Do helmets prevent concussion? This, and other top myths you probably still believe about concussions.
In this blog, we will cover the Top Five Myths I see people continue to believe when it comes to symptoms of a concussion, prevention of concussions, and what to do after you have had a concussion.
Sustaining a concussion can be a scary experience. You’re not sure what to do, you feel crappy and you go to the doctor. They tell you to rest and avoid screens and you’ll feel better in a couple weeks. Well what if I told you that there is something you can do? What if I told you that both of those things are myths and research shows a very different approach to treating concussions now? Well here it is, i’m telling you. Below are the top five myths I hear in my practice and what the alternative truths are.
Myth #1: “Concussions are a brain bruise”
Concussions cause the brain to move rapidly back and forth which creates a chemical imbalance. The body trying to right itself from this imbalance leads to all the symptoms following a concussion. You can get brain bleeding in rare situations from a concussion, this is called a hemorrhage. While rare, it can be grave. Always consult a health care professional following a head injury.
Myth #2: “Helmets prevent concussions”
While helmets should always be worn while doing certain activities, they do not prevent concussions. They do however prevent more serious head injuries and skull fractures.
Consider an egg in a carton, if you drop that egg while it is in the carton it is very likely the egg will move inside its shell. Just like your brain will still move inside your skull even with a helmet on.
Myth #3: “There’s nothing I can do for a concussion”
While it is true that majority of people will be fine going back to their day to day routine without much issue.
There are certain people who are more likely to suffer from long term symptoms, they include those with :
mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, PTSD etc.)
diagnosed with ADD/ADHD at any point in their lives
have had a previous concussion
traumatic mechanism of injury (I.e. car accident)
If you have suffered from a head injury, and especially if you fall into any of the above categories, you should probably be doing something for your head injury to prevent long term symptoms. Reach out today for info and support!
Myth #4: Just sit in a dark room and rest”
Doing this after a concussion can actually be more detrimental than good.
The brain is like any other injury and in order to heal, it needs to be active-thinking and doing what it normally does. Some rest initially is good, but try to get back to your normal routine ASAP, your brain will thank you.
Some great post-concussion activities include:
Going for a walk
Reading a book
Watching TV (see myth #5 below)
Hanging out with a few friends
Myth #5: “Avoid screens at all costs”
While it is true that screens can certainly bring on symptoms, this is not always a bad thing. Instead of avoiding screens, try to slowly incorporate them back in. This helps speed up recovery because it stimulates brain regions that are affected by concussion.
Try this trick: Rate your current symptoms from 1 to 10. Start a timer, and use your screen. See how long you can last before your symptoms increase by 2-3 points. Once they get there, take a break to allow your symptoms to settle and then try again. Keep doing this until you can tolerate longer periods of time.
If you’re looking for more information regarding these myths or recovery from a concussion, hit the Contact button to speak with a licensed Physical Therapist who specializes in concussion rehab.
The content on this site is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.