University of Buffalo concussion clinic
 

I'm flying out Tuesday to meet with Dr. Leddy and then do the treadmill test.

I know a lot of people that come to this site are interested in the program there, so I figured I'd run an experiment of n=1 and let you all know. I'll keep this thread updated.

Let me know if you have any questions you want answered.

Who is Dr. Leddy and what is the treadmill test?
Jena

Here are some links:

(you may have to add www to the front of the links. sorry, can't post clickable links)
concussion.buffalo.edu
concussion.buffalo.edu/research.html

Short 1 minute video in this article:
sportsconcussions.org/feature-stories-Buffalo-exercise-research.htm

The Buffalo Clinic has a protocol to get athletes who have suffered a concussion active by slowly upping their exercise levels. They start by doing a treadmill test to find the max pulse rate before symptoms return. They then set an exercise rate that is at a substantially lower symptom free pulse rate.

The exercise is kept at the lower pulse rate for a prescribed period than increased to the next level. This slow stepping up of the exercise level/pulse rate eventually allows the athlete to exercise at pre-injury levels.

This protocol is more about return to play that recovery from the concussion. There has been no research to verify the ability for the brain to tolerate another impact or even a simple jarring event.

It has been successful at returning athletes to their pre-injury exercise/exertion levels.

Mark, it also sounds like it has the potential to completely resolve some of my more day to day annoying problems like dizziness, sleep problems and headaches. This is different than just being able to exercise again, although I'll also be happy if that is the only outcome.

They haven't been able to help with any of the cognitive issues -- like my struggle with noisy places and trouble multi-tasking.

In any case, this is just an experiment. I had the time and money so I figured I'd give it a try and let people here know if it worked for me.

As for repeat head injuries, you can bet I've adjusted a lot of my life around avoiding it. I think I'll be an individual time trial specialist, so lots of space between me and the other riders! :) Not quite willing to say no more bike yet though...

I have been doing the stationary bike for about 6 months now in the evening. I am not sure it helped for any symptoms but sure keeps me sane and as a matter of fact that is the only thing which makes me human. For some reason I feel some what better in the evening and after I do 20 mins I start feeling even better and for me the effect is immediate with headaches and fatigue (goes down). I can sure eat better since I get good appetite.

It is so bizarre when I have headache/fatigue I am supposed to rest (which makes my condition even worse by lying down) and exercising for me definitely does not aggravate symptoms rather tone down the symptoms. If I do the exercise in the morning then the rest of the day I am completely wiped out. Weird! Moderate/light exercise is something we all know is beneficial regardless it helps with your symptoms. Lately I am even thinking to push it with some light weights.

I have an appointment with the main doctor for a NFL team. He will do somehting similar with me. I'm concerned though and haven't gone to see him just yet because I can barely walk the length of 2 quarter acre properties before I get symptoms. Am I ready for this?

CHITOWNDIZZY -- did you meet with Dr. Leddy?? If so, what was the outcome? WHat did he recommend?

I too am curious.

FreezerDoor - as far as distance walked to trigger symptoms is concerned, you're way way ahead of me! I'm lucky if I can make 2 or 3 city blocks before I feel ill. So I say go for it.

I'm also curious about the differences between your doctor and Dr. Leddy's approach also.

I must not be clear. 2 - 3 city blocks is a heck of a lot farther than I can walk! I'm talking about maybe 60 feet. : (

On elavil, however, I found I could grocery shop for a few minutes. Had to be way more than 60 feet! so happy.

I'll let you guys know what my doctor says.