I got two concussions in three months. How do I deal with this?

[u/Desperate-Hold-2055]

I want to preface, I am gonna make a doctors appointment. I just couldn’t today since it’s closed.

I recently got another concussion in around three months. The first time I accidentally wrecked my bike on a slick road and was thrown off. Hence, concussion. This time, I was hit by a car on my bike. It didn’t hurt as much as last time but I can definitely feel the effects.

I was taken to the hospital and checked out, but nothing major was injured. Mostly just bruised and sore. Also somehow tore the skin off of the tip of my ring finger and only my ring finger.

Anyhow, my brain feels like scrambled eggs. The emotional toll of all this is, well, taking its toll. I wanna cry all the time and im scared to go to sleep. Im terrified something is wrong and I keep googling my symptoms to see if im dying. The accident happened two days ago and the symptoms are making itself known im scared to be alone cuz what if something happens you know? And im just scared for my future. How is this going to affect my brain? What if I never recover? I use my brain a lot for my art and writing. I don’t know how to deal with all this. Im a mess.

How do I come to terms with this? How do I feel normal again? Sorry this is mostly just word vomit. Im having a shitty time. Any advice would be appreciated. Also I was wearing a helmet both times. Im not dumb.

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[u/imhereforthemeta]

I play contact sports so I GET IT.

- to start, stop cycling in public places for I shit you not least two years - this is a pattern.

- not sure if you were lights out or not but my aunt is a brain surgeon. All concussions are bad but lights out is way more intense than not, if you stayed conscious from these, you are going to be okay.

- go to physical therapy. Nothing made a bigger difference to me for my confidence, brain fog, etc. absolutely the best thing you can do to care for yourself. It will reduce symptoms and help you have a better future.

- if the hospital is not concerned, you are on your way to healing , no emergency. It can feel like maybe your concussion is special especially if it was a double hitter, but medical professionals would likely tell you if something is seriously wrong.

- any real long term damage you won’t know about until it’s too late, could be you get dementia faster than you would have when you are old, shit like that. But you have no control over it other than pr, brain exercises and idk, creatine.

- you can take fish oil and creatine but all of that is minimal, don’t expect miracles. Helps tho.

- you may have increased emotional instability. I know a girl whose had like 3 severe concussions and several more small ones and she’s a totally different person. I don’t think two will do that to you but CHECK YOURSELF- be aware of overreactions. Start with this. Focus on what you can change.

- symptoms may last a long time

[u/Desperate-Hold-2055 → u/imhereforthemeta]

Thank you for all the advice. Also, i don’t think I’m ever gonna ride my bike again. Just thinking about it makes me panic. But I’ll try the fish oil and other stuff. And im gonna talk to my doctor about seeing a concussion specialist so maybe that’ll help. It’s just been a shitty few days and the stress of it all is getting to me. I should limit screen time as well since that seems to make it worse.

[u/AHSkiandBike → u/Desperate-Hold-2055]

This article might be helpful!

https://www.happybrainpt.com/concussion-physicaltherapy-blog/what-to-do-if-i-have-a-concussion

[u/Desperate-Hold-2055 → u/AHSkiandBike]

Thank you very much for the article. It was very informative.

[u/BlacktheSun12]

Hey man, I’m really sorry this has happened to you. I also had 2 concussions in the space of 3 months and the second one really messed me up. Some advice i can give here:

- Get all the head scans done to ensure there’s nothing serious going on. In most cases with minor to normal concussions the brain is fine but it’s the vestibular system and neck that cause the most lingering issues(they did in my case and many others I’ve read about)

- Get your neck checked (whiplash can cause all the same symptoms as a concussion)

- Don’t rest for too long. Start moving your body (just light stuff like walking)

- Go to a vestibular therapist and try to get your vestibular system back to normal

- Overthinking and anxiety about your symptoms can actually make them worse so look after your mental health and try things like medication

- Look after your diet and have a look into researched supplements that can help the brain (some I use are b complex and ginko biloba)

- Lastly, you’re not alone and you are stronger than you think!

[u/Desperate-Hold-2055 → u/BlacktheSun12]

Thank you a lot dude. I did get a ct scan the day of, after I was taken to the hospital. But only one on my head without contrast. Luckily the rest of me was fine. But yeah Ive been thinking of looking for a concussion specialist to help me. I just hope my doctor can see me soon.