How important is it to take time off work? My only serious symptoms that still haunt me are constant headaches. My other symptoms seem to be less noticeable. Will my symptoms just stay with me and drag on the healing process or am I seriously affecting my chances of healing at all?

MY HISTORY:
I've had PCS for almost 2 moths now. For the first month I carried on life as normal (drinking, working, no rest. etc.) and my doctor just told me to take it easy and it will go away in a few weeks.

After a strenuous run a few weeks ago (after I thought I was better) I relapsed to a state that is worse than the original symptoms. My new doctors told me to take a week off work and advised thereafter to take more time off work. I returned to work after the one week off. I work with computers.

Chris,

Your situation is very common. The injured brain needs quiet rest. Quiet means brain quiet. You want minimal brain stimulation. Try to lessen the cognitive load and also the background load. Visual and auditory stimulation combine to fatigue the brain.

Mild stimulation that does not cause a cognitive load is OK to maintain blood flow to the brain. Simple soft music that has a melodic flow with understandable words without angst or stress can help the brain keep a light focus. The goal is just enough stimulation to avoid boredom and keep some blood flow going.

You need to get good quality sleep. REM sleep is when healing happens. The run likely just caused some jarring and maybe some metabolic toxins. Neither is good from brain recovery.

So, some time off work managing your days for low stress should be helpful. Then, when you return to work, you need to find ways to keep stress low. Too many voices and conflict in communication will be counterproductive.

I hope this helps you understand how to get some good recovery time.

My best to you.

the problem is I have already returned to work. I'm just wondering if I can continue to slowly heal while working or if this course of action is seriously detrimental.

I forgot to mention that I think my most serious issue is that when I am in a meeting or someone is trying to explain something new to me I have a hard to concentrating/understanding and a serious headache ensues.

Hi mate,

The first thing i would do, assuming you havent already is to talk to your boss. Explain the problems you are having and be totally frank with them.

Thats what i did, work is fine about it.....so far. My manager is excellent.

I have been back at work full time for 4 weeks, but today i had to come home because i felt unwell. Dizzy and very very tired.

Like i was literally going to go into sudden sleep at the desk, weak legs etc, so i bailed. I had a terrible nights sleep Courtesy of our 2 year old !

I think thats what made my symptoms worse.

So, my advise to you would be to level with your work, and actually take some more time off. I wish i did.

Take it easy mate.

Thanks for the help.

I think I screwed up the first week that I took off work. I watched quite a bit of TV...

Would you guys recommend that I take the family camping and try to relax there? Or is the only true method of relaxation in a dark, secluded place?

I'm not sure there is any one formula for getting the rest your brain needs. Low stimulation, low exertion (physical and mental), low stress, minimizing screen time (TV, computer, smartphone), and a slow pace are key, as is getting ample sleep and good nutrition. A regular daily routine can also help (going to bed, getting up, and having meals at the same time every day).