WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT STRATEGY FOR A CONCUSSION?

If you have reason to believe you have suffered a concussion, such as in a motorcycle or motor vehicle accident, you must seek immediate medical care. Once the appropriate tests are complete, your medical team can provide feedback on your condition and what to expect in the future.

If you find that you have a concussion, it's important to do one thing above all else: Follow the instructions outlined by your doctor. By doing so, you can speed up the recovery process and help prevent future issues.

There are many basic things you should do when treating a concussion, including but not limited to the following:

• Avoid physical activity. From sports to roughhousing with family members, you don't want to do anything that could lead to another hit on your head.
• Give your brain time to relax. A concussion is a brain injury. For this reason, you don't want to put strain on this part of your body as you recover. This is why you may need to take some time off of work or school as you recover.
• Get plenty of sleep. It goes without saying that you should get enough sleep as you recover from your concussion. This gives your brain time to heal.

As long as you know what your medical team is suggesting in regard to treatment, you should be able to take the right steps. Along with getting your health in order, don't hesitate to learn more about what caused your accident. This could lead you toward an opportunity to obtain compensation for your injury and any other damages.

Source: Mayo Clinic, "Treatments and drugs," accessed Jan. 19, 2017