Table of Contents
Most people recover from a concussion in a few weeks, but for some recovery can take much longer. This longer recovery time may be indicative of persistent post-concussive symptoms. This occurs when symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and problems with concentration and memory linger longer than expected.
How long does it take for an elderly person to recover from a concussion?
A healthy 17- or 18-year-old may see a return to baseline within seven to 10 days after a concussion. An older adult may expect to return to normal in one to three months.
How do you treat a concussion in the elderly?
An important part of treatment for a concussion is getting plenty of rest, both sleep at night and naps or rest breaks during the day if needed. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid certain physical activities and sports while you recover and may suggest medicine to take if you have a headache.
What helps a concussion heal faster?
How can I speed up concussion recovery? Reduce screen time. Limit exposure to bright lights and loud sounds. Avoid unnecessary movement of your head and neck. Stay hydrated. Rest. Eat more protein. Eat foods rich in omega-3s. Eat foods with lots of antioxidants.
How does age affect concussion recovery?
Now new research suggests that older individuals may have a more difficult time recovering from concussion. Older individuals may have a more difficult time recovering from concussion, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology.
How serious is a concussion in the elderly?
Without proper care, those concussion symptoms may cause older adults — even those who with active, vibrant lifestyles — to “hide away,” which can lead to isolation and a sharp decrease in social and physical activity. “Quality of life in the elderly can decline without proper treatment of a concussion.
What are the stages of a concussion?
There are three grades: Grade 1: Mild, with symptoms that last less than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 2: Moderate, with symptoms that last longer than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 3: Severe, in which the person loses consciousness, sometimes for just a few seconds.
What is the rehab for a concussion?
Occupational therapy is where you’ll see the greatest blend of concussion therapy exercises. Our therapists often employ a combination of physical and cognitive exercises to target specific regions of your brain for concussion recovery. If you’re experiencing symptoms that won’t resolve after a mTBI, you’re not alone.
Can you recover from a severe concussion?
Most people with concussions will experience a complete recovery, but the length of time it takes the body and mind to heal can vary. In most cases, someone will recover within a month. In rare cases, recovery can take longer than 6 weeks, which is known as post-concussion syndrome.
How do you know when a concussion is healed?
A doctor will consider you healed when: You have no more symptoms. You regain all your memory and concentration. You have no symptoms after jogging, sprinting, sit-ups, or push-ups.
What position should you sleep in with a concussion?
Make sure you are keeping yourself positioned as close to neutral as possible. This means keeping your head aligned with your spine, regardless if you’re lying on your side or on your back. If you’re lying on your side, you may need to use two pillows to keep your head elevated to the correct height.
What is the average recovery time for a concussion?
Concussion recovery and treatment. Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. People with concussions should never return to sports or other physical activity sooner than one week from sustaining the injury.
Does age play a role in concussion management?
Conclusions: The findings suggest no clinically significant age differences exist in recovery after sport-related concussion, and therefore, separate injury-management protocols are not needed for high school and collegiate athletes.
Does TBI get worse with age?
The short answer is yes. Some brain injuries do get worse over time. Secondary brain injuries are complications that arise after the initial injury, such as hematomas or infections.
What are the signs of a concussion in an elderly person?
These changes may include: memory problems, difficulty concentrating, foggy thinking, anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Other possible symptoms of a concussion include: dizziness, headaches, nausea, balance problems, sensitivity to light or noise, and sleep problems.
What are the symptoms of a concussion in a elderly person?
Common cognitive symptoms of a concussion include difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, and remembering new information. Physical symptoms include nausea and/or vomiting, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and/or noise, balance issues, and fatigue.
What to do if an elderly person falls and hits their head?
An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury. Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities.
How many concussions are resolved after 7 10 days?
The majority (80–90%) of concussions resolve in a short (7–10 day) period, although the recovery time frame may be longer in children and adolescents.
Can a concussion get worse?
Even though your concussion may be mild, its effects can be serious. If you ignore the symptoms, your condition could get worse. That’s why you need to see our team at Neurology Consultants of Arizona as soon as possible if you think you have a concussion.
What are the long term effects of a concussion?
Long Term Effects of a Concussion Trouble concentrating. Memory problems. Irritability and other personality changes. Sensitivity to light and noise.
Does exercise help concussion recovery?
Moderate physical activity within the first week of a concussion, even on the first or second day, actually speeds recovery time and lessens the chances of developing post-concussion syndrome.
What do physiotherapists do for concussions?
If the neck or spine has been affected by the concussion an injury, a physiotherapist can help with: Strengthening neck muscles. Manual therapy to ensure the joints are moving well. Myofascial release techniques to ensure good mobility of the surrounding soft tissue.
How do you retrain your brain after a concussion?
Exercise during Concussion Recovery Generally speaking, exercising can be very beneficial for recovery from post concussion syndrome. Heart rate elevating exercise increases the blood flow to your brain, which speeds up the healing process.
What happens if you don’t rest after a concussion?
If not treated, it can have nasty, long-term consequences. People with untreated concussion may suffer from headaches and fatigue — sometimes for years. They aren’t as sharp as they should be mentally and they can’t focus.
How long does concussion fatigue last?
Although there are limited long-term studies, some research indicates that fatigue is usually short-lived after most mild TBIs. And in my experience as a physiatrist, fatigue in patients with mild TBI usually lasts no longer than three to six months.
