Sustained first concussion on 1/21. No loss of consciousness. Symptoms are dizziness and headaches whenever I watch tv or go on the computer. Taking leave of absence from school for the rest of the semester. Have been lying down, listening to audiobooks, avoiding tv/computer/everything for 2.5 weeks now. Still get headaches whenever I go on computer or tv. Is there a time I should just bite the bullet and go back to normal life? What do you suggest I do to entertain myself? Getting bored-er by the day and almost going crazy. Any suggestions/help?

Welcome to my world. I was on your situation 2 weeks ago.
Did you went to a doctor ?

Do not use PC or watch TV for at least 2 more weeks, then you should be able to watch TV but you will probably strugle with pc.
Do not go back to normal life, you need more rest, i was going nuts first weeks, i used to be very fast and active every day before injury, now im afraid from everything. lol
I dont suggest you to start physical activities for at least couple of months.
Really sorry to hear that you are bored but you will need to get used to it.

Did your doctor refer you to a Neurologist? A Neurologist should be able to give you something like Amitriptyline which should give you relief from some of the headaches you experience while using the computer. For me, I've only gotten headaches from computer use, not from watching TV. My Neuro has me on Amitriptyline which does keep the headaches at bay for a little while. I still have to take breaks away from the computer every 30 minutes or so and cut my workdays a little shorter because I stare at a screen all day.

Your brain needs time heal so going back to normal activities is not recommended. I've tried it and it only made things worse. Spend some time reading or take up a new hobby. I just started learning to play guitar. It's fun and it keeps my mind off my headaches.

Taking the semester off school was an EXCELLENT decision. Kudos on making that call quickly.

Beyond that, you should try not to resume any activity as long as it still causes symptoms.

I know, it's easy to get stir-crazy. Here's the list of things I came up with that I could do without hurting myself:

http://eowynridesagain.wordpress.com/game-basics/

You can test yourself every now and then to see if something like TV or computer causes symptoms. If it doesn't, cautiously try a bit more, or something a bit more advanced. For example, I could watch very slow-moving TV shows like Caillou long before I could watch more action-oriented shows with quicker editing and more background music.

Keep in mind that sometimes the symptoms can be delayed (i.e. you go out to a restaurant and are exhausted and get a headache afterwards or even the next day).

Take everything slow and easy...

Good luck! Hopefully with good quality resting time for your brain and your body, you will heal quickly.

lpatricia9988,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your struggles.

Eowyn and Ziggo have given you good advice.

If you get symptoms from any activity, you should listen to your body/brain and curtail that activity. You may be able to used the computer for 5 minutes at a time or so. TV needs to be limited to low stress shows with simple audio, no MTV music etc.

Hi Def TV can be too harsh for many with PCS. Sit way back from the TV screen when you watch.

Quiet walks can be good and any form of manual tasks can help fill the void. The hands cannot work too fast for the brain. Arts and crafts can be good. Knitting, crochet, etc. I could even do jig saw puzzles if I did not over do it.

Unfortunately, there is no substitute for rest.

You will also benefit from good vitamin supplementation. B's are important. A B-50 or B-100 complex plus 300 mgs of B-6y and 500 to 1000 mcgs of B-12, Omega 3's, D3, all of the anti-oxidants, niacin, calcium, magnesium, and a few others.

Stay away from caffeine, MSG, aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal) and alcohol. Maybe one glass of wine per day.

Audio books may be too much for you. Any time you sense a need to replay a bit of the book, you have over-done it. If your eyes struggle to focus or to follow a line of text, you have over done it. Any time you even start to over do it, you need to take a break.

Hope you feel better and find a way to avoid the boredom.

My best to you.