Treatments and Self-Care

A concussion is a rehabilitative injury, and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment is considered best practice. Below are resources that explain each medical or rehabilitative treatment recommended by current guidelines, such as the 6th consensus statement on concussion in sport and PedsConcussion Living Guidelines for Pediatric Concussion Care. We also have resources on complementary and alternative treatments, which are relatively inexpensive and accessible. A Find Providers resource helps patients locate accredited providers for each specialty. Our self-care resource addresses things patients can do to help themselves.

Contents

Immediate Care and Guidelines for Recovery

Medical and Rehabilitative Treatments

Learn About Different Kinds of Healthcare Providers

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Self-Care

Find Providers

Immediate Care and Guidelines for Recovery

Immediate Care

When to go to the Emergency Room, how to identify a concussion. LEARN MORE

Guidelines for Recovery

Guidelines for recovery: “relative rest,” resuming activities, and a prioritized list of treatments for persistent symptoms. LEARN MORE

Resources for School Nurses

For school nurses working with students and families of students with concussion. LEARN MORE

Your child or adolescent was just diagnosed with a concussion. What do you do now?

For parents of K-12 students whose child has been diagnosed with a concussion. LEARN MORE

Medical and Rehabilitative Treatments

Concussion and Rehabilitation Clinics

These clinics are a multidisciplinary team who will create a personalized recovery plan. LEARN MORE

Physical Therapy

Treatment for neck and back pains sustained from a concussion; guidance on return to activity and return to sports. LEARN MORE

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) use compensatory and rehabilitative interventions to assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs). LEARN MORE

Vision Therapy

Up to 82% of concussion patients develop at least one vision problem. Vision therapy can be effective, and is recommended if symptoms persist longer than four weeks. LEARN MORE

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A type of psychological therapy that treats depression, anxiety, and other psychogenic symptoms that may arise from concussions. LEARN MORE

Athletic Trainers

How Athletic Trainers diagnose & rehabilitate concussion and benefits and disparities in care. LEARN MORE

Medication

Doctors will sometimes prescribe medications for persistent post-concussion symptoms such as headaches, depression, and anxiety. LEARN MORE

Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy

Cognitive rehabilitation therapy can help to mitigate cognitive deficits after a concussion. LEARN MORE

Hormone Therapy

Concussion-induced hormone dysfunction is sometimes treated with hormone therapy. Learn specifics of hormone therapy and how to seek testing. LEARN MORE

Learn About Different Kinds of Healthcare Providers

Physiatrists

Physiatrists are doctors who are trained to help patients from a holistic perspective to improve their quality of life. LEARN MORE

Neurologists

Neurologists use a variety of treatments to address disorders of the nervous system, including the brain. LEARN MORE

Psychologists

Psychologists treat patients with concussion-related symptoms related to mental health and well-being. LEARN MORE

Neuropsychologists

Neuropsychologists diagnose and treat patients by assessing behavior and cognitive functions. LEARN MORE

Complementary & Alternative Treatments

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that has been found to be success in treating concussion symptoms. LEARN MORE

CBD / Cannabis (Marijuana)

Research indicates that cannabis (THC and CBD) serves as a neuroprotectant, possibly helping the brain heal from concussions. LEARN MORE

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may alleviate tension in the neck and shoulders, anxiety, depression, and insomnia related to the initial concussion. LEARN MORE

Self-Care

Craniosacral Therapy

There is limited research about craniosacral therapy for concussions; anecdotal data shows positive effects. LEARN MORE

Light Therapy

A treatment utilizing LED light devices that are placed against the head and beam red and near-infrared light into the brain. LEARN MORE

Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors for recovery, as sleep has neuroprotective and neurorecuperative effects on the brain. LEARN MORE

Nutrition

Following a concussion, a diet filled with fresh foods will help your body repair. Recommended foods to maximize recovery LEARN MORE

Exercise

Rest 24 to 48 hours after a concussion and then start light activity. How to approach exercise after a concussion. LEARN MORE

Sensory Sensitivity

Sound sensitivity is a common symptom of a concussion, as is visual or light sensitivity. Medical advice, tips, and tools to cope with this issue. LEARN MORE

Emotional Wellness

Information about meditation, deep breathing, managing stress, and your concussion recovery. Useful apps to help with your self-care. LEARN MORE

Graduated Exercise Therapy

Graduated Exercise Therapy, or Graded Exercise Therapy, introduces physical activity in stages to reduce concussion symptoms. LEARN MORE

Vestibular Therapy

A concussion can affect the body's balance system. Vestibular therapies can help with gaze stability training, balance, and dizziness. LEARN MORE