Rambling Post — Advice Appreciated
 

Hi there. There is so much info here it is overwhelming to me. Perhaps someone can point me to the best place to start or something.

I had five concussions in less than 1.5 years. The last one was in September 2013. Although I have been improving in many ways, the sensitivity to knocks and jolts has steadily increased. Every time a jolt brings back concussion-like symptoms (dizziness, spaced-out, memory problems, nausea, etc.), it takes me longer to recover. Plus, I am becoming more and more sensitive so that right now the smallest thing sets me back. I can no longer handle the heat of the sun for very long, I can't walk more than a very small distance, if I did something like jumping down from a chair I'd regret it for days, and so on.

I have not received any therapy at all. My doctor says, "Rest and do light exercise." That's all the medical help I have had. I can't afford alternative treatments, like neurofeedback therapy, although I did that years ago for a different issue and found it very helpful. I can hardly afford supplements and only take them sporadically.

I recently relapsed by jogging a short distance and have been dizzy for quite a few weeks since, plus have other symptoms.

Is there anything I can do, or am I screwed? Oh, and for healthcare, I'm in Canada, but it seems nothing is covered other than pharmaceuticals.

TheLastCastle,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Sensitivity to jolts is not uncommon but for many, there is likely an anxiety factor to the symptoms after the jolt.

I encourage you to do everything you can to get a basic vitamins and supplements regimen going consistently. Sporadic use is not much help as the brain needs to build up levels of some compounds and purge itself of toxins. With some careful shopping, the regimen can be found for less than a dollar a day. $30 a month is well worth any sacrifices that need to be made.

The issue you likely have not pursued is your upper neck. It can be self-treated by being disciplined with head and neck posture during rest and sleep. Avoiding causing neck and brain stem inflammation can make a big difference. The jolts may be traumatizing the neck more than the brain. Nobody knows for sure. Physiotherapists may be able to help a bit but disciplined posture just as important.

Hi Castle

I live in Canada too. Through my family doctor, I got referrals to an occupational therapist and a physiatrist at the hospital. These services helped me learn how to manage my recovery by learning coping and pacing skills and alternative ways to do things that did not make my symptoms worse.

My opthomologist referred me to the Orthoptics Clinic at the hospital for my vision issues. All of this cost me nothing as it was covered by my provincial healthcare plan .

You might need to be more proactive and ask for these referrals - I would start with the occupational therapist - they can assess your current status and give you lots of guidance for ways to manage your recovery.