Hi guys,
I find this site so informative, so I've decided to ask you guys for some advice.

I sustained a concussion mid July 2014, from a serious MVA - the other driver pulled in front of me on the highway and I flipped my car about 4-5 times. I know that I lost some consciousness, probably very minimal because i do recall flipping my car, just not entirely sure how i landed upright in my vehicle.

So it's been a full month since my accident, and i'm not entirely sure if i'm where i should be (recovery wise). I'm an RN, but completely new to this condition as this is my first health problem that i've sustained in my life (I'm only 24).

The first few weeks were awful, lots of nausea, really bad dizziness, headaches ect. Now i'm almost onto my 5th week, and I'm only having frequent headaches (more so in the evenings) and some insomnia. My brain feels a bit foggy at times, in a way that I don't feel 100% like my regular self but I also wonder if that's because i'm unable to continue my regular routines - exercising. I was exercising 6X a week - olympic weight lifting, competing in crossfit competitions but now i can only walk.

This week I tried to jog at a very slow pace (almost a walking pace) for about 10 seconds X 3 attempts, and on the 3rd attempt, I got SO dizzy i thought i was going to faint. Ever since that day, I feel like it has put me back a few steps. i've felt off ever since the day I tried to jog, felt more foggy, lethargic. With that being said, i now know that I'm not quite ready to increase my activity, especially jogging. However, today (being 5 days later) I feel better, more clear, just not 100% yet.

I've also noticed once I exert myself, and bring my heart rate up, i start to get headaches and a bit dizzy - but it usually resides once i stop the activity (walking uphill to flat land)


Now I'm wondering if you guys, who have suffered concussions and are dealing with PCS for some time now, do you think that I'm in a good position? Do you think that I'm headed in the right direction, and will hopefully heal up quickly?

Also, how do you deal with not being able to exercise at your full potential? I've been increasing my walking distance weekly - i'm up to over 7KM at least 2-3x a week. Do you range your activities by your symptoms?

Thanks for your time.

Welcome to NT!

At this point, what your brain needs most is REST - physical and cognitive.

Before my TBI, I was a workout fanatic,too. However, vigorous exercise, and recent TBIs, DO NOT mix. Jogging, with all that jostling, is probably a big no-no. If an increase in you heart rate, increases symptoms (a not uncommon reaction for TBI patients), listen to your body and stop.

I know it's hard to just give up your fitness routine, but it might be for the best, right now. The more you allow your brain to rest and recover, the sooner you might get back to the things you love. If you had a broken leg, would you jog on it? Of course not, you'd let it heal. Your brain needs the same consideration.

As your accident was quite violent, have you been examined thoroughly for neck injury? Problems with the neck can trigger a myriad of symptoms.

Welcome!!!

I second the neck injury thing... I did not think that my neck was injured until about 5 months in and I started having issues with numbing and twitting in my fingers...

You are still pretty inflamed... I would stick to walking around the block if anything right now... you still need to rest!

Look forward to getting to know you!

Welcome aritzia.

I know i'm just becoming impatient, and i'm eager to get back to my normal life. Resting is just SO HARD!!!! ha.

I've been seeing a physiotherapist for my neck (just soft tissue injuries) and he's also been treating my concussion symptoms with acupuncture treatment. Time will only tell. Thanks for the reply!