Any advice?
 

I got my third concussion (all from Ultimate Frisbee) about a month ago and I'm struggling with this one more than the last ones. But the part that's freaking me out the most is the inconsistency of symptoms, is that normal? Sometimes I'll feel great, but most of the time I feel awful.

I can't get through days without a nap (usually I'm really active), I get headaches even more easily than before, and I'm depressed a lot more, and usually I'm really happy-go-lucky. I've called my friends up to my room (I'm in college) because a lot of time times I just sit in a catatonic-like state and it really freaks me out. Sometimes I can focus on work, but usually I struggle to get the words out.

More recently (like in the past couple of days) I've had a newer symptom, although I'm not sure if it's actually a symptom because I haven't found anything about it anywhere else on the internet. I've had dulled sensory feedback - like pulling my hair or my earlobes or pinching my skin doesn't register as painful, unless I concentrate on it.

I've also had weird short-term memory issues, although I can't really describe it. Like I'll eat an apple and then after it's done I'll look at the core and won't remember actually eating the apple. Then I'll start to remember it, but it feels more like remembering a dream.

Any advice would be great, or just hearing that this is normal would be good. Thanks!

aeg02011,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

What you describe is all common to concussions. Concussion recovery is often a roller coaster. How long has it been since your prior concussions ?

The best you can do right now is get quiet rest. Minimize stress in your life. Reduce your activity level so you can moderate your time to your studies without pushing through. By planning out your days, hopefully you can finish your semester. You may end up needing to go to your disabilities office and ask for some help. More time for tests and papers, etc.

You should stop any alcohol and caffeine. Maybe a single serving of caffeine in the am. No energy drinks.

Pushing through your symptoms will likely slow your recovery.

Let us know how we can help you. There are good people here.

My best to you.

Like Mark said all of what you're describing is "normal" after a concussion.

Please browse through the sticky at the top "Things you wish you'd known when you first got post-concussion syndrome." there is a lot of great advice there.

Please realize that the best medicine right now for you is rest both physical and cognitive.
There are a few people (including myself) in this forum who wish they would just rest more after their concussion and not push it.

It took me a while to realize that I really need to slow down and not push through the symptoms and also not listen to anyone who tells you otherwise, trust me, most people do not have a slightest idea what it's like even if they themselves had a concussion.