mild concussion maybe, some questions
 

My story is ridiculous and very upsetting to me. I went to a party I did not want to go to, but I ended up guzzling a bottle of water (to avoid hangover) which turned out to be filled with vodka for reasons that are partly my fault.

I lost conscience shortly after and I spent two hours in a parking lot not remembering anything except someone asking me why my forhead is injured.
It is important to mention that I DO NOT REMEMBER anything, including how I got home, which worries me if I might have hit my head more than once. None of my friends (completely inebriated) know either.

I did NOT think about a concussion, until 2-3 days later (I started running the day after which I do after night outs) when the dizziniess persisted, I felt nausea and low grade headache.

This was about 10 days ago. Things are getting better. Some days and hours are better than others. I feel the more I rest the more I feel the dizzinness (a sign that my brain is recovering?)

I am being extremely careful. My work involves sitting in a conference and mostly listening to people. I skipped 3 days once I realized I have a concussion but now I am back to work. I stopped running, and staying quite a bit of time relaxing on bed. Sleeping well.

My GP says that based on my symptoms it sounds like a mild concussion (no head splitting headaches).

I am due to travel to Europe for vacation in a bit more than w weeks...

I would be very interested in your thoughts on this

So far I have not recovered yet, not able to concentrate and think straight very well and of course my primary objective is to go back to normal as soon as possible.

Many thanks folks

At only ten days, you are very early in your recovery.

What gives you the idea that dizziness is a sign of recovery ?

Recovery is not measured in hours but rather weeks. Recovery is usually a roller coaster. One good day does not mean anything. 10 good days means you are headed in the right direction.

You may want to research alcohol poisoning. It may be a big part of your symptoms.

you're drinking days are gone for a while. Protect your head. Don't get conned into drinking for at least 6 months in my opinion until this thing clears up whatever take longer. I know you are young but it is not worth it the rest of your life fun

I hope you feel better

Thanks folks. I hope you can however give me your opinion on this:

1- You think it is safe for me to travel to europe for vacation in 20 days (approx 40 days after the concussion)?

2- Do my symptoms sound like mild concussion or not?

Many thanks

It is safe to travel. The question is whether you will enjoy or just tolerate the chaos of travel.

Yes, it sounds like you could have a mild concussion. But, a diagnosis, whether correct or not does not change anything. But then, it could be simply due to alcohol poisoning.

Thanks, as i said, i am sure i hit my head on the forehead at least, and i have not seen any information on long term (beyond 2 days that is) effect of alcohol poisoning ... (?). Here are my symptoms:

- low grade headache (getting better)
- dizziness (getting better)
- brain fog, unable to concentrate, have hard time making long sentences (no improvement yet)
- some nausea that got much better...


Still interested in other people thoughts about whether ut is safe to travel..

If I understand well another even minor concussion within the next 3 months could be fatal or make symptoms permanent, right?

I am concerned that even small shocks say due to turbulence on the plane or hitting my head going out of the cab or whatever could actually lead to long term problems...

sorry for the paranoia but better be careful and ask than be sorry forever...

thanks much

Second Impact Syndrome has nothing to do with the mild impacts you suffered. You did not suffer weeks of head aches from your first concussion.

Second Impact Syndrome is where the brain has lost the ability to control fluid pressure (intracranial pressure, ICP) and suffers another trauma before regaining that ability. It is usually accompanied by severe head aches.

A concussion while suffering alcohol poisoning can be a double whammy. Getting wasted can effect the brain in similar ways as a concussion.

I suggest you not worry about your past concussions. Instead, you should focus on lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of future brain trauma, either physical or chemical.

And, stop looking for scary information. It only increases your anxiety levels.

"If I understand well another even minor concussion within the next 3 months could be fatal or make symptoms permanent, right?" Wrong.

listen to what mark in Idaho says. no one has more knowledge or experience. go on your trip and just rest as much until then. no drinking for a while. and stop reading! I have had two major acquired brain injuries and a concussion and I am still walking around.

THANKS a lot Mark, it is very comforting to hear that I should not be worried to that extent. Frankly I had too many negative emotional shocks recently that I was overwhelmed having to deal with ssomething new. I hope you are right and that my recovery will continue.