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Old 05-12-2010, 06:16 PM
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,418
15 yr Member
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,418
15 yr Member
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As time passes since you head injury, the overall feeling of lousy subsides and the individual symptoms become more evident. This is a valuable time. As you begin to recognize the individual symptoms, you can work to reduce them or their triggers. Most of your symptoms will be just there. Others will be triggered. Relax and endure the former and work to understand the triggers of the latter.

Noise, chaos, bright lights, etc are all manageable. Ear plugs, quiet environments, sunglasses and hats can make the sensory triggers less problematic. Sleep disturbances may be just PCS or they may be sleep apnea or drug induced.

Check to see if any medications include sleep disturbances as side effects. Avoid caffeine except small amounts in the AM. Have someone observe your sleep to see if you are breathing properly. Neck problems/inflammation can cause breathing problems.

As vini said, nutrition and hydration are important. There are plenty of posts about good brain nutrition. I have posted many myself.

Environment management is important. Households need to adjust to the needs of the PCS subject. Conflict avoidance is important. Any kind of stressors will increase the struggles with outbursts. This is a good time to learn to live a more calm and relaxed life.

Chiropractors and PT's can be helpful but use the ice more than just after and treatment. Ice is your best friend if you have a neck to heal. The blue flexible ice packs are great. If you need to be budget conscious, you can make soft ice packs at home with a freezable zip lock back filled with 2 parts water and 1 part isopropyl alcohol. The ice will freeze to a crunchy consistency. You might want to double bag it.

Staying moderately active will be good, gentle walks, simple but mind stimulating tasks will help. Play solitaire with real cards. This slows the speed of the game and adds better motor functions. If you can tolerate computer games, learn to recognize mind fatigue and stop at the first sign.

If you are involved in litigation from a vehicle collision, let the attorneys handle it. It will be counter productive to dwell on litigation while trying to heal.

Use common sense. The old adage says:
Patient tells doc," Doc, it hurts when I do this."
Doc replies, " Then stop doing that."

There are many good resources here so keep us informed with your needs. We can help.
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Mark in Idaho

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
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