My TBI happened during a car accident where I was shaken and whipped around. I was on blood thinners and it caused a brain bleed that is now, ten years later, a small spot of encephalopathy. The accident broke my neck, six ribs, punctured a lung, gave me stress fractures down my spine and my right ankle. I was in a neck brace and a turtle shell ( a vest type thing to keep ribs stable as they healed) for three months. I still have an exaggerated stress response where my arms fly up and my hands shake or I scream at unexpected loud noises or we have a near miss in the car which causes the above.
At ten years out I still have issues related to accident. My neck did not heal together properly so I am in PT for that and for my lower back which is painful much of the time. When I go for a walk it feels like I have a bobble head, I lurch to the right sometimes and it feels like everything that has healed has healed up crooked.
Being in a large group where many people are talking at once is hard for my brain to tolerate, as in overloaded. Too much noise especially from gas powered motors drives me nuts. Very bright days and bright lights often give me an aura followed by a migraine. I wear dark glasses in the house often because we have big windows facing a lake which is very bright.
I must sleep on my back as I cannot turn around because of my neck and back.
I have trouble with word retrieval often and my speech cannot keep up with my mind.
But enough of aftereffects. What do I do about these things? In a crowd I take frequent breaks and find a quiet spot for a bit and do deep breathing. I meditate to quiet music. I play the piano, flute and sing in a great group of older people . I read and exercise every day on a stationary bike and go for my 15 walk. I allow myself little junk food and try to eat healthy as I can. I do have a glass or two of wine at dinner but at no other time unless special occasions or Holidays. In summary, choose to do suggested things to help yourself, do soulful, mindful things, exercise if you are able, keep in touch, understand your condition, be gentle with yourself and do not put too many shoulds on yourself. And now I am too tired to go on……another issue. Fatigue , mental and otherwise. Good luck.