Should I be working
 

First post and looking for advice and thanks.
Hit my head 4.5 weeks ago. No symptoms until next morning. Since then been dizzy and nauseous with headaches/pressure/tingling every day.
2 weeks prior to that had a bump on the head with no symptoms.
Been to the er twice and walkin twice. Cat scan negative.
Last week shook my head, not hard and aggravated the injury. Extremely nauseous and almost blacked out a couple of hours later.
Have received conflicting recommendations from no restrictions to safety related restrictions. Told to return to work.
At work my symptoms increase as the workload increases. The job is stressful in that I'm constantly getting called to fix problems, computer related, and can be on my feet quite often. I notice that as I get these calls and strain to resolve them I'm dizzy and nauseous during and afterward almost always. I've had to grab the wall to steady myself returning to my desk.
As I rest at my desk at work or home I'm pretty much symptom free. I do have symptoms at home also, not as often and noticed mainly as I hustle around getting ready for work.
Because work aggravates and brings on symptoms I wonder if I should be going to work at all or resting at home until I recover.
What do you all think about this, should I work or not?

Welcome to NT. If you can find a way to back off on your activity levels at work, that might help. It's a hard call - I'm not in a position to take time off because of my issues, so I've worked through them. On the one hand, pushing through can prolong your recovery, and it might even impact your quality of work. On the other hand, it at least keeps you "in the game" which is always good for your employment record.

Try to find some ways to take a break throughout the day - step away and get some rest, if you can. I sometimes go out to my car and sleep for 20 minutes, if I just can't continue. Nobody notices I'm gone - for all they know, I'm in a meeting somewhere. And when I get back, I'm doing a lot better than before.

It sounds like you need to be very responsive in your work. Try doing some relaxation exercises on your own time, and definitely take care of yourself. Recovery from concussion takes time, and it can be an uneven process. Most of all, you don't want to jeopardize your ability to work and keep a job, if you don't have to.

Just my two cents. Good luck.

floridaman,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. It sounds like you need to rest your brain. Your work environment may be problematic. Bright lights, cognitive challenges, quick movements and brisk walking on hard surfaces can all be stressful on a concussed brain.

Try taking it slower for a day or two and see if you can survive a slower day at work. It not, time off will be worthwhile. Your time off will need to include quiet rest. That mean no stress, only mild cognitive challenges, minimal screen time, no caffeine or alcohol, etc. Others will add some points.

Read the sticky at the top titled Vitamins.... It has some good links at the bottom of the first post.

My best to you.

had an epiphany saturday night.
saw a movie for the first time since the concussion almost 8 weeks ago.
about half way through my temples started tingling and started feeling nauseous. this continued for the rest of the movie.
the next day I felt my vision wasn't quit right and by the end of the day my eye sockets were uncomfortable.
makes me realize my brain is still injured and healing.
i'm still working full time and still debating the wisdom of that. I have modified my work routine a bit, not sure if it has helped. still having issues straining with the pressures of work, dizzy, nausea and head aches.
thanks everyone. it's nice to be able to interact with people who understand.

work
 

Hi there and welcom here. This is a good place.

Last March I tried to return to work after my accident in late Feb. and it caused me nothing but pain. I am sure I got better faster as a result of taking time off. But I had the sick time to do so.

If you CAN take off time and really rest your brain it will help you get better. Even that you question being at work is telling you something.

I have made a return to teaching life again, but I still get some symptoms. My tinnitis is acting up today and I am just more tired.

Take care,

poetrymom