Concussions, though potentially very serious, are for the most part considered only mild head injuries. A concussion occurs when the soft tissue of your brain strike the bone of your skull. The result can be a short-term change in the way your brain reacts to certain stimuli. Most concussions require only short-term recovery; you should be able to begin exercising after 24 hours of proper rest if severe symptoms aren't present. Consult your doctor if you suspect you've sustained a concussion.
Concussion Severity
The aftercare instructions you receive from your doctor will depend heavily upon the severity of your concussion. Some concussions are so non-threatening that you can return to regular physical activity after only a short rest and assessment period, while others could require a hospital stay and days or weeks of recovery. Concussions can be broken into two categories: simple and complex. A simple concussion has only short-term effects, while a complex concussion could have lasting effects on your memory or result in unconsciousness or seizure, the KidsHealth website explains.
Assessment
Before you're able to return to exercise or physical activity, you'll need to undergo assessment by a health professional. Any time you hit your head while playing a sport or exercising, it's vital that you're evaluated for signs of a complex concussion. Some common signs of a concussion include momentarily unconsciousness, confusion, loss of balance, headaches and blurred vision. To discern whether or not you can return to physical activity, your doctor may test to see if a rise in blood pressure aggravates or causes the return of your concussion symptoms. Your recovery time will depend upon your assessment.
Immediate Aftercare
If you believe that you've sustained a concussion, stop exercising immediately. Even if you feel fine, you could put your brain in serious danger if you were to sustain another injury before your brain has time to recover from the first. Sit down and rest, then ask a friend or family to take you to a doctor for assessment. It's likely that your doctor will suggest that you rest for 24 hours, having someone check on you periodically to monitor your consciousness. After the 24-hour period, you may have another assessment before you're cleared for exercise.
Light Exercise
Once you're cleared to return to physical activity, it's important that you take baby steps toward full mobility. Begin your routine with low-impact methods of exercise, such as walking or swimming, which don't carry any risk of contact or falls. So long as you don't experience symptoms, you can then progress to sport-related activities and eventually contact sports --- with your doctor's permission. As you return to exercise, constantly evaluate your body for symptoms that the concussion has not fully healed. Recurring symptoms include bloody ears or nose, if you feel nauseous, feel confused or if you lose sight or feeling anywhere in your body, the University of Oregon advises. These could be the signs of a severe brain injury; you should get attention immediately.
