Staying Open-Minded About Your Healthcare

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.

Steps For Caring For A Concussion

Health & Medical Blog

Concussions can happen for a variety of reasons, but one thing's certain– treating a concussion the right way will require you to start a care routine. Here are some things that you can do to promote brain healing after a concussion.

Reduce Pressure and Swelling

With a brain trauma like a concussion, it's important to keep swelling to a minimum. There's only a small window of space between the brain and the surrounding skull, so brain swelling can quickly produce a lot of pressure.

You can ice your head for 20 minutes at a time with a cold compress. Be sure that you don't apply pressure to your head as you ice; this can make the problem worse.  

Avoid Heavy Activity

Your brain needs to be in a stable environment for recovery, free from accidental bumps. Decide with your doctor how long you should stay away from high velocity and high contact sports such as soccer, basketball, and hockey.

You should also be aware that a concussion can affect your reaction times and your coordination, among other movement issues that may arise. While you're on the mend, be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to move more slowly. You may want to stay near railings and other protected walking areas in case you begin to feel dizzy or start to waver.

Monitor Cognitive Problems

In addition to physical symptoms, you may experience some cognitive distortions during your concussion. For instance, you may sometimes find that you are disoriented or have trouble focusing on the task in front of you. These are part of the illness, and they may just mean that you need to get more rest to allow your brain tissue to heal. However, when these are very disturbing to you or they are getting worse over time, you need to check with a doctor to make sure that your concussion is healing correctly.

Follow Up with a Specialist

Your concussion will likely last for at least 3 months, but traumatic brain injuries can linger for a year or more without the proper treatment and protection. If your concussion is getting worse, your specialist will recommend extra precautions that you can take, such as placing you on a more stringent resting routine. Healing a concussion takes time, and you want to make sure that your brain healing process is going in the right direction. If you are concerned about your symptoms or how long it is taking you to recover, then contact a neurosurgery clinic like Allegheny Brain And Spine Surgeons.

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12 August 2015