[nancys]

We are just about 6 months post concussion. The major issue we are still battling is fatigue. How can I tell if my daughter's fatigue is PCS related fatigue vs. the fatigue that would accompany depression? The majority of the time, I don't think she is depressed - but then she'll make occasional comments that make me stop and wonder if she is struggling with depression too. I know that she is really bummed about not being able to ride her horse and attend a series of events she wanted to this summer. She's also frustrated that she's not better yet.

Any suggestions on how to battle the fatigue regardless of the cause?

[BeccaP]

I'm just about 6 months post concussion also. I've been working with a neurologist who checked all my blood hormone levels as well a some key nutrients (called it a neuroscience panel I think). He said that a head knock can impact hormones sometimes because the Pituitary got knocked around. Anyhow, most of my hormones were fine but I was borderline deficient in Vit D. Not too surprising considering I've spent most of the past 6 months laying in bed. Getting those levels up has helped me feel less fatigued (not all better, but a noticeable improvement) and more positive mentally. For where I was, he had me take 10,000 IU's/day for two weeks then 5000 IUs/day for maintenance. I still deal with pcs symptoms but this has helped...best wishes for your daughter.

[Mark in Idaho]

nancy,

Have you found any other things that she can do besides the things she can't do quite yet?

Does she spend time grooming her horse?

There are lots of videos about teaching a horse ground manners, like dealing with obstacles, stepping over brush, etc. Craig Cameron has some videos. I have see him do ground work and lead rope work and teach a horse to do amazing things. I watch lots of horse shows on RFDTV and see plenty of horse activities/trainings without being in the saddle.

Try giving her some safe but complex challenges that require her to apply her mind to a task. Has she ever learned to sew? Simple multi-sensory tasks are good for PCS. Sewing is tactile and visual.

She could go to www.lumosity.com or www.positscience.com and do some of the online brain training games. I have the Posit Science brain training programs and am working through them. Both sites have some free opportunities as well as paid programs.

Not knowing her skills and likes and dislikes, I don't have any suggestions. Early after my last concussion, I spent a lot of time training my dogs to work off leash. I have beagles and they have a mind of their own so it was a consistent challenge.