[Peter11]

I am 4 months post concussion.I was knocked unconscious 4 months ago. I did not have any initial symptoms. A month later I developed a constant headache and a myriad of other symptoms.
I think my symptoms have been improving, but I can’t really tell! If they have its been a very slow process. I was just wondering if anyone had experienced a recovery and if so what changes do you notice/ how can you tell if your symptoms are getting better.
Also can I still hold out hope for a full recovery?

[Lightrail11]

Originally Posted by Peter11

. I was just wondering if anyone had experienced a recovery and if so what changes do you notice/ how can you tell if your symptoms are getting better.
Also can I still hold out hope for a full recovery?

Hi Peter and welcome. While all brain injuries are different, many of us that have a TBI make a full or nearly full recovery. My TBI was rated as moderate to severe, I was in the hospital two months, one in ICU, one in neuro rehab. Today I still have some residual depression symtoms (which may or may not be related to the TBI) but cognativley I feel as though I have fully recovered, and the last neuropsychological exam confims this to the extent that it can. Rather than repeat the details here is my recent thread on my recovery experience. Best to you and wishing you a full recovery as well.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread180357.html

[rmschaver]

No one can tell how long or what rate of improvement you will have. First, yes people do recover. By recover I mean that for some symptoms improve and life changes are frequently made. I found it helpful to keep a health journal over a period of months.

Personally my first improvement was end of the daily severe headache. I still get daily headaches but they are rarely severe. I could go on and on but in a nutshell improvement comes over weeks and months. I am sorry to say but I feel it is best to be truthful.

The difficulty of dealing with so many and severe symptoms can overwhelm a person. It is for that reason if no other that seeing a counselor, IMO is a good idea. If a PCS injury was like a broken bone or a disease then it would be dealt with much differently.

[Peter11]

Originally Posted by rmschaver

No one can tell how long or what rate of improvement you will have. First, yes people do recover. By recover I mean that for some symptoms improve and life changes are frequently made. I found it helpful to keep a health journal over a period of months.

Personally my first improvement was end of the daily severe headache. I still get daily headaches but they are rarely severe. I could go on and on but in a nutshell improvement comes over weeks and months. I am sorry to say but I feel it is best to be truthful.

The difficulty of dealing with so many and severe symptoms can overwhelm a person. It is for that reason if no other that seeing a counselor, IMO is a good idea. If a PCS injury was like a broken bone or a disease then it would be dealt with much differently.

Thankyou for the reply.

My daily headaches have started to subside. I used to get intense headache in the mornign and after work. There is still a dull ache in the back of my head, but it is not what i would call a headahce. I am not worried about weeks and months of improvement. I am awilling to work at it for that time. (as ive already dealth with 4 months of it!) I guess the hardest thing is not knowing when! I am 22 years old and I want to be able to live my life to the fullest! I know that this may take a while, but taking baby steps and seeing some improvement is what will keep me going! I still hold hope for a full recovery. Can I ask do you still suffer from PCS, what was your situation?

[Mark in Idaho]

Since you are having prolonged concussion symptoms, I would not be surprised if you have remnants of PCS for quite some time. It basically suggests that your brain is sensitive to impact and possibly the stresses that make PCS symptoms last.

You have lots of life ahead. Striving to live your life to the fullest may be a problem if you mean partying and living at the extremes like many of your generation do. PCS does not tolerate such brain stressing activities.

As you learn what helps you recover, consider that those things will also enhance an opportunity for a long PCS symptom free life.

Although many people who have suffered a concussion recover fully in the obvious areas, the brain will always be in a weakened state. Over time, you will notice some of these swings in symptoms as stress and illness effect your brain. Even high altitudes will cause symptoms to manifest as your brain struggles to get good oxygen.

So, take it easy and learn how your brain responds to life.

And, don't worry about what the future holds. You have limited impact on the future at this point in time.

My best to you.

[rmschaver]

I still have the symptoms listed in my signature. While they are a daily occurrence I function independently. You are young and motivated and that helps. It is very easy to hamper ones recovery. If there was one piece of advice I would give, it would be to be a strong advocate for ones self. Do not let a bad doctor dissuade you from addressing all the symptoms of PCS.

[rmschaver]

My injury occurred at work. A large roll up fire door fell on my neck and skull. I credit the rigorous weight lifting I was doing for not being injured worse than I was. On top of the PCS I have back pain in the thoracic and lumbar regions and a loss of mobility in my c-spine region. PT and myofascial release therapy has helped with the neck and back issues. Rest and support from this forum has done more for my PCS than any doctor.