What lifestyle modifications can I suggest to patients experiencing fatigue and cognitive difficulties after a concussion?

Lifestyle modifications recommended for patients experiencing fatigue and cognitive difficulties following a concussion include:

• Energy management: Patients should be advised to manage their daily activity by not exceeding their perceived energy limits to avoid worsening symptoms or post-exertional malaise. This includes pacing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social activities according to their fluctuating energy levels.
• Rest and gradual activity adjustment: Encourage rest and convalescence as needed, with a flexible, tailored approach to activity that avoids automatic increases but maintains or adjusts activity based on symptom stability.
• Support for cognitive difficulties: Recognize cognitive fatigue and difficulties such as 'brain fog', problems with concentration, memory, and information processing, and support patients in managing these through energy management and possibly specialist input.
• Environmental and sensory considerations: Advise patients to minimize exposure to sensory stimuli that may exacerbate symptoms, such as bright lights and loud noises, which are common sensitivities post-concussion.
• Healthy lifestyle habits: Maintain a balanced diet with adequate hydration and ensure good sleep quality and duration to support recovery.
• Referral and multidisciplinary support: Consider referral to specialist teams for assessment and support if symptoms persist or worsen, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists experienced in post-concussion syndrome.

These recommendations aim to help patients stabilize and gradually improve their symptoms while avoiding triggers that may cause flare-ups or relapses.

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