Recovering from a concussion at home may make you want more coffee. But, your doctor has probably told you to stick to one cup a day. Using caffeine when you’re healing from a brain injury is tricky. It can seem like hitting the gas for a quick lift but it’s not so good for your brain’s recovery1.
Drinking too much caffeine won’t help you heal. The Mayo Clinic says 400 mg a day is fine for most people. But for those with a concussion, it’s smarter to limit use to under 100 mg, about what’s in an 8-ounce cup of coffee2.
– Caffeine and concussions don’t mix well, as the sudden energy boost can drain the brain’s limited resources and delay recovery.
– The recommended daily caffeine intake for concussion patients is limited to no more than 100 mg, or roughly one 8-oz cup of black coffee.
– Caffeine can disrupt the brain’s healing process and exacerbate post-concussion symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
– Gradually tapering down caffeine intake may be beneficial for managing concussion symptoms over time.
– Monitoring your individual tolerance and response to caffeine is important during the recovery process.
The Truth About Caffeine and Concussions
Dr. Schaller from the MAC Alliance warns big coffee drinkers. He tells them caffeine and concussions don’t mix well2. He explains caffeine’s sudden energy burst may seem good but actually harms. This is because the injured brain needs peace to heal and too much caffeine slows the recovery down or makes symptoms worse2.
Caffeine can make problems like neurofatigue, dysautonomia, and migraines in PCS worse2. Getting enough sleep is critical for a brain to heal, but too much caffeine can mess up your sleep. So, cut back on caffeine for a better night’s rest and a quicker recovery.
Consuming Caffeine After a Concussion: What’s the Limit?
The top source says post-concussion patients should not have more than 100 mg of caffeine a day. That’s about as much as you’d find in an 8-ounce cup of coffee2. It’s way less than the 400 mg safe for most adults2.
Even though espressos are stronger, most folks drink less of them. So, they end up having about the same caffeine as a regular cup of coffee2. Remember, caffeine levels can vary a lot depending on the type of coffee or brand2.
4 Reasons Why Caffeine Interferes With Concussion and TBI Recovery
The sudden hit of caffeine may feel great, but it can set you back. This is because the brain uses a lot of energy to fix itself. Adding more energy with caffeine might not be the best idea. It could slow down or worsen the recovery from PCS2.
Caffeine doesn’t help with symptoms like tiredness, nerve problems, or migraines in PCS2. Good sleep is a must for healing, and caffeine can mess with your sleep schedule. Less caffeine means better sleep, which helps the brain heal faster2.
How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee, Anyway?
Consumer Reports found that an 8-oz. cup of home-brewed coffee may have 96 to 128 mg of caffeine2. This amount is usually safe for people recovering from a concussion or TBI2. It is worth noting that espresso contains more caffeine than regular coffee. Yet, people often drink much more regular coffee than espresso2.
The data from another source states that brewed coffee can have 70 to 140 milligrams of caffeine3. It also underlines how some energy drinks pack in more than 500 milligrams of caffeine3. This shows the high variability in caffeine levels across different drinks.
| Caffeine Content | Product |
|---|---|
| 96-128 mg | 8-oz. cup of home-brewed coffee2 |
| 70-140 mg | Cup of brewed coffee3 |
| 310 mg | Starbucks Pike’s Place blend (16 oz. grande)2 |
| 410 mg | Starbucks Pike’s Place blend (20 oz. venti)2 |
| 270 mg | 20 oz. Dunkin’ coffee2 |
| 300 mg | Death Wish Coffee Co. Unsweetened Cold Brew (8 oz.)2 |
| 230 mg | 5-Hour Energy Extra Strength (1.9 oz.)2 |
| 160 mg | 16 oz. can of Monster Energy2 |
| 49 mg | Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch Ice Cream (2/3-cup)2 |
| 40 mg | Dannon Lowfat Coffee Yogurt (5.3 oz.)2 |
| 50 mg | Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans (per ounce of candy)2 |
| Over 500 mg | Some energy drinks3 |
This range highlights how different products have varying caffeine contents. It’s advisable for those with brain injuries to keep their daily caffeine under 100 mg. This is about the same as the caffeine in an 8-oz. cup of home-brewed coffee2.
Watch for Sneaky Sources of Caffeine
Caffeine is a unique drug because it’s found in many foods and drinks we enjoy. The Center For Science in the Public Interest warns there are unexpected sources. For example, a very big size of Starbucks Pike’s Place blend has 410 mg of caffeine, while a 20 oz. Dunkin’ Coffee has 270 mg. Death Wish Coffee Co. offers a cold brew with 300 mg in 8 oz. Also, their instant coffee has the same amount in just one packet. A Pepsi Zero Sugar has 69 mg in a 12 oz., and a small 5-Hour Energy shot carries 230 mg.
Even treats like Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch Ice Cream have 49 mg in a 2/3-cup serving. The surprise in many items is their caffeine content, making it easy to consume too much. This is especially risky for those who need to be careful with caffeine, like people healing from a brain injury42.
Watching out for caffeine is key when you’re recovering from a brain injury. During this time, it’s important to watch what you eat and drink closely. This helps make sure you’re not getting too much caffeine while your brain heals2.
What Our Specialists Tell Their Patients About Caffeine and Concussions
Dr. Schaller, from the MAC Alliance, advises careful caffeine use for post-concussion patients. He tells them to limit caffeine to one eight-ounce cup of coffee daily2. This limit should remain until headaches and sleep problems get better.
As symptoms improve, patients can slowly have more caffeine. But it’s crucial they talk with their doctor first2.
If symptoms don’t lessen with one cup a day, it’s time to seek help. The same goes if symptoms return when increasing caffeine. Or, if symptoms suddenly come back when going back to your old caffeine habits, get medical advice fast.
How Long After a Concussion Can You Drink Caffeine?
Is it safe for me to drink this?
Recent studies are sparse on the effects of caffeine after a concussion. The decision to drink coffee is left to the individual. If caffeine worsens symptoms, it’s best to avoid it1.
Will it impact my recovery?
Alcohol and concussion change how well brain areas receive oxygen on time. Being drunk may also hurt your balance and choices. This increases the risk of more brain damage. Drinking alcohol can also mess with your sleep, slowing your recovery1.
Why does it make my symptoms spike?
It’s wise to skip alcohol if it makes your concussion symptoms worse. The choice to drink caffeine or alcohol should be discussed with a doctor. It might slow down your healing process1.
What Happens to Your Brain After a Concussion
A concussion happens when the brain hits the skull hard. This is usually from an outside force1. The force can bruise and inflame brain tissue. This makes brain cells stop working right and interrupts how the brain talks to blood vessels. This is called neurovascular coupling (NVC). Symptoms like headaches, trouble focusing, and memory issues can appear1. These signs can be temporary, but some may have them for a long time, even forever. About 30% of people with concussions face this ongoing problem. It’s called post-concussion syndrome1.
The trouble with neurovascular coupling can change how the brain works. It can mess up blood flow and communication in the brain1. These problems are common after a concussion. They lead to the many symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. Knowing how the brain changes after a concussion helps in treatment. It supports the path to getting better1.
It’s key to address the core issue of post-concussion symptoms. This means fixing how blood vessels connect with the brain1. By understanding the complicated brain changes from a concussion, doctors can help better. They can choose treatments that fit each patient’s needs. This leads to a more successful recovery1.
Alcohol and Post-Concussion Symptoms
Alcohol is a toxic substance that can go into the brain from the blood2. Our bodies usually break down this toxin in the brain. But, alcohol messes with how neurons talk to each other. It also changes how blood moves around in the brain. This may cause things like doing things without thinking, making bad choices, talking unclearly, forgetting things, and not being able to move well. It can even make someone pass out if they drink too much2.
How Does Alcohol Affect a Healthy Brain?
Alcohol gets into the brain from our blood, acting as a poison2. Although our brain can handle breaking down alcohol, it stops neurons from communicating as they should. It changes how blood moves in the brain. These changes can lead to acting quickly without thought, making bad choices, talking in a way others can’t understand, forgetting, and difficulty moving. It might also make someone lose consciousness if they drink a lot2.
What Are the Symptoms of Post-Concussion Alcohol Intolerance?
Drinking alcohol can make concussion symptoms worse. This includes acting without thinking, making bad choices, speaking incoherently, memory loss, and trouble moving2. Intoxication is a major cause of half of all head injuries1. People with post-concussion syndrome might notice their symptoms get worse when they drink. This can cause more headaches, feeling confused, and balance troubles1. One patient said she loses vision in her left eye when she drinks hard drinks1.
For those healing from a concussion or dealing with post-concussion syndrome, alcohol is especially harmful. It disturbs an already damaged brain, possibly making symptoms come back.
Should You Drink Alcohol After a Concussion?
It’s up to the person and their doctor whether they can drink alcohol during concussion recovery2. Yet, it could slow down their recovery process. There are many reasons not to drink alcohol:
- Alcohol can make things worse for the brain after a concussion. This might increase the severity of symptoms2.
- It might impair your balance and decision-making, leading to more injuries2.
- Drinking may also harm your sleep, which is crucial for the brain’s healing2.
- 1 Intoxication causes nearly half of all serious brain injuries. After a concussion, about 35% of people may face depression. Drinking can make this depression worse.
Studies show animals taking alcohol have slower recoveries from minor brain injuries1. But, the impact of alcohol on human patients is not clear. The choice to drink alcohol during concussion recovery is personal. It should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Drinking might hamper your healing2.
Can You Drink Alcohol After Treatment for Post-Concussion Syndrome?
If alcohol caused problems before your treatment, it’s best to take it slow when trying it again2. Start with a few sips and increase slowly. See how your body reacts. The source points out that drinking won’t undo your treatment. But, it might make your symptoms come back for a bit. Talk to your healthcare provider before trying alcohol again.
After being treated for post-concussion syndrome, you might worry about drinking again2. The trick is to be careful with it, with help from a doctor. Begin with tiny amounts and watch for any symptom changes. This way, you can figure out if you can start drinking again after post-concussion syndrome without harm.
The idea of drinking alcohol safely after a concussion is different for everyone. It depends on how well you’ve recovered and any past issues with alcohol. With proper care and advice from doctors, some people can safely drink again. This doesn’t have to slow down your recovery from post-concussion syndrome2.
Signs and Symptoms of Concussion
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury you get from a hard hit on the head. It doesn’t always mean you pass out. When you hit your head, your brain can bruise, swell, and have trouble getting oxygen. This can cause problems in how your brain cells and blood vessels work together. We call this neurovascular coupling (NVC).
How can you tell if you have a concussion?
If you feel dizzy, have a headache, are sick to your stomach, or seem confused, you might have a concussion. Other common signs are trouble focusing, memory issues, or not being able to handle bright light or loud sounds. Changes in sleep patterns are also a clue. These symptoms often start right after you bump your head. They can get worse in the two days that follow5.
Can I get a brain scan to show whether or not I have a concussion?
You usually don’t need a CT scan or MRI to check for a concussion. Doctors look at your symptoms and do a physical exam instead. Sometimes, these scans are used to make sure you don’t have more serious brain injuries.
Concussion Recovery and Management
Getting over a concussion takes time, mainly because your brain needs to heal. You have to be alert for any signs or symptoms.
What should I look for with a concussion?
Common signs are headache, feeling dizzy, throwing up, light or noise bothering you. It gets tough to focus, and sleeping can be hard. These often show up not long after the hit and could stick around for days or even weeks.
Must you hit your head and/or lose consciousness to sustain a concussion?
You don’t have to directly hit your head to get a concussion. Any sudden movement, like your head being jerked, can hurt your brain too. It can happen without passing out.
Is it okay to take medicine for a headache with a concussion?
It’s fine to use stuff like acetaminophen for the pain, but you have to be careful. Follow the dose and talk to a doctor. Meds might hide signs of a worse problem, so use them wisely.
What exactly does “rest” mean?
Rest for a concussion includes not pushing yourself mentally or physically. This means cut down on things like homework, reading, and too much screen time. Also, take it easy with sports or exercise. You can get back to normal stuff but slowly, with a doctor’s advice.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Getting better from a concussion varies for everyone6. Right after the hit, you might feel bad for less than three days6. Anyone under 18 could take about a month to fully recover. For those older, it might just be two weeks6. But, some people might take longer to heal, up to a month6. Younger people often need more time to shake off the effects6.
What signs do I need to look for if my concussion isn’t improving?
If the symptoms keep up or get worse, it’s time to see a doctor. Watch out for worse headaches, feeling dizzy, trouble balancing, sleeping badly, and problems with memory or focus. If things don’t get better when they should, seeing a specialist is a good idea.
What can I do about vision problems or eye strain?
Vision issues like not being able to stand bright lights, seeing blurry, or trouble focusing are possible after a concussion. Wearing special glasses, cutting back on screens, and frequent eye rests may help. But if eye problems don’t go away, seeing a specialist is key.
Is it normal to feel anxious or depressed after a concussion?
Feeling sad or worried happens to many after a head injury1. As many as 35% might feel depressed1. Talking to a mental health expert can really help during your recovery.
Are there any dietary restrictions while healing from a concussion?
There aren’t strict food rules, but eating well is important. Drink lots, eat protein, and cut back on caffeine and alcohol. A nutritionist or doctor can give you food tips just for you while you heal.
Risks of Multiple Concussions
Multiple head injuries happen when someone gets another head injury before the first one is fully healed. The second impact might cause swelling, too much fluid, or a shift in the brain’s tissues. This can trigger severe health problems.
Having several head injuries also makes recovery slower. It’s later pointed out that just like the first time, you may not lose consciousness to have another concussion. These multiple injuries could be extremely harmful, leading to long-lasting issues.
Why are multiple concussions serious?
Getting several concussions raises the chance of facing
symptoms that won’t go away1. These can be really hard to live with. Plus, repeated head injuries might cause problems like swelling, too much fluid, or tissue movement inside the skull. This can eventually lead
to lasting harm.
Recovery from repeated concussions takes longer. This makes the healing process difficult for the brain. If you get a second head injury before the first one is healed, it can be very risky.
It’s crucial to understand that repeated concussions pose real threats. They can result in symptoms that stay, brain damage that’s long-term, and risks if a second head injury happens before full recovery1. Doctors stress the need for making a full recovery from the first concussion. Only then should you resume all activities. This helps avoid the severe risks of having multiple concussions.
Legal Rights During Concussion Recovery
When you’re getting better from a concussion, you might not know about laws that are there to help. These laws aim to get people back to their regular life during the healing process7.
Do I have any legal rights while recovering from a concussion?
After a concussion, adults and students have the right to safely increase their thinking tasks again. This is thanks to the Return-to-Work and Return-to-Learn laws7. The law for going back to sports protects student players by making sure they’re safe after the injury. It includes taking them out of the game when needed, making them rest, needing a doctor’s okay to play again, and keeping everyone involved up to date7. People at work or school who know what you’re going through can make special changes to help you get back7.
These laws are all about making sure you’re fully ready before diving back into regular activities. It doesn’t matter if it’s work, studying, or playing sports. Remember, it’s important to know your rights and team up with your medical experts and your employer or school to smoothen the come back7.
Conclusion
The article focused on how caffeine affects the healing of concussions. It showed us that a little caffeine, like one cup of coffee a day, is okay for most people with concussions. But, too much can hurt the healing of your brain8. This is because caffeine stops the brain from using a helpful agent called adenosine. This, in turn, slows down how fast the brain heals8.
It’s good to know where caffeine hides in our food and drinks. This way, we won’t go over the safe amount9. Too much caffeine can make your concussion symptoms worse. You might keep feeling bad for a long time, and in some cases, it could lead to a lasting condition called post-concussion syndrome9. Also, stopping caffeine suddenly can make you feel bad for weeks.
Alcohol and concussions don’t mix well, and adding caffeine could be even riskier. Always check with a doctor before you start having caffeine or alcohol again8. Some things that can help your brain heal are eating certain foods and doing exercises. It will also help to fix any sleep problems and find ways to lower your stress8. Knowing how caffeine can affect your concussion’s recovery helps you make better choices. These choices can help you get better sooner.
FAQ
How long after a concussion can you drink caffeine?
What are the reasons why caffeine interferes with concussion and TBI recovery?
How much caffeine is typically in coffee, and what are some other surprising sources of caffeine?
What do concussion specialists tell their patients about caffeine intake during recovery?
Is it safe for me to drink alcohol after a concussion?
Can I drink alcohol after completing treatment for post-concussion syndrome?
What is a concussion and how can you tell if you have one?
What are the risks of multiple concussions?
Source Links
- https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/alcohol-caffeine-concussion-recovery
- https://macconcussion.com/what-to-know-about-caffeine-and-concussions-tbi-recovery/
- https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/advise-me/what-is-the-link-between-caffeine-and-headaches
- https://www.balancedc.com/how-to-know-if-you-have-a-concussion-and-what-to-do/
- https://uvahealth.com/services/neurology/concussions-faqs
- https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/brain-neurological-conditions/concussion-treatment-and-recovery
- https://neurohealthah.com/blog/best-foods-for-concussion-recovery/
- https://www.flintrehab.com/caffeine-after-brain-injury/
- https://thenewgait.com/blog/caffeine-after-brain-injury/
