Mark - We have seen lots of seemingly legit health/medical sites (eg, brain & spine clinics with neuro-trauma patients) advise concussion patients to avoid painkillers such as ibuprofen because of the possibility these medications may increase the risk of bleeding.

Forgot to mention that my son is also experiencing gastro-intestinal problems, so that would be another reason to minimise ibuprofen, even tho he knows it might be a more effective painkiller. The problem is what to do if you need painkillers over an extended period of time -- nothing really seems free of potential side effects, especially with long-term use.

He is not currently receiving any care or treatment for the aches and pains unless he pays for physiotherapy or takes my suggestion and gets a Chronic Condition Management Plan that includes treatment from several health care providers.

Bluesfan - His head injury happened in at work January when a heavy box (flatpack furniture) felt onto his head from a shelf about 1m above; about 10 min. later, he hit the same spot on a metal beam that forms part of the shelving. Symptoms began 70hrs later and have been pretty full-on since then.

He has found out that even a small amount of marijuana creates huge lightheadedness problems (same with a sip of alcohol) but habitual use is hard to shake, esp. if he is in an environment/situation when he would normally use it. He knows that nicotine is also not helping anything physically, but he is finding it challenging trying to look after both his physical health and mental health at the same time.