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

Some people here -- including Mark in comments above -- mention they get headaches and nausea after reading etc and then have to stop. I'm experiencing this in week 4 post accident - not bad enough to send me to the doctor's or A&E - but low-grade, and new symptoms, because immediately after my accident I had neither symptom, and the cognitive scrambling came in later as well. No idea what's 'normal' or on track with this. I guess if the headache gets severe and nausea turns into vomiting that's the time to seek help.

Just reading everyone's comments. Really helpful to hear what you are all going through, I got teary knowing I am not alone. My accident was a month ago, falling hard direct on my chin on asphalt pavement, slicing it open. I didn't have a bad headache at first, and the concussion symptoms affecting cognition only became obvious days later. Week 4 and I've developed a persistent headache like a band around my forehead, easing a bit with bed rest. The brain feebleness/cognitive incapacity is freaking me out. I'm seeing a physio next week and they will decide (in week 5) whether I get sent for scans. At my first concussion screening online the day, I was told to expect recovery in about 3 months, and that rest and cutting down as much as poss on stimuli is the most important thing. Has anyone else heard that magnesium glycinate (up to 3 mg) is helpful for sleep? I was also told that being on anti-anxiety/antidepressant meds and taking progesterone both of which I happen to be on are actually helpful for brain recovery. I'd be grateful to know what therapies/strategies others are finding useful. Thanks!

I am two years three months post concusion. I have not completelly recovered but I am 80 years old. I have made some progress. Just keep moving forward. I wish you well.
Dolly

Hello, and greetings from Somerset, UK
My story is that about 15 weeks ago, while out cycling in the wet, i came off the bike and hit my forehead smack on to a Scaffold bar, which was used as support for a wire mesh fence; i didn`t black out, but the day after i looked like a Panda !
2 weeks later, bending down in the kitchen, i took a step backwards and collapsed , didn`t know where i was etc, etc. Straight to AE, diagnosis, after a CT scan was PCS
I`m finding this very difficult to come to terms with ; i am 72, and fitness wise not bad, but the symptoms i am now having are knocking me sideways. The fatigue is horrible, foggy head , headaches, confusion, slight dizzy spells and an almost huge effort on my part to keep doing things. I`m sure people reading this can relate to what i have described, and i am struggling .

Good luck to everyone who has PCS, it is a constant battle as we all know and to realise there`s no timescale for this , is pretty depressing

Regards
David Lunt. North Somerset, England

May 2019 - still deal with headaches, dizziness, cognitive impairment, brain fog, irritability, depression, etc. This was my 3rd concussion and by far the most severe - point of impact in 4-car pile up. Neurologist is very supportive, but recovery has plateaued. Put on a brave face, but struggles at home & work are taking their toll.

@cor17 As you have found, healing from TBI is hard and very slow. I didn't have physical injuries beyond my TBI and skull fracture. Physical injury adds to the fatigue. After 2 years I felt better, but still some physical and emotional fatigue. I exercised my brain and body when I wasn't fantasizing about naps. I still had to heal from the social isolation; every time a coworker joked about me being brain damaged I felt gut punched. Most people will have no idea of what you are going through physically and emotionally, and having at least one person for support is important. I was also working on integrating who I was with who I was now; even just having a TBI will change you for better and worse. I lost trust in my self and abilities until I had healed enough to recognize what a difficult journey I had been traveled.
Most of my recovery took about 2.5 years (as marked by smell and taste returning and word finding mostly returning). It actually took more than 8 years for my final-point recovery, when my left temporal EEG was normal and driving felt like cars were not aiming for me (processing incoming noise, motion, colors). It has been 33 years, and my word finding didn't recover completely, but it means I have a good excuse to cheat on crossword puzzles.

@dollyjaneprenzel
Same April 25, 2024, never the same!

@valka
My guy is off as well new allergies and I have to eat the same foods or I react. Second brain is the gut.

@kayabbott
Yes I see a neuropsychologist I am a month from two years yes the first year and a half was hell! But I'm still suffering. Especially with the fatigue. Yes it's up and down for sure and pacing is what I focus on. It's very hard. Unpredictable.
Did you find after 2 years you felt much better? I also had many other injuries.

@markmac
I am a month from 2 years and still suffering as well. I was hit by a car as a pedestrian. I have a moderate brain injury. I have made improvements, currently doing vision therapy however the fatigue, attention and multitasking are poor. I often need a nap after cognitive tasks. I am less patient and have a shorter fuse. I have not returned to work and struggle with the idea I will ever be able to return ( elementary teacher). My whole life has changed. It's hard because many people I would say most don't understand truly. It's very misunderstood. Not visible and usually with other injuries I could soldier on, I have had a double mastectomy. This is different you just can't. It feels as though my brain shuts down my body.
I continue to work towards healing. Onward and upward. I hope you are as well.