Every concussion is different but I though I would start a threat about what is working and I would love for others to chime in. I'm 2.5 years in and much better than originally but still have a long ways to go. I find if I do a good job of managing this now chronic condition I feel much better and have more good days. So here's my list-I would love to see everyone else's list. I know we are all looking for a magic bullet, but until that time here is what helps me; if I'm having a bad day I look at the list and see if there is anything on the list I can do.


What helps me:
1. Meds-cymbalts (for face pain), Amantadine (concentration), lunesta (sleep)
2. Using my c-pap machine for the sleep apnea I developed.
3. Using an orthodonic deviceto realign my jaw and address my TMJ-from the accident.
4. Meditating 2x a day for 10-20 mins
5. ear plugs and sun glasses for most trips out of the house-particularly stores.
6. Taking a 10 minute break every hour at work and laying down.
7. Eating healthy including limiting processed food and sugar.
8. Exercise (mild-I sit on my exercise bike or walk for 1/2 hour) and stretching
9. massage
10. The glasses prescribed by my neuro optometrist
11. naps whenever possible
12. baths
13. Ice for facial pain

Here is what sets me back:
1. Long days at work without breaks
2. Parties
3. Alcohol (even one drink! I keep trying!)
4. Multi-tasking
5. my kids and husband talking to me at once
6. More than a couple of hours a day in front of the computer
7. Insufficient rest.

Things I've tried that haven't really made a difference for me:

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine that I have tried in the states-worked in China
2. NUCCA Chiropractor

How about the rest of you-what works?

Please tell us how the Amantadine is helping you. Concentration is a broad concept. From what I could find, " it is believed to release brain dopamine from nerve endings making it more available to activate dopaminergic receptors. "

Interesting I have not thought to do a pro con on effects.

I have to say that I'm not sure of the scientific basis for why it helps, but symptomatically it helps me to begin a challenging intellectual task and stay with it longer.

I keep a list at home and one at work and if I am having a bad day, I try to do something on the positive list and I avoid doing anything on the negative list. Also,if I know I will be having an intense work day I try to work less the day before and the day after. It makes me feel that I have a little control over this mess!

Thanks for the list and the way of thinking. I tried to start the new year by asking myself for each thing I do...harmful or helpful? I often forget to ask, but it does focus me a bit.

I am now 16 months post injury (mtbi). I tried amantadine twice and thought it was very effective in terms of energy, focus, concentration, and making me feel less foggy. I loved it, but even though I only took 100 mgs in the morning, it caused insomnia. So I had to stop. What dose do you take, and does it affect your sleep?

In addition to the meditation practice you mention I try quick "mindful moments" where I try to clear my mind and focus on breathing.

Other things I find helpful include:

Yoga. I’m just a beginner but I find the gentle body movement combined with meditative focus beneficial.
Massage therapy.
Walking or playing with my dogs (pugs).

Thanks for the thread idea.

I make a list for everything else, why not this? Great idea!

Since I'm mostly doing better, I thought I'd make a list as well, detailing my experience.

What Helped Me:

1. Meditation, 15 minutes of zazen (focusing on the breath)
2. An eye glasses prescription
3. Physical Therapy for my neck
4. Icing and heating my neck.
5. Ear Plugs
6. Turning all electronics off at 10:00 pm.
7. Regular Meals
8. Swimming
9. Distancing myself from stressful people
10. Taking Fish Oil and Magnesium


What set me back:

1. Watching a lot of TV during the first few weeks of recovery
2. Smoking 420. Small doses helped with the nausea without causing symptoms, but too much was too much. I was a regular user before the accident, smoked and had a panic attack afterwards, and mostly quit except when feeling too nauseated to function (and even then I don't smoke enough to get "high").
3. Nicotine = HUGE headache. I'm not a smoker, but second hand or one-two puffs will give me a headache.
4. Letting myself go hungry for too long
5. Running too much
6. Flying
7. Inadequate sleep.
8. Stressing out.
9. Video games.

I take 125mg twice a day (7am and 7pm). I had sleep issue before I tried Amandatine-I could fall asleep but I was diagnosed with sleep apnea after my accident so I am on a sleep medication and I use a C-PAP, so I am not sure I would even notice if Amandatine was making sleep worse!