Simple question first: Does it ever get better?

I should first say that my own symptoms are so much less dire than many of you on this board that I feel somewhat abashed about asking for help. Mine was a diffuse axonal TBI caused by shaking my own head too violently. The first two weeks afterwards were filled with overwhelming exhaustion, and other common symptoms.

I got on a regular regime of the supplements recommended on this board. I have tried to get more rest, but I tend to do 5-6 hours of sleep/night Sunday-Thurs, and 7-8 hours on weekends. I am now back to cycling three times/week and exhaustion has largely subsided.

What I use to gauge my progress towards total recovery is my tolerance of white flour, which now gives me mild headaches. I *never* used to get headaches, even after the occasional night out on the town. I figure that until the white flour headaches subside, I shouldn't mess with the constant bouncing motion of jogging.

So, three months after initial injury, I'm still on all of the supplements, but a half-slice of toast will still give me a headache. A recurring theme on this board seems to be slow-to-non-existent healing progress. This seems odd, considering that pro-athletes seem to bounce back in weeks. Is it their youth? I am 44. Or do I just need to be patient, go on a Zen retreat to calm the brain, and get more sleep during the week?

defurr,


Welcome back to NeuroTalk. The brain at 44 is much different than a younger brain. It takes longer to recover and recovery is often less complete.

What were you doing when you were shaking your head ?

You are not reading about the pro-athletes who take months to years to recover. Many just disappear as they never recover to a 'return to play' condition. The pressure of big money often causes athletes to return to play when they are still symptomatic.

Sleep is not as important as reducing stress levels. As long as you are getting good restorative sleep.

It sounds like you are doing good if your only head aches are from white flour.

My best to you.

Thanks, Mark; your replies are always appreciated. The head shaking was just a silly act of frustration.

Removing stress is difficult. Just like most folks, my job is inherently stressful. I am a founding partner of an Internet startup that is going through a challenging juncture. I have too much time invested in the company and its attendant relationships to just walk away.

I try to relax as much as possible on the weekends, hanging out with wife in peaceful settings. I suppose I could step up stress reduction techniques like meditation, if that's helpful?

Are you in agreement that no jogging until all other symptoms subside?

Any other techniques or approaches you would recommend?

The just stay away for those things that cause an increase in symptoms. It does not sound like avoiding white flour will be a big issue.

Subsequent to this post, I discovered another trigger: Potatoes, of all things. I had eaten a hamburger and fries on Friday night. Most of the hamburger bun I had peeled away, but I had unwittingly devoured all of the fries. Putting 2 and 2 together after some subsequent incidents, it suddenly all made sense. White bread + potatoes is a sure combination to generate a headache.

Mind you, it's not all bread: I've had pitas that were white as clouds and nice European table bread in Italian restaurants with crust so thick you have to tear it with your hands... that stuff doesn't seem to phase me. Makes me wonder if it's the yeast.

Hi defurr,

Indeed.

2 high GI foods. Even people who are not diabetic can get headaches from a meal of carbohydrates.

Drink lots of water.