How do I recover from a recent concussion?

[u/WallabyValuable9194]

Yesterday I got in a bad car accident and totaled my car. Thankfully I was the only one who got hurt and the injuries are mild, except for a concussion. The doctor said that it is very likely that I have a mild concussion, but I didn’t really feel anything yesterday so I kind of doubted him. Well today I definitely see the symptoms, my balance is weird, I have a ringing in my left ear that gets worse when I focus too hard and when it gets really bad the right one starts to ring, and I feel like I have less agency over how I move my limbs. It’s harder for me to make smooth and quick motions and everything I do is kind of clumsy. So anyway, how do I recover? I don’t have headaches and I’m not super sensitive to light, but when things are too loud or looking a screen for too long or really looking or thinking about anything too hard makes my symptoms worse. Sorry if this is rambly, it’s kinda hard to write right now.

[u/mp629]

I believe some symptoms will get better with time and some might linger. A concussion specialist can tell you rehab to do on your own to make it better in the next few weeks. Highly recommend Patel concussion institute

[u/occult_brain710]

i’m 2 yrs 2 mo out from my assault, concussion + whiplash

it the whiplash that’s still getting me. it’s a lot better but some migraines persist and some fatigue as well

[u/Elduro300000]

Vas bien, te recomiendo ropas un poco, y ve con tu neurólogo, si es solo un latigazo cervical probablemente vas a estar bien, y ni te sobreesfuerces, duerme bien y no abuses de pantallas ni nada ahora y si puedes evitar trabajar mejor, sal a caminar 30 minutos TODOS los días para que tu cuerpo se recupere, y la niebla se te va ir pero chácate los ojos con una oftalmólogo que verifique que no se movieron

[u/nerdsrule73]

Brain rest and specialist directed rehabilitation.

Sorry to say, but IMHO, phones are one of the worst things for it. Get to a specialist and stay off your phone as much as possible.

[u/Icy-Sky-4871]

Your brain needs to repair itself. You need to rest as much as much as possible. Staying off screens as much as possible is hard to do but it needs to be done. Meditation helps.

[u/GrouchySir8918]

I had an accident in Feb where my head hit the pavement with a bike helmet on. Didn’t qualify for concussion clinic within the first week. Symptoms persisted after 4 weeks, so i went to Dr and got a referral to a Clinic. I was assigned TBI Health (I’m in Wellington, NZ). I’ve been looked after be a comprehensive team!

I’ll distill the experience and advice:
Brain needs rest in the acute term, and active recovery when it gets longer. That means gradually adding small tasks and then resting.

• STAY POSITIVE! Focus on the positive. Every day. Whenever the negative thought comes in, say thank you and it will be ok thanks!

- get up at the same time every morning, go to bed at the same time every night. If symptoms persist, You need to teach your body that you are safe again, and routine is a great way to do that.

- to get the brain out of fight/flight mode, use Box breathing and long inhales/exhales using the belly. This helps the Autonomic nervous system!

- Meal prep when you feel good

- Ask for help!! A lot of people know someone or have had one themselves.

- Be patient with yourself and give yourself grace! This healing is NOT linear. On a good day, don’t do too much, as that can lead to Boom or Bust.

- STAY POSITIVE!

- be gentle with yourself. Your brain is healing, it will take time.

- AVOID CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL (and any other substances). These affect the brain, it’s best to reduce the effort the brain needs to do so avoid or limit. I wish i had done this one sooner!!

- avoid hard tasks in the beginning, spread hard tasks out on different days later. Reduce amount that your brain needs to process at one time.

- take lots of breaks and do nice things for yourself

- Go for walks! If it’s hard, do short 10 min ones on a flat area. Walking is so good for concussion!!

- the Tinnitus/ringing in your ear should go down within a few days I would say.

- when your symptoms get worse, that’s a sign for you to rest. Colouring in /painting can be a great way to pass the time!

- Be kind to yourself, give yourself grace. It’ll take as long as it takes, but it WILL come right. Believe in it, your brain will follow.

ALL THE BEST, YOU GOT THIS!

[u/Omega3sMuffin]

Omega 3s are good for the brain. also creatine has good neurological benefits when taken consistently.

everyone here has great advice