Concussion August 16th
 

Hey everyone, been doing some reading of the forums and wanted some advice.

Alittle over 2 weeks ago I fainted and hit my head causing a concussion. I had a cat scan etc done at the hospital.

I was released and felt some nausea only that evening. I spent the next few days mostly sleeping, I felt ok after 2 weeks to try and return to work for half days however there was a bit too much going on, and I stayed home onwards. (Office job)

I feel like I have constant pressure like a sinus infection, and my head is cloudy , although much improved from the first few days.

I can go for walks, watch TV with symptoms getting any worse. I did attempt going for brunch this morning and the amount of different noises caused a bit of an issue. I wouldn't say loud noises bother me but moreso when there are multiple different noises, or if I have to concentrate on something difficult.

Also I find with the pressure my hearing is a bit off...

Any suggestions, etc. I know rest is important so I've been sleeping until my body tells me to get up. (No alarm)

Thanks
Matthew

Sorry I meant I can go for walks, watch TV without my symptoms getting any worse. I find the cloudy / pressure feeling is there constantly but symptoms get worse when I try and multi task, concentrate on something difficult at work, or when I was in the restaurant... Going out and walking / grocery stores though are not an issue...

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Zeroburn,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Oddly, excessive sleep is not a good thing. Extra sleep should be limited to the first 48 hours. After that, it is best for recovery for normal sleep patterns to be kept. Daily activities should be low stress but active enough to encourage good blood flow to the brain.

You posted "I can go for walks, watch TV with symptoms getting any worse." Did you meant to say 'without symptoms getting worse'?

Struggles with multiple sounds like multiple voices is common. The PCS brain tries to track each voice and overloads. The non-PCS brain can ignore those other voices. Many use ear plugs to reduce the background sounds/voices. Mack's makes a good foam earplug.

It is rare but some experience a disruption in the sinuses and ear canals that is not vestibular/balance. An ENT may have some ideas. The CT Scan may be worth a read by the ENT. Just a question worth asking.

Do you have any idea why you fainted ? Sometimes, the reason for the fainting is still an issue.

Many suffer an upper neck injury with the concussion. There may be not pain or stiffness but still inflammation that can cause symptoms. Concussive forces often include a whiplash movement.

Icing the head and neck can be worthwhile and OTC anti-inflammatory meds can be worthwhile. There is a recipe for home made crushable ice packs in the Vitamins sticky at the top.

Feel free to ask or tell us anything. We have heard it all.

My best to you.

Thanks! yes I meant without symptoms.

The cause of the fainting is most likely an over stimulated vagus nerve. My heard rate slowed down as well and was rushed to the hospital. I have had a ultrasound of the heart, and wore a holter for 3 days as well, still awaiting the results.

I've been sleeping about 9 hours a night, which is about the same as the weekends typically, I haven't been struggling either to get to sleep.

I guess my biggest questions / concerns are when should I be returning to work? I do not want to do any harm etc, I do struggle multi tasking, which might be difficult with work. Of course know one knows the answer to this as well but when do these symptoms subside typically?

Thanks everyone, this is a great forum to help relate and has helped with some of my fears with the concussion.

It will help to get a grasp of the specific triggers of your fatigue, etc. When you do return to work, you should focus on changing how you multitask. Multitasking is a stressful event, even for healthy brains. Finding a way to break up your multitasking into individual tasks will be a big help. Lists, notes, and other ways of reducing your mental workload will improve your ability to get your work done.

You should do some simulated work tasks or try working short days with reduced stimulation. Over-stimulation is the toughest part about PCS and returning to work. Employers just don't understand how the many ambient sounds and visual stimulation can be overwhelming. Finding ways to reduce that over-stimulation will be your most important task as you return to work.

Over-stimulation may not be an issue in a month or two. Nobody can say. Every concussion is different.

At 2 weeks post injury, you may be part of the 85% who recover during the first 6 weeks. Hopefully, that is the case for you.

My best to you.

ZB,

Earplugs! And more earplugs!

Find a quieter time for brunch, a quieter corner in the place you go or a different place if earplugs don't do the complete trick.

I would get pretty embarrassed at first wearing earplugs in normal public but after awhile I just figured getting around was better than letting it bug me.

Bud

Thanks everyone,

I went into work for 4 hours yesterday, felt a bit tired by the end of it, and at times I had to pause myself as I felt an increase in pressure / fogginess but overall it was ok.

I'm wearing earplugs at work, thanks for the tips, as well I wore headphones when I go on my walks now.