I've had 2 head bumps since my initial concussion 3 1/2 months ago. The first one was about 6 weeks into recovery, and was a pretty mild hit on some PVC pipe. Symptoms didn't worsen much at all. I also, about 2 1/2 months into recovery, bumped my head on the frame of my car door. I also noticed no worsening symptoms. Is it safe to say that neither of these blows caused a concussion? They weren't that hard of hits, and symptoms did not worsen...I just keep worrying about these two hits for some reason.

My vision problems are gone and balance problems are still not quite right, but I imagine that will correct itself with time. Coordination/balance seem to be the most stubborn symptoms, although they are mild and vary. I think most of my problems now can be attributed to fatigue. Every day feels like I've had an all-nighter the night before, and my memory and emotions are just kinda messed up. Time, time, time...the healer of all things.

Also...I am 20 years old, healthy, and the initial concussion involved no loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia, or nausea...just visual disturbances and dazed feeling. I've had a few minor little hits in my younger years, but this was my only actual concussion as far as I know.

I'm not sure if either would qualify as a concussion, but I'm glad that they didn't increase your symptoms.

You said your biggest trouble, other than fatigue have to do with balance/coordination. Have you tried vestibular therapy?

I'm 25, and have had 3 concussion, the first two not nearly as bad as this one. I started vestibular therapy 2 months ago and it has really helped me. I no longer have trouble moving around, (except for backwards and in the dark. Both of which are being targeted in therapy). When I started, I couldn't even stand up with my eyes closed without support from two therapists or I would fall down. Now I can do it for a minute, on a squishy, by myself. It's really been a life savor for that part of my symptoms.

As for fatigue and emotions... I'm still stuck there.

what exactly are the exercises you do for your vestibular therapy?

did you notice any difference in how you feel when you go shopping? I find that's the worst for me.

I have some exercises that I do for visual stuff related to vestibular and some that are more balance related.

Visual Stuff: Focusing on an object while tilting my head up and down for a certain time; then side to side; using beads on a string to work on the convergence of my vision and eyes; etc.

Vestibular: Standing on a pillow with my eyes closed for a certain amount of time, (started on just bare ground); Walking while turning my head side to side; Walking while nodding my head up and down; walking wall tossing a ball between my hands, etc.

This has really helped me move around a lot more without feeling like I'm going to be sick, lose my balance, etc. I really struggled and gave up grocery shopping when I first started. Now I am able to go with my boyfriend, but with accomodations. Shopping is a lot of sensory input that can quickly overload your brain. For me, I take a pair of ear plugs... the carts rolling around everywhere and people talking really get to me if I don't. And I generally wear my sunglasses, so that my visual system isn't overwhelmed. I may look like a freak, but I know when I go home, I won't be laid out for the rest of the day. If I do these things, I can go to the store, and go about the rest of my day with very little change in symptoms.

Check with a physical therapist to find where you can get vestibular therapy. It honestly has been a beacon of hope for me!

ok..about the shopping. Does the NOISE of the carts bother you --or is that that you put the earplugs in because you think thats part of the source?? Or is it so distracting that you cant stand it? I find when I go shopping I now can tune those things out (for 15 mins of shopping no longer) but I feel like crap later.

And...do the exercises bring on the symtoms?? How long do you do the exercises for? And how long before you saw some improvements?

The ear plugs are more of a preventative measure. I've found that I can make it through the store without them, or sunglasses, but I"ll pay for it for the rest of the day. I wear both because they filter out extra stimulation that my brain can't handle. So when I get home, I can feel like my semi-normal self, rather than crap for the rest of the day. For me it's all about filtering out extra stimulation.

At first they did cause increased symptoms for an hour or so after. However my therapist geared them back to make them simpler for my brain to handle. From that point on, I might feel a little goofy for a minute or two, but it's nothing that doens't resolve quickly.

How long you do each exercise depends on what your current level of functioning is, etc when it comes to your vestibular system. A therapist would be able to help figure that out after an evaluation, and where you personally need to start and where your biggest weakenesses are, etc.

Honestly, I was starting to feel better after 2 weeks. I go once a week for an hour and work with a therapist. And then have a list of exercises each week to do at home daily. As with anything concussion related, it works for some, not for others. Some progress quickly, others take a while. I have been very blessed that it has worked for me, and I continue to make progress, even if it is slower than I would like.

If you have any other questions, don't hestitate to ask! It has helped me so much!