How to Treat Concussion Headaches

Post-concussion headaches are a common lasting side effect of significant head injuries. While anyone who has suffered a head injury and displays lingering symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or loss of memory should seek medical attention, there are a number of things you can do at home to treat concussion headaches.

Things You'll Need

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Physician
• Quiet, dark environment
• Cool wet cloth

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor. Explain your headache symptoms, noting the frequency and severity with which they occur. Your doctor may perform some physical examinations before deciding how best to treat your headaches. Follow any directions your doctor gives you to the letter.

• 2

  Remain in a dimly lit, quiet environment as much as possible during the day. Both bright lights and noise, even moderate noise, can irritate post-concussion syndrome and worsen a victim's headaches.

• 3

  Moisten a clean washcloth with cool water and place it on the forehead and temples, so it covers as much of the skin as possible. This will help decrease the dull, persistent ache of concussion headaches.

• 4

  Get plenty of rest. Rest is the number one way to treat concussions and the headaches that often develop after one is sustained. Take time off of work or school if you have lingering symptoms that interfere with your ability to go about your day normally.

• 5

  Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat post-concussion headache pain, as directed by your doctor. Let your doctor know if over-the-counter pain medications are not providing you with enough relief.

• 6

  Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can significantly worsen post-concussion headaches.

• 7

  Return to normal activity levels only once symptoms have completely disappeared, and you have remained asymptomatic for a period prescribed by your doctor (generally at least 1 week). Talk to your doctor before going back to work or school, and always receive medical clearance to participate in sports after you have recovered from a concussion.