How long does post concussion head pain and cognitive fatigue last?

My moderate TBI was 32 years ago. My headache only lasted a week so best to check with a neurologist on ways to manage that. I was working and writing my PhD dissertation at the time, so recovery was my year from hell (1.5 years to get to 90%). Pacing onself and napping so you don't hit the extreme fatigue is important. If you have an office, close the door and take a short nap. Good that you are in speech therapy. The brain does rewire, but it takes a long time and is a bit like a staircase with steps up, plateaus, and then down as the brain heals. Single focus is important while healing; break jobs into easier pieces rather than trying to multitask. I still do crosswords, suduko, and other games and I keep learning (my version of the brain as a muscle). Stress is very hard, and difficult to avoid, but find whatever escapes that you can. Let us know how you are doing and your healing progresses.

@kayabbott

Thank you so much!

@jenniferctbisurvivor Also, it can be useful to keep a journal of your recovery. When we are sick or injured we tend to focus on what is missing, which is a small part of who we are. Most people don't realize how much head injuries hit us physically and emotionally, and the long long the recovery process.

I think Mayo Clinic is so exceptional to provide this online format for us all to support each other and learn from each other as well.
I believe the physicians realize they also learn from patients.

The thing that has helped me most and other things only a bit,
is FASCIAL COUNTERSTRAIN PT. It’s much different than typical PT. Much more gentle with the head and neck. I have learned that the back of neck is where alot of my symptoms are generated, post TBI, concussion and being on
hypermobile spectrum .

I’ve been dealing with TBI since 5.
I recommend learning how back of neck is effected with a whiplash which is part of these head injuries.
Your Autonomic Nervous System.

I’m not a PT but a patient who has found this methodology and practice to be what keeps my pain and other symptoms decreasing , which means improvement that I haven’t experienced before.

Here’s a website-
https://counterstrain.com/
A Podcast-
The Counterstrain Movement

@kayabbott

Great advice, I will start that now that some of the recovery is completed. Definitely a weakness for me to get used to writing things down as I am going from a photographic memory to one with many limitations and am doing good working through all of it but a journal to monitor my progress as well as all of the areas impacted is a great idea, perhaps everything won’t feel so overwhelming.

Thank you so much again!

@lynne123

That is great information Lynne, I am so sorry for your injuries too but this does sound helpful. Your research is much appreciated and I wish you the very best and hope your recovery continues to be smooth and helps you too.

I will ask my vestibular Physical Therapist and regular Physical Therapist who is dealing with the Frozen shoulder symptoms on both arms and neck and shoulder blade pain. Hope it definitely helps speed up the healing process, my physical therapy exercises have been painfully helping the frozen shoulder and the shoulder blade pain that nothing would help….finally some exercises that release the spasms as that one is excruciating!

Thank you for more hope on the brain fog and vertigo too, definitely worth exploring. I appreciate you so much for sharing your story and your knowledge. Sometimes it is nice to know that we are not alone in this battle and that there are others who simply understand.

@jenniferctbisurvivor
Hello, I am also going into my seventh month and I am totally with you. It is hard going from a high functioning professional to managing a constant headache, overwhelming fatigue, cognitive challenges - not being able to motivate, multitask, read to no longer being able to process math (yet). Journaling has been a godsend as an outlet for how I am feeling (as my short term memory is shot) I can go back and see how much I have progressed. For 2 months I just sat in a chair and stared at the birds and the yard with no sense of time. Now I can speak clearly and I am no longer a fall risk. Thank goodness for my therapist’s! Keep up your therapy. Small wins add up. And keep up with this group! I am starting a new PT based on something I learned in group! Good luck & Thank goodness for this group!!!

@lynne123
Thank you! I have been having this therapy for about 5 weeks and it has helped so much with my pain. Not just TBI but all other places from accident. Always gives me a couple days of energy and clear headedness.
Thank you for bringing up. ❤️

@johannawest

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences too, it’s like reading about myself. I am so sorry this happened to you and will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers.

I agree with you, so grateful for this group for everyone who has responded and for all of the professionals who continue to put me back together.

@johannawest
That’s so great to hear!!!
Who are you seeing?