In our previous article, we discussed the top misconceptions and myths many people have about concussions. There is a lot of misinformation about this incredibly common yet traumatic brain injury, leading to dangerous outcomes. Some people aren’t even aware that they’ve had a concussion until they suddenly faint. Others may feel fine after a head injury, yet experience a series of headaches, sleep disturbances, and even mood changes in the subsequent days.
Concussions are incredibly dangerous when left untreated. They can lead to life-threatening complications, so it’s essential to be aware of the circumstances of concussions and what to do if you’ve had one. In this article, we’ll be talking about a few more misunderstandings surrounding the injury.
You Can Return to Your Sport Once Symptoms Disappear
You may think that it’s acceptable to return to your sport once your symptoms disappear. However, your symptoms don’t have anything to do with your brain’s recovery. It will take a while to heal, even when you aren’t experiencing pain or discomfort. Most symptoms go away after a week and a half, but for your brain to recover fully, it will take much longer.
In this case, it’s best not to put further stress onto your brain by exposing yourself to potential injuries in your sport. If you’re itching to get back to your sport, you can undergo baseline testing, consisting of functional and cognitive tests. They can reveal whether you’ve functionally recovered or not, which is crucial information you must have before proceeding with your return to your sport.
Medications Can Treat a Concussion
There’s not enough evidence to prove that it is possible to treat a concussion by taking only medication. Pharmaceuticals can likely offer relief for your pain symptoms, but they won’t do anything to heal your brain. Unfortunately, many pills come with side effects like fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating, which may make you feel worse. It’s best to consult a doctor for a comprehensive treatment that ensures your safety and health.
There is No Effective Treatment for Concussions
On the other hand, many people believe that there’s no effective treatment for concussions. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to treat concussions, such as rehabilitation, exercise, diet, and cognitive behavioural therapy. If you’re dealing with neck pain, there are also methods that passively and actively treat the neck. However, the patient will have to do plenty of work to recover from a concussion.
Worsening Symptoms is a Bad Sign and Must Be Avoided
Easily one of the biggest misconceptions out there, many patients think they must avoid experiencing symptoms altogether. However, symptoms are signs that your body is dealing with the stress you subject it to, so it’s vital to observe them. Many concussion doctors encourage their patients to feel symptomatic, as it’s also part of rehabilitation. If you’re doing an activity that isn’t provoking your symptoms, you may not be exerting enough effort or pressure. You may also be doing unnecessary activities.
Concussions Result in Long-Term Brain Damage
Although getting successive concussions may lead to long-term brain damage, it’s not a guarantee. Fortunately, sufficient treatment and rehabilitation minimize this risk, so you don’t have to be afraid of any permanent damage. What’s important is to seek recovery immediately and stick to what your doctor tells you.
Recovery is Not Possible After Years of Symptoms
Lastly, many people believe that it is impossible to recover from a concussion after dealing with its symptoms for several years. However, this is not true. Although recovering from a concussion is more problematic when it takes longer, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of fully healing. However, you’ll have to put in hard work while receiving the guidance of a reputable physiotherapy and wellness clinic.
Conclusion
Even though concussions are relatively common, they’re still shrouded in mystery and misinformation. Unfortunately, this can lead to severe complications, which makes clarification incredibly essential. Now that you know the most common concussion myths, you’ll know what to do if you or a loved one find yourself in the situation.
Centre Street Physiotherapy is a physiotherapy and wellness clinic in Calgary, Alberta. We offer top-tier rehabilitation, manual therapy, biomechanical assessment, and general healthcare assistance. With modalities such as acupuncture, massage therapy, naturopathy, and dieticians to promote healing through our multidisciplinary approach, you’re in good hands. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
