetts
If you sustained a concussion through no fault of your own, contact Charnas Law Firm. We will conduct a thorough investigation to help you determine the most strategic way to proceed.
Attorney Scott Charnas practices in both New York and Massachusetts and has helped hundreds of clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Call 212-980-6800 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Massachusetts.