I hit my head Feb 4 but my symptoms didn't seem to hit fully until a few days ago. Friday was hard, in fact I went to the E.R. because of it (long story), Saturday was a huge rest day and I felt a bit better after 15 hours of sleep the night before, Sunday was hard off and on (meds seemed to help), Monday was better. Stress seems to set me off pretty easily and I have plenty of opportunities for stress in my life and even while I want to rest, I also want to get back to dealing with life since I am aware it hasn't stopped just because things changed for me

I find myself asking the question, do I wait for things to get better before returning to life or do I jump back in the fray and just try to take it easy while I'm symptomatic? It feels like there's conflicting information on the web and I don't have too much feedback yet from my doctors. I don't mind slowing it all down for a while, I just wonder for how long? I don't see myself being able to wait until I'm no longer symptomatic to carry on with business. I don't claim being in the PCS boat, but I also don't want to wait to see if I get that badge to ask "how long is long enough?" Any advice?

To clear up any confusion, at the time of this post, my understanding was that PCS is used to describe lasting symptoms resulting from a concussion that extend beyond what might be considered a "normal" healing time. I'm still not 100% on exactly what PCS refers to, if it's just long-lasting symptoms or any symptoms, period...

Given your symptoms seem to occur most forcefully after activity, I would be cautious and take some time off, gradually returning to activity.

v-lo,

You are so early in the healing process than it is hard to say what you should do. The general rule is to rest and avoid stress. What meds are you taking?

Until your symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, you could be just as likely to spontaneously recover. Keep in mind that you will be more susceptible to any kind of head jarring or impact.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol until your symptoms subside.

Let us know how you are doing if your symptoms persist beyond a few weeks.

My best to you.

WAIT. waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwait.

A year ago, I was where you are. I said, I can't rest because I don't have time. I pushed myself, and ended up being forced to take the rest under very unpleasant circumstances. I got to the point where I just couldn't do it any more. Not at all fun.

Set good boundaries now to take care of yourself so you don't have to have a complete meltdown.

Thanks Eowyn, you really confirmed what I learned yesterday that I just don't have it in me to push it anymore. I was up at the hospital for quite some time with a friend. Her newborn has been very sick and they came close to pulling the plug yesterday. It took so much out of me emotionally and physically, I'm glad I was with a group of friends who could also help me when my reserves announced they were drained long before I wanted to stop. This resting thing sounds like it's going to be a learning experience for me. I'm so used to go-go-go til you drop, then get up and go some more...

I have a very good neuro whose sound advice was: physical and mental rest until you feel 90% with no symptoms. Then begin a graduated return to work.

You might review the six-step protocol for athletes, which mandates rest until symptoms are gone, then increasing activity incrementally, starting slowly and carefully, and stepping back if symptoms are triggered (many people find they initially need to rest completely, sometimes for weeks or even months. However, light activity/exercise during recovery may be helpful so long as it doesn't trigger or worsen symptoms). Recovery can take days, weeks or months - no way to predict a timeline. Be patient and optimistic.

It is very important to make your recovery (not work, not studying, not socializing or exercising) your top priority.