Concussion Awareness Month: Understanding, Recognizing & Supporting Recovery at Home

Each year, we observe Concussion Awareness Month to help spread knowledge about a serious but often underestimated health issue. Concussions can happen to anyone—young, old, athlete, or non-athlete and caring for someone afterward requires understanding, patience, and the right support. At APlus Homecare, we believe that good care starts with awareness.

What Is a Concussion & How Do They Happen

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that temporarily disrupts how the brain normally works. It can result from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Even if the head isn’t hit directly, rapid movement of the head (e.g. in a fall, car accident, or collision in sports) can cause the brain to shift abruptly inside the skull.

Key points about how concussions occur:

• You don’t have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. It’s possible to feel “off,” dizzy, disoriented, or foggy without ever passing out.

• The forces involved in causing a concussion can be linear (direct impact), rotational, or a combination. Rotational forces especially can strain brain tissue.

• Common causes across ages:

  • Falls (especially in young children or older adults) Mayo Clinic+1

  • Sports injuries (contact sports, collisions) Mayo Clinic+1

  • Car accidents, bicycle crashes, or even being hit by something moving quickly Mayo Clinic+1

    
    

Symptoms & Systems Affected

Symptoms can vary widely in what systems of the body and mind they affect. They may appear immediately, or in some cases show up hours or even a day or two later.

Here are common symptoms and what they imply:

System	Possible Symptoms
Physical	Headache, dizziness or feeling off-balance, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, blurred vision, irregular sleep, fatigue. CDC+2Mayo Clinic+2
Cognitive / Thinking	Trouble concentrating, memory issues, feeling “slowed down,” difficulty with multi-step tasks or decision making. CDC+1
Emotional / Mood	Irritability, feeling sad or anxious, mood swings, feeling overwhelmed or emotionally fragile. CDC+1
Sensory	Sensitivity to light or noise, visual disturbances, possibly ringing in ears. Concussion Alliance+1

Many people recover within a few days to weeks. But some experience what’s called post-concussion syndrome, meaning symptoms persist longer than expected (for some weeks or months) and possibly cause ongoing challenges.

How Home Care Can Support Recovery

Home care plays a huge role in helping someone bounce back after a concussion. Here are ways caregivers or home care services can support recovery at any age:

1. Create a Safe, Calm Environment

   • Reduce noise, bright lights, or strong smells that may worsen symptoms.

   • Provide a quiet room or calm space where the person can rest.

   • Keep the area tidy to minimize stress and falls.

2. Rest & Gradual Return to Activity

   • Allow relative rest—avoiding heavy mental or physical tasks—for the first 24-48 hours. Concussion Alliance+1

   • After that, introduce light activity as tolerated (short walks, gentle tasks) while monitoring symptoms.

   • Be guided by health care professionals for when to resume more rigorous activity.

3. Assist with Daily Tasks

   • Help with things that may be difficult: meal preparation (nutritious, easy-to-digest foods), managing medications, managing sleep routines.

   • Limit screen time (phones, tablets, TV) during acute recovery, or provide filters/adjust settings to reduce strain.

4. Support Cognitive & Emotional Health

   • Be patient: memory, attention, emotional control may be compromised. Speak slowly, repeat information, write things down.

   • Encourage social connection and emotional support—friends/family check-ins, avoiding isolation.

   • If mood changes persist, consider consulting a psychologist or counselor.

5. Monitor for Warning Signs & Follow-Up

   • Keep an eye for worsening symptoms: for instance, increasing drowsiness, severe headache, vomiting, vision changes, weakness or numbness — these may need urgent medical attention. Mayo Clinic+1

   • Ensure follow-up with healthcare providers, especially if symptoms don’t improve after 2-4 weeks, or if there’s evidence of post-concussion syndrome.

6. Nutrition, Sleep & Self-Care

   • Sleep is especially important. Getting enough rest helps the brain heal. Concussion Alliance+1

   • Eating balanced meals with fruits, protein, hydration supports physical recovery.

   • Stress management: relaxation techniques, soothing music, gentle massage, breathing exercises.

     
     

Challenges & Special Considerations by Age

• Children & Adolescents: Their developing brains may take longer to show symptoms or recover. School work & screens are harder to manage; adjustments (reduced class load, extra rest) might be needed.

• Older Adults: More risk from falls; comorbidities (other health issues) can complicate recovery; monitoring cognitive changes is essential.

• Athletes / Active People: Pressure to return to sport early can lead to additional risk. Following a medically guided protocol is critical.

  
  

Final Thoughts: APlus Is Here with You

Concussions may seem “mild” but they deserve respect, time, and thoughtful care. Understanding what happens in the brain, recognizing symptoms, and supporting healing properly can mean the difference between a smooth recovery and longer-lasting difficulties.

At APlus Homecare Services, we understand all of this. Whatever your age, we’re here to help—providing compassionate home care, helping restructure daily routines, supporting emotional and cognitive recovery, and partnering with you and your healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcome.

If you or someone close to you is recovering from a concussion and needs help at home, reach out — you don’t have to go through it alone.

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