Need Advice!
 

Hi everyone, I am a 26 years old Pharmacy student and I received a concussion on April 7 2013. Since the moment of my concussion I have been experiencing this constant feeling that I (in my head) am disconnected from the rest of my body. It's as if my "self awareness/self perception" has been altered in an very abnormal way that leaves me feeling disconnected from my own body. I just don't feel like the normal "me" in my head and it is very saddening, discouraging and frustrating that it doesn't go away.

I also have been experience impairment in short term memory. The feeling tends to be worse if I am tired. This has totally interfered with my daily life because I am persistently stuck with this altered mind state. Has anyone had any luck with getting rid of "disconnected feeling"? And if so how? I am willing to try anything at this point to just feel back to normal. I just want to get rid of this thing. It's like I'm living in a fog. Any ideas as to what I am experiencing? I also feel dizziness in the back of my head (was struck in the back of my head).

Regards,
Mike

Hey Mike -

I think quite a few of us have this brain fog. So far, the only way I know to combat it is to rest and reduce as much of the stimulus in your life as possible.

Do you have any other symptoms? Photophobia, insomnia etc?

Others will also weigh in, so hopefully you'll get some great advice!!

My best,
jac3sr

It takes time
 

Hi,

My brain fog last a long time (over a year), it seems to get better in intervals, sort of like being wrapped in many veils and one taken off at a time.

For me, it was time, rest and avoiding stimulation of any kind. It is really exciting when you feel just that little bit better.

More stress you are under the worst it gets, it is the same with the memory.

Best wishes....

Hi Mike. I had significant deficits with short term memory, spatial orientation, and executive functions (disconnected feelings) which gradually resolved, but overall it took about five months.

Are you currently seeing anyone for these symptoms? I found speech and occupational therapies helpful in resolving these symptoms. An example of memory problems, I had problems doing any simple math problems. My wife had me do multiplication flash cards (like I was in grade school again), and this actually did help with ST memory. Crossword puzzles or Sudoku may help. Just don’t overdo it, quiet rest is also important, as is good nutrition. Review the supplements thread in the sticky threads.

Your injury was relatively recent. Recovery can take time. Best to you.

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions. I will have to make some adjustments for sure. As for other symptoms, I get left sided headaches at times (though not constant), insomnia (though had trouble sleeping before head injury), my left ear pops/crackles sometimes when I swallow and some neck tightness since injury.

No I have not seen anyone regarding these symptoms.

Regards,
Mike

Understand
 

I think many of us here understand. I often felt very disconnected. For months I felt as though I was literally floating and all of my senses were "off". Now I understand that is part of my injury and it has improved. My vestibular system, vision and central nervous system were all damaged. But for the first four months my doc just said I was fine. I knew I wasn't fine.

Get some good medical care and understand what is going on in your body so it's not so scary. No I just try to think of these strange episodes as little science experiments and try to understand what is going on rather that getting anxious or scared.
Su seb