RESOURCE CENTER
Concussion Treatments
Immediate concussion response: Consult a medical professional, and rest up
For most concussions, simply resting and gradually returning to activity under the guidance of a medical professional clears up concussion symptoms in a matter of days or weeks. This is the current standard of care and has helped countless concussion patients through a full recovery. Visit our Concussion Response page to learn about the five key steps to take immediately after a concussion.
When to consider trying active treatments
The discussion of whether to enhance traditional concussion recovery with active treatments is an important conversation to have with your doctor. Unfortunately, there are currently no empirical guidelines on when is most appropriate to begin active treatments, which underscores the importance of working with an experienced doctor who has helped patients navigate the process before. As a rule of thumb, most medical professionals suggest waiting at least several weeks after injury before beginning additional treatments, fearing that beginning active treatments too soon may actually hamper recovery by over-exerting vulnerable brain cells.
How do I find the right doctor?
When you’re seeking concussion treatment for yourself or a family member, the first step to recovery is choosing the right doctor. Check out the links below to help you in your search for a concussion specialist.
- Click here for an easy-to-read guide on choosing a Concussion Clinic.
- Concussion Clinics Finder: Search for a clinic in your area.
- CLF HelpLine: If you are having trouble with your search or would like more guidance on how to find the right doctor, submit a request to the CLF HelpLine.
- Click here for an easy-to-read guide on how to put together your concussion history. This will be crucial to helping you and your doctor decide on the right recovery plan and treatment.
Active treatments to discuss with your doctor
Your doctor is most likely to recommend active treatments if several weeks have passed since the injury and you are still experiencing symptoms. At this time, your doctor may also diagnose you with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). Treatment options can include but are not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, optometry/ophthalmology, psychiatry/psychology, speech/language pathology, endocrinology, ENT, and meditation. Your doctor may recommend multiple treatments, and it may take time to find one that is noticeably helping your symptoms. But don’t lose hope – your symptoms will get better with time and the right therapies.
For detailed information on each of these treatment options and when they may be useful, visit our Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatments page.
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