Dietary considerations for mild concussion

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on December 22, 2024
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Mild concussions usually do not show organic damage on a head CT; they are temporary functional dysfunctions of brain neural functions, typically manifesting as brief post-injury consciousness disturbances and retrograde amnesia. The diet for patients with mild concussions should avoid cold, raw, or strongly irritating foods, such as spicy dishes, and refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking. Their diet should primarily consist of light, easy-to-digest foods, high in protein and vitamins, but low in fat and sugar, including plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How to alleviate vomiting from a concussion

Patients with concussions typically present with transient disturbances in consciousness and recent memory loss following an injury. Some patients may also exhibit a range of clinical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. To alleviate vomiting in concussion patients, it is essential to maintain ample rest and a reasonable diet that is light and easy to digest. Avoid consuming highly stimulating foods and alcohol. Additionally, eat smaller meals more frequently. If vomiting is severe, symptomatic treatment can be administered. Currently, metoclopramide can be used for intramuscular injections as a standard treatment.

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Written by Jiang Fang Shuai
Neurosurgery
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How to administer first aid for a concussion

After a concussion occurs, the injured should be quickly moved from a dangerous environment to a safe area. The injured person should lie flat and rest quietly without sitting up or standing. The head can be appropriately cooled, and it is important to keep the body warm. For patients who are unconscious, it is necessary to keep the airway clear and closely observe their consciousness and pupils. If there are airway secretions or vomiting, they should be cleaned up promptly. If the patient has already experienced respiratory or circulatory problems, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be performed. After the aforementioned emergency treatment, the next step is to transport the patient to a nearby well-equipped hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How is a concussion diagnosed?

Concussion diagnosis usually includes, first, a history of head trauma; second, after a head CT scan, no significant substantive changes are observed, but the patient has experienced a transient loss of consciousness, typically not exceeding half an hour. Third, there is approximated amnesia where the patient cannot recall the incident. Some may show symptoms such as decreased blood pressure and pale complexion, while others can experience dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, memory deterioration, and lack of concentration among a series of clinical presentations. Diagnosis of concussion can be confirmed through medical history, supplementary examinations, and clinical symptoms.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How long does vomiting last with a mild concussion?

Patients with mild concussion typically exhibit brief disturbances in consciousness lasting from several seconds to several minutes after the injury, usually not exceeding half an hour, along with retrograde amnesia. Some patients may also experience varying degrees of headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and other clinical symptoms. The vast majority of mild concussion patients can recover within five to seven days with rest and conditioning, meaning that mild concussion symptoms, including vomiting, can resolve within 5-7 days.

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Written by Li Pei
Neurosurgery
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Symptoms of concussion

Concussion is the mildest form of traumatic brain injury. The symptoms of concussion primarily include: first, a brief period of clouded consciousness shortly after the injury, typically lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, generally not exceeding half an hour; second, retrograde amnesia, where the patient cannot clearly recall the events during the injury, but memory of events prior to the injury remains clear; third, common symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, poor sleep, and decreased memory; fourth, the patient's cranial examination reveals no significant abnormalities, and lumbar puncture cerebrospinal fluid color and tests are normal.