Party Days Over?
 

Mark often refers the reference as "party days over" following post concussion syndrome.

I'm curious if he could elaborate? Does this truly mean that those who suffered a concussion should put alcohol permanently on the side-line after 1 MTBI?

I can't speak to the science on this, but I considered myself "recovered" from my last concussion around May 2013. By October of that year I had had a few nights of *moderate* drinking with no repercussions. And this summer I definitely had a few nights where I was over the limit.

I've never been a heavy drinker, so I can't speak for getting black-out drunk, but that's bad for your health anyway.

I would say put the idea of partying off your radar until you've been feeling completely better for awhile.

Back as a sophomore in high school, when I had my first serious episode of PCS, my neuro told me to avoid alcohol. I never felt the need to drink, even when with a group that tried to encourage drinking. One time, I was out with coworkers having pizza. I had finished my soft drink but there was more pizza and beer. I had a full glass of beer with some pizza. Boy was I hung over the next day. Later, I came to better understand the issues. There are two parts to drinking. Alcohol is an intoxicant but there are plenty of other chemistries that flood the brain with toxins. Hang-overs are often a result of these toxins.

Studies show that single servings per event are not a problem, some say even during recovery.

I learned that having fun at a party was more a state of mind than modifying my mind. I could be at a party and be stone sober and still have a good time. Friends would ask later if I was drinking. I was just being easy going. I could play off those around me who were buzzed or more. I had complete control and having a good time while they were losing control and not knowing it.

Keep in mind that getting drunk is similar to getting a concussion in how it effects the brain chemically. It is not the same chemistry but the chemical stress is similar.

But then, everybody needs to live their life. Please don't complain when you have relapses after getting drunk. Just stay away from the road. You may have even lower skills even though your BAC is in the legal range. A little bit of alcohol can combine with mTBI to leave you with plenty of brain fog. I have too many TBI friends who are the casualties of alcohol and driving, both of their own fault and the fault of others.

In my experience, Mark's advice is right on. One drink per social event. On occasions I've had more if it's a long event. His advice is also correct about partying being a state of mind. If you are able to find a way to have fun and loosen up (and act goofy) at parties without drinking, you will be surprised with yourself and you may actually start adopting that attitude/behavior more often even when you're not at parties! It's a good skill to have.

I drank quite a bit after my last concussion in 2012 not knowing I had suffered any damage. I noticed I was 'way drink' after a beer and a half, unusual for me. Not that I was a drinker- I was a cyclist and many a cyclist loves a beer or two!

Now that I am aware and my clarity is coming back- I am see that the alcohol directly inhibited my recovery. I stayed in brain fog for 30 months and would get down and ....have a beer. I'd be out for 2 days with intensified symptoms.

Now I don't drink- I'll have the 1 socially rarely but that's it. It's not worth jacking up my brain even more just for some libations. I miss it for sure as I love having a great time and partying with buds. But my new mock tails are great and make it so I don't get questioned about why I'm not drinking and can feel like I'm part of the group.

But I agree with Mark- party 'with alcohol' days are over for a long time until my brain is healed- and maybe for life. Which I am fine with =)

Mark,

Like you I have always prided myself in being able to enjoy things without any assistance.

Bud