 |
|
| Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS). |
| Reply |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
01-15-2013, 09:53 AM
|
#1 | |||
|
||||
|
Member
|
Here's my list of PCS activities so far:
Latch Hook Kits Coloring Having friends over Attempting to nap (15 min intervals) Podcasts Listening to Relaxation Music (This is very therapeutic for me) Sitting in candlelight in my comfy chair Posting on forums Calling friends Eating an apple Listening to Videos (I turn my Ipod over so I don't see the screen) These are the activities I have questions about: Television (1 hour a day) Some Computer Time (30 mins a day) Certain Types of Music Legos or Lincoln Logs (I would love to start building with Legos again!) Puzzles I know video games are a no no right now, sometimes I just wanna check Facebook or read the forums. Are all the activities okay that I have listed including my regular ones? And if not, what are other activities I can do? I am always open to new suggestions! Thanks! 
__________________
College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012. Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia. 2 MRI's and CT normal. Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now. Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy. Was experiencing: Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit. Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm. Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside! |
|||
|
 Reply With Quote
|
| "Thanks for this!" says: | MsRriO (01-15-2013) |
|
01-15-2013, 10:08 AM
|
#2 | |||
|
||||
|
Member
|
I used to love latch hook kits!!! I should pick one up. Thanks for that!
I have a lot of problems with friends coming over. The constant chatting and having to act normal are mentally exhausting. You might be ok with it just be careful. I think legos are a great idea and so are puzzles. One other one I've been doing is paint by number (cause I have no talent and need the numbers!) Baking is another good one and you get to eat what you make. I find doing the dishes afterward almost therapeutic in its simplicity. The tv and computer time you mention sound reasonable if they aren't increasing your symptoms. Try not to watch loud, fast paced stimulating tv. Sounds like you have some plans in place! I hope you're having a good day. CC
__________________
I'm a 39 year old, female, accountant. On July 2, 2012 I crashed my bike at the end of a 65KM road ride. I was fine that day but woke up the next morning to my current world. Ongoing symptoms include: dizziness, blurred vision, light and noise sensitivities, cognitive problems, uncontrollable emotions/depression/anxiety, headaches (but they're getting better), mental and physical fatigue, difficulty communicating and sleep disturbances. Currently seeing a fabulous Neuro Psychologist and vestibular physiotherapist and hoping to soon see a neuro ophthalmologist. I am currently doing 20 minute stationary bike rides daily, 20 minutes of meditating, 15 minutes of Lumosity and lots of resting. I have not been able to work or drive since the accident. The things that have helped me the most since the accident are vestibular therapy, gel eye drops (for blurred vision, sensitivity and dryness), amitriptyline (10mg), and meditating. I am finally starting to see some slight improvements and am hopeful! My brain WANTS to heal itself... I just have to let it and stop trying to get better! |
|||
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
| "Thanks for this!" says: | MsRriO (01-15-2013) |
|
01-15-2013, 10:09 AM
|
#3 | |||
|
||||
|
Member
|
Quote:
Here are some additional things I have found useful: Mindfulness meditation. Simple activities such as the eating of an apple can be good opportunities to practice mindfulness. Yoga. I'm just beginning my practice 2 years after my TBI, but I find it valuable, it adds a physical component to mindfulness. Massage therapy. Best to you as you continue to recover.
__________________
What Happened: On November 29, 2010, I was walking across the street and was hit by a light rail commuter train. Result was a severe traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures (skull, pelvis, ribs). Total hospital stay was two months, one in ICU followed by an additional month in neuro-rehab. Upon hospital discharge, neurological testing revealed deficits in short term memory, executive functioning, and spatial recognition. Today: Neuropsychological examination five months post-accident indicated a return to normal cognitive functioning, and I returned to work approximately 6 months after the accident. I am grateful to be alive and am looking forward to enjoying the rest of my life. |
|||
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
| "Thanks for this!" says: | cyclecrash (01-15-2013), MsRriO (01-15-2013) |
|
01-15-2013, 06:21 PM
|
#4 | |||
|
||||
|
Member
|
Legos and Lincoln Logs sound awesome!! What a great idea!
Puzzles could be good if they are relaxing and don't increase your symptoms. Pick easy ones. Same for computer. Does it increase your symptoms? Does reading cause you problems? If so, then you should limit or avoid it. TV is really really tricky. What are you wanting to watch? An hour might be okay if it is something slow-paced like PBS or documentaries. I would be hesitant to watch an hour of an action show that has a lot of music, jerky or fast editing, or anything like that. That is a minefield of sensory overload just waiting to blow your brain out your ears. Think more like Caillou or Little House on the Prairie  Old-fashioned is good in this case -- but only if it doesn't increase your symptoms!
__________________
mTBI and PCS after sledding accident 1-17-2011 Was experiencing: Persistent headaches, fatigue, slowed cognitive functions, depression Symptoms exacerbated by being in a crowd, watching TV, driving, other miscellaneous stress & sensory overload Sciatica/piriformis syndrome with numbness & loss of reflex Largely recovered after participating in Nedley Depression Recovery Program March 2012: . Eowyn Rides Again: My Journey Back from Concussion . |
|||
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
01-15-2013, 07:00 PM
|
#5 | ||
|
|||
|
Member
|
Great list! I would have trouble with the rug kit, as I have damage to my visual system. That would trigger symptoms for me. But if it works for you!
I think that you should do what makes you feel ok, given the injury, and avoid things that make you worse, either as you are doing them or the day after. It has been a hard lesson to learn for me, and I still don't know my own limits! |
||
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
01-16-2013, 10:35 AM
|
#6 | |||
|
||||
|
Member
|
Good idea for a thread
Look up 'Librivox' on itunes podcasts, lots of free audiobooks read by volunteers. Birdwatching.
__________________
mTBI March 2011, spent around a year recovering. Since recovery I have achieved a Master's degree with distinction in Neurological Occupational Therapy |
|||
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
| "Thanks for this!" says: | Mokey (01-17-2013) |
|
01-22-2013, 02:48 AM
|
#7 | ||
|
|||
|
New Member
|
Quote:
I build legos too! I got a concussion 3 months ago, but legos are nice to play with. Maybe I'll try coloring. I have a question, do you guys work? I don't. I don't know if I can under these conditions. |
||
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
01-22-2013, 10:37 AM
|
#8 | |||
|
||||
|
Member
|
I have been making organic soaps
 that I noticed the smells of natural oils keep me thinking about positives, It is time consuming, it also helps me with cognitive such as problem solving, memory, complex attention, and focusing!Monica~I had to stop everything I was doing before such as school & work because the stress was making it hard for me and symptoms got worse with stress....I miss it but I have work I need to do for me and my health....One day I hope I will go back but until then I am not rushing it.
__________________
What Happened: In 2011 I was in a MVA . Symptoms: Physical: I am always cold in any season!!I cannot tolerate anything pressure on my head(sun glasses,hats)longer then a hour,Lock jaw/Displaced TMJ, Dropsey, Hands go numb, Arms go numb, back of head numb (when asleep),Muscle spasms in face & upper body,migraines, concentration headaches, dizziness, nausea, neck and back trauma (from accident), tinnitus, extreme light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, EXTREME fatigue, impaired vestibular system, balance off, Pupils NEVER equal, disrupted sleep cycles,speech problems. Cognitive: Cognitive Behavior, Brain fog, impulsivity, speech problems, word finding problems, slowed processing speeds, impaired visual memory, impaired complex attention Emotional: Unable to handle stress or overstimulation without getting extremely irritable or angry, easily overstimulated, MAJOR depression, major anxiety, Panic attacks Treatment so far: Treatment for PCS,PTSD,Depression & panic,Vestibular therapy, Physical therapy, Vitamin Schedule,Walking,No Dairy, No eggs, No caffeine, No artificial coloring, Sleep with 2 pillows, Very little sugars consumed, Eat healthy,No alcohol, Medications, limit stress and overstimulation. ~*~Learn to treasure yourself and your Divinity. Be willing to accept yourself completely. Be yourself, be graceful, be kind, be wild, be weird ... be true to yourself~*~ |
|||
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
01-28-2013, 08:12 PM
|
#9 | |||
|
||||
|
Member
|
http://www.squidoo.com/concussion-recovery
More concussion activities listed here for ideas . I got some of mine off of this link, hopefully it helps everyone else out there!
__________________
College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012. Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia. 2 MRI's and CT normal. Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now. Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy. Was experiencing: Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit. Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm. Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside! |
|||
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
01-28-2013, 10:10 PM
|
#10 | ||
|
|||
|
Member
|
Klaus mentioned birdwatching, which is a great hobby that I am still able to do.
I was into birding for some years before my accident, and even though there are very few things I can do without aggravating my symptoms, birding is something I can still do. I have to impose some limits, and looking through binoculars too much is tough on my eyes. You can also learn to ID birds by ear, which is really fun for me. There are a number of CDs for learning bird songs, and a few websites as well. The problem is that birds only sing for a few months each year. Birding is also a good way to meet people, even if you're uncomfortable around strangers, as I am. Learning to ID birds by sight and sound is fun and might be good exercise for the memory, though it also could be too much info and stimulation. I also listen to a lot of audiobooks and podcasts, and spend a lot of time meditating and stretching. I try to go for walks as tolerated, and as weather permits (it's not usually very cooperative in January in MN).
__________________
Male, 39 years old, suffering from PCS as a result of being rear-ended on 1/23/11. Part-time philosophy professor. |
||
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
| Reply |
|
|
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Forum | |||
| Any ideas on activities to do besides tv? | Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome | |||
| More on exercise / non pharma activities for PD | Parkinson's Disease | |||
| Activities | Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome | |||
| Swimming, other physical activities | Myasthenia Gravis | |||
| little client BP at 4 yrs old, activities for visit | Parents with Bipolar Children | |||
Concussion Activities
Linear Mode
