5 Tips for Managing Post-Concussion Syndrome

Many concussions cause symptoms before a person fully recovers. However, some people go on to experience post-concussion syndrome, which can cause vertigo, headaches, balance problems, and light sensitivity for months or years after the initial injury. 

Our multidisciplinary team at Delaware Neurorehab is ready to support your recovery with post-concussion care in Dover, Newark, and Lewes, Delaware. We provide individualized tips and treatment to reduce symptoms.

Experiencing post-concussion syndrome feels disheartening, especially if you thought your recovery would happen quickly. Here, we offer five tips for managing post-concussion syndrome in the months or years after your traumatic brain injury.

1. Get more exercise

Historically, experts have emphasized the importance of rest to help the brain recover after an injury. However, we have found that light exercise can actually help. 

Don’t set high expectations for yourself when it comes to exercise. Instead, just make sure you’re moving every day, even if it’s by walking. If any exercise worsens your post-concussion symptoms, reduce your exercise intensity or take more breaks. 

2. Regulate your sleep schedule

Post-concussion syndrome isn’t considered curable. However, over time, addressing specific symptoms can lead to improved recovery. Almost 60% of people experience chronic (long-lasting) problems with sleep after a concussion, which can continue as a symptom of post-concussion syndrome. 

Setting a regular sleep schedule is an important step for post-concussion syndrome recovery. If you can’t regulate your sleep cycle naturally by going to bed and waking up around the same time, ask our team for sleep tips. 

3. Try physical or occupational therapy

Physical and occupational therapy can target specific post-concussion syndrome symptoms like vertigo or balance problems. These therapies are individualized to support your recovery at a pace that works for you. 

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can help with any movement challenges after a brain injury. It can also improve physical symptoms, like recurrent headaches. 

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is meant to help you re-adapt to daily tasks while living with post-concussion syndrome. Let your occupational therapist know of any specific challenges you face due to your post-concussion syndrome. 

4. Adapt and prepare for overstimulating environments

Short-term concussion symptoms can be managed by reducing your exposure to environments that feel overstimulating. However, with post-concussion syndrome, this can be more challenging. 

If you have light sensitivity or feel overstimulated by noise or crowds, take steps to prevent these feelings if you’ll be in an environment that has them. When staying home isn’t an option, you can use physical aids like earplugs or sunglasses to deal with possible sensory overload. 

5. Reduce screen time

Screen time, even if it’s work-related, can prolong your recovery from post-concussion syndrome. While this is especially important during your initial concussion recovery, phone time, TV, or video games can also interfere with your sleep cycle if you enjoy them before bed. 

Talk to your providers about how much screen time is appropriate based on your post-concussion syndrome symptoms and stage of recovery. 

Get in touch for neurorehabilitation

Professional and personalized neurorehabilitation can help you better manage your post-concussion syndrome based on your unique needs. Call Delaware NeuroRehab or request an appointment online today.