It’s easy to believe that you will never suffer a concussion, but there is no way of knowing if this could happen to you in the future. For example, this could happen at work, such as if you’re part of the construction industry.
There is never a good time to ignore a head injury, as doing so could make things worse on you in the future. With this in mind, here are the many steps you should take if you have reason to believe you have suffered a concussion:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Learn more about your injury and the best treatment strategies
- Get enough rest, as this gives your brain the opportunity to recover from the injury
- Avoid overstimulation after the injury, such as cutting back on the amount of time you read or watch television
- Talk to your medical team about the benefits of light activity, such as walking, as you recover from your concussion
Although a mild concussion is not nearly as serious as a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), it still requires a high level of care. Without this, you are making things worse on yourself.
If you suffer a concussion on the job, stay where you are and wait for help to arrive. Also, let your employer know the circumstances surrounding the accident.
If your medical team advises against you returning to work, don’t hesitate to learn more about the workers’ compensation system. You may be able to file a claim with the idea that you can receive benefits for your injury until you can return to work.
Source: Cleveland Clinic, “Suspect a Concussion? How to Help (Not Hurt) Your Recovery,” accessed Nov. 08, 2017