PT/OT/Speech
 

I'm planning on starting up rehab again in a week. I'm a little nervous about the three hours of evaluation and the appointment schedule especially with my extreme noise and light sensitivities. As things haven't improved on their own, I suspect this is worth a shot. However I don't know if they will be able to help with my light sensitivity.

What are people's thoughts on brain injury rehab over a year out?

As a retired OT and being 2+ years with PCS, I believe you have nothing to lose doing rehab; however, it must be the correct therapies. Any old PT or OT for PCS is not going to do and it must be a therapist specializing in concussion. As for light sensitivity, OT/PT, in my experience, will not do anything for this issue. As someone who has experienced light & sound sensitivity, my light issues have pretty much cleared, but my sound issues persist.
Most important is that you have the right (positive) mind set going into your evaluation. Have your noise canceling headphones or earplugs available, sunglasses, and don't be afraid to ask receptionists and therapists to find a "quiet" spot for you to wait or participate in your eval. I've had to ask people in many therapy, doctor and attorney offices to lower the volume on the tv or music and even dim the lights in a waiting room before an IME (workers comp medical eval) as I was turning green and ready to heave from my light sensitivity.
Do you have other issues besides light and sound sensitivity? Some people are helped by using Therapeutic Listening, a music based program of filtered music administered by certified OTs. I have used this on myself over the past 2 years with some success; however, sound sensitivity is the most difficult symptom to clear and the one that continues to give me headaches and keeps me from socializing on a regular basis.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Please


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The challenge with neuro-rehab is where they set the bar. Most brain injury rehab is for patients who have lost a lot of function. For many of them, returning them to a functional level similar to where many with PCS are is considered a success. It is helpful to find rehab specialists who are good at working to get the patient improving past that point.

Another way of putting it is. If we can walk, talk, eat, and tie our shoes, we are in good shape. They may not consider that the pace and persistence with which we can walk, talk, eat and tie our shoes may be sorely lacking. If we crash after 20 minutes of talking or doing another task, they may not have a concern.

Much of the 3 hours of testing may be for motor function testing. Maybe a light board. Some organizational skills (kitchen tasks) and such may be tested.

So, you may get frustrated thinking, I can easily do abc... but I can't do or tolerate xyz....

Try to give yourself room to fail or manifest a symptom, like saying, I can do this one task but if I need to do it for an hour, I will start messing up. There are some struggles that do not show up until 15 or 20 minutes of repetition when they hit an over-attending level.

It is worth a try. Hope you get a good diagnostician.

Hi Danny

I first did vestibular rehab at month 4 and they discharged me after 2 months for whatever reason (I was nowhere near ready). I then chose to go back to vestibule rehab at a different place at month 14 and it did wonders for me. So I think it is well worth it. I also agree that the quality of the therapist/therapy is important.

Also, FYI, my light and sounds sensitivity decreased quite a bit during vestibular rehab. My therapist does work with different videos and flashing lights and things to help with that. It may be worth trying to find a good therapist trained in concussion and vestibular problems.

Danny,

I am post 22 and started seeing a good jump forward at 20 months.

My thoughts on rehab are go for it...there is nothing to lose.

I have had frustrations with my vision therapy....being in a room doing the same exercises as an 11 year old or unable to do things I could before injury back in the 3rd grade eye tests, headaches after, etc.

Quitting isn't an option so I dig deep for the character to overcome the feelings to take the safe and less embarrassing way out, quit and hide for the rest of my life.

You can do it...I have had to use a little wisdom and ask to take a few minute break to calm down or regain composure and the office staff has been very supportive.

Bud