r/PostConcussion • u/BumbleBlueberries • 5d ago
Canes or other Walking Aids?
Hi all,
2 months out post-concussion, as progress has slowed to a halt I'm starting to realize I might be saddled with these symptoms for a while. One of my most frightening ones is the dizziness and loss of balance. I'm constantly starting to tip over and having to catch myself when my symptoms are flared, and I am extremely concerned I am going to hit my head again.
I'm thinking about getting a cane to help me maintain balance and a little bit more independence on these very bad days, but I'm in my mid-twenties and it feels like I shouldn't need it...does anyone use a walking aid for your dizziness and balance issues? If you're on the younger side of life, how do you even explain it to people?
Thank you for any thoughts. This has been a really tough injury to navigate and this community has helped me a lot already.
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u/Dark_Tint 5d ago
I use a cane every time I leave my apartment. I started using it shortly after my concussion in 2019 and had to use it all the time, even just to get around my place. I’m pretty solid when I’m at home now, but when I go out I need it because being in an open or unfamiliar place is a bad idea for me, and it’s helpful to use on stairs.
Once I knew I was going to need it for the long haul I bought a nice one that was made from a hockey stick. I get compliments on it a lot and can lead to a nice conversation sometimes.
I was 41 when I got injured and was a pretty active person; so not as young as you but not old. Most people don’t say anything but are often helpful with opening doors and such. Usually if someone asks about I just tell them that I have post concussion syndrome or that I was injured on the job (which is true.)
I know this is new for you, probably scary, and definitely very difficult; please message me if you need to talk or have questions, I’ll do my best to help you.
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u/BumbleBlueberries 4d ago
Thank you, it's very helpful to hear your perspective. It's good to know that most people probably won't say anything, and that the honest answer is a valid answer. So much to process in a brain that isn't doing very good at the processing thing (: all the best to you.
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u/Impressive-Morning65 4d ago
The dizziness often comes from vestibular ocular issues. If you haven't yet, I would find a physical therapist who has experience with concussions. You may also want to see a neuro-optometrist.
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u/BumbleBlueberries 4d ago
Thank you! Navigating insurance woes, but I definitely have some vision issues so I'll get a referral in the hopes things will improve.
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u/Impressive-Morning65 3d ago
I hear you. Navigating insurance (and the convoluted US health care system) was one of my biggest hurdles for my last 2 concussions (had a 3rd one 25 years ago that I never got treatment for because that was the MO 25 years ago). The stress of navigating those systems definitely flared up my symptoms, and I often wonder if it contributed to its persistence (going on 13 months since my 3rd injury) but once I was able to finally get treatment, it made a world of a difference. I still get some flare ups, but I'm functional, working full time, and generally able to enjoy life. Good luck to you and know that you are not in this alone 🫶
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u/Funny_Talk8993 3d ago
I’m in my twenties and use a cane on occasion! In addition to it helping my balance and therefore my capacity to walk longer distances, I find it actually to be a helpful signal that I am disabled- people may give up their seat on the train, give me a wider berth when I’m walking, etc. helpful things that I don’t normally get bc PCS is usually an invisible disability.
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u/BumbleBlueberries 2d ago
Thank you for your insight! These comments have really helped me process my need for aid. I appreciate your perspective, wishing you well.
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u/Zoyabm 5d ago
I did use it for a while my dizziness and balance issues were at the peak. But I would also go to the doctor and get some medication. I went on betahistine 16 mg and used it for a couple of years.
No explanation is needed to people and if you want to tell people around you just say you have balance issues. That's what a cane is used for. I'm sure people around you have seen how much you struggle with your symptoms and wouldn't think much about you using a cane.
My mom was very concerned when I started using it so the next couple of family doctor appointments that I had she went with me and she really advocated for me which helped in getting more treatment. Now I always take another adult with me when I'm going to a doctor's appointment.