How to Treat a Concussion Headache and Concussions in Children
Head trauma never feels good. You can use over-the-counter pain medicines such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, etc., to relieve your pain while you recover from a concussion. Follow the directions on the bottle suitable for your age, and never use more than the maximum dose without a doctor’s approval. For a severe headache that isn’t controlled by OTC pain medicine, speak to your doctor about other options.
While all the advice above applies to children, it can be difficult to apply (depending on the age of your child). If they’re old enough to listen and follow instructions, you can help them with their regular physical and cognitive exercises. If they’re in too much pain or getting overwhelmed, help them calm down. It’s vital for their autonomic nervous system (discussed above) to recover in a low-stress environment.
If your toddler has a concussion, then follow-up treatment is hard. Do what you can to protect them from falls and allow them get enough rest. If you can get them to solve some puzzles, that’s great. You may need to work with your family physician to set up a realistic care plan.