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

Posted by jenniferctbisurvivor @jenniferctbisurvivor, Jan 4 1:41am

Hello and happy new year everyone,

I was rear ended twice in the last three years and I am really struggling the second time with the TBI, post concussion syndrome and the returning to gradual activity. First does anyone have any experience with how long the head pain lasts with activity or cognitive fatigue? I found taking breaks every time the head pain worsens helps but it’s so frustrating as it’s painful and takes forever to do anything. Thank God that all the MRI’s and CT scans were good but I am seven months post accident and just wondering if any has experienced anything similar and has some insights. Still struggling with the memory, brain fog, cognitive fatigue, confusion and multitasking is next to impossible which doesn’t help as my career requires all of those things. My speech pathologist is optimistic and just wanted to know what is everyone else’s experienced opinions.

Thank you so much everyone and I hope you are all doing well and are having a blessed new year so far.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group.

lynne123 | @lynne123 | Jan 4 6:04pm

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 | @kayabbott | Jan 4 12:11pm

In reply to @jenniferctbisurvivor "@kayabbott Thank you so much!" + (show)

@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.

jenniferctbisurvivor | @jenniferctbisurvivor | Jan 4 10:45am

In reply to @kayabbott "My moderate TBI was 32 years ago. My headache only lasted a week so best to..." + (show)

@kayabbott

Thank you so much!

kayabbott | @kayabbott | Jan 4 10:35am

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.