Concussion travel advice...
 

Newbie to the board here.

I had a concussion four weeks ago thanks to a glass door in Brazil.
Im due to flight back to London, where i’m from, on 3rd of November.
While i am making progress towards recovery, i still have some way to go (my main symptoms are balance, photo sensitivity, fatigue).

My question is, is 3rd November too soon or should i wait longer?
I don’t have to be back by the 3rd but as you can imagine the last few weeks have been tough without any family support close by and i’m thus keen to get home sooner rather than later.
When i take lifts/elevators and if i move around too quickly i can still feel my brain as it were “sloshing” around which, symptoms aside, would suggest to me that i still have a good degree of healing to go.

As i’m not totally convinced i’m going to get the best advice on this here any thoughts on this will be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to hear about your concussion a door was responsible for mine. I think I would delay flying for longer if it's not too much hassle. The whole process can be stressful for healthy people never mind if you're feeling unwell. Plus recycled low oxygen cabin air isn't going to help.

Welcome rickSA. :Wave-Hello:

rickSA,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

I would not worry about travel on Nov. 3rd. Just plan on needing a day or two to recover from the travel. Air pressure in the cabin is equivalent to the outside air pressure at 1800–2400 m (6000–8000 feet) above sea level. This won't cause damage. It will just cause fatigue. Stay well hydrated but no alcohol. Don't plan on driving a car when you land. Get a ride home.

In my opinion, you are better off needing the extra time to recover at home that in a distant place. Then, you can get better rest and support.

btw, I am altitude sensitive and have no problem at 6 to 8,000 feet. More than that is problematic.

My best to you.

Do what you can to make the flight more comfortable. I use a travel pillow to help stabilize my neck and, as planes are quite loud, I wear ear plugs. You might want to bring along your sun glasses, in case you find the terminal too bright and visually stimulating.

As Mark said, expect to be tired afterwards.

Many thanks guys for the info, will have a think.

On another note i had a massage in the hotel i'm staying in about to 28 ours ago. The massage pillow was pretty hard and i can still feel where the pillow touched at the front and back of my head.
I was laying for about 25 minutes on each side and there was a degree of motion up and down thanks to the massage but she was generally gentile.
I've essentially got a front and back headache which semi response to acetaminofen but not completely and is of course worse when i lay down.
Aside from this i have no other symptoms have presented so far. My main concern is have a re concussed myself? And should i seek medical attention?
The headache is not severe to point out and i was able to sleep last night. Also have stronger painkillers such as Zaldiar which i have yet to try out.

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

You did not reconcuss yourself laying on a hard pillow. This is likely an anxiety reaction to the sensation. If anything, maybe some soft tissue (skin) irritation where the rubbing took place.

Many Thanks Mark, forget the paranoia :)

If turbulence i concerned for a concussed-post concussed brain.
Many thanks

Turbulence will not get that bad. If you go through a period of turbulence, lean forward so your shoulders are hunched forward. This allows your back to absorb the turbulent forces better.