Hi , I'm Rachael. Im 59. I've had three concussions in the last two years. The last one was significant.

I just spent an hour typing a letter into this field, and I lost it all. So frustrating!

Succinct summary: Sports persons have concussion protocols and knowledgeable people around them. I found that the emergency room and my primary care physician had no clue about what resources were available for the general person. In my research, i found out that I was supposed to be in physical therapy within three days after my fall.. my PCP had no availability for 2 weeks, and even then told me you just need to rest. My entire body became a pogo stick. 100% of my weight landed on the back right side of my head, and I was told to stay calm and things would go away on their own.

I propose that an education initiative should be started with PCP Doctors who deal with middle aged and old people. Perhaps a detailed brochure can be developed that gives if/then scenarios that patients could follow. After I experienced extreme dizziness four or four days, I should have immediately been sent to physical therapy, and referred to a concussion specialist for evaluation.

Perhaps public service amounts on television, pamphlets delivered to where people live and work, school programs, community center programs, might benefit everyone. A LOT of people fall down and hit their head.

I did not receive any helpful education or therapies for the first twelve weeks. My primary care had no idea what to do.

Normal people doing normal things should have access to this information. People in the sports industry know exactly what to do. Regular, middle aged, persons thatt happen to fall on the top of their head ought to have easy access to that as well.

Don't worry. I did lots of research and found things out for myself. It's been eight months since I hit my head, and I am getting all the therapeutic interventions that I need. I'm still working with therapists, and have come to understand what my capabilities are at this point. They may/ may not get better. Yes, head injuries take time to reveal their possible consequences. But they should not be ignored. Instead, they should be educated and referred to an appropriate care team.

End of rant. Thank you for reading.

I will introduce myself at a later time.