I just read the TBI guide (*link attempt edited*).

The author says it is impossible to get back to 100% but we just have to cope with what has become of us (whether it is 99% or 80%).

The prospect of permanent damage is very disturbing to me.

Are there any cases where a full recovery has been measured and quantified (e.g. IQ scores before concussion and after recovery)?

What are your thoughts?

Hi chgs,

I believe I have read a comment from a neurologist in a medical magazine in which he stated those who have suffered a mild concussion and have a quick resolution in their symptoms can recover 100%.

I was told in Neuro rehab that more complicated brain injuries don't recover to 100%, but a great amount is possible to recover. As you wrote " whether is is 99% or 80%", these numbers are still very doable, as long as you learn workarounds.

I only know of lightrail's recovery here on this site, where he received Neuropsychological testing twice, and demonstrated improvements after a pretty big injury. When was your injury, and what symptoms are you experiencing?
Take care, M-i-m

I was talking to a doctor yesterday at my neurophych she said that in the first year you have the greatest chance of recovery.. normally what is left after the first year you are stuck with ALTHOUGH there are studies that will show some very slow progress up until the 2nd year..

A quote from something I read at BrainFacts.org.

Myth- Brain Damage is always permanent.

After more serious brain injury, such as stroke, research indicates that — especially with the help of therapy — the brain may be capable of developing new connections and “reroute” function through healthy areas.
BrainFacts.org

Yes, I agree, but doesn't this imply that the damaged neurons are lost already, and the brain is just attempting to compensate by using the remaining healthy areas?

This is my biggest fear, and I hope someone can show evidence to the contrary. I am hoping for evidence of neurogenesis after MTBI, not neuroplasticity.

The brain never recovers to 100%. It may recovered to an appearance of 100% but it will be less tolerant to stress. When under stress, the less than 100% recovery may be evident.

You are far too early in your recovery to be worried about how much you will recover. You may recover to 99%. Nobody can predict how much you will recover.

What specifically are you afraid of ? Plenty of people live full lives with residual symptoms from a brain injury.

Yes, what is lost does not heal. Science refers to the process as Neuroplasticity (or brain plasticity).

My brain scan shows evidence of a prior injury to the brain. I interpret that to mean brain damage. However, the good news is that when you excercise your brain it responds by adapting. At least, that is how I understand it.

Another quote:
Brain plasticity is a common term used by neuroscientists, referring to the brain's ability to change at any age – for better or worse.

brainHQ from Posit Science
http://www.brainhq.com/brain-resourc...ain-plasticity

I interpret the words 'better or worse' to mean, 'use it or lose it'. Your brain can and will adapt if you give it the chance.
Jamie

The literature that I have read indicates that even mild TBI causes lasting loss of neurons in the brain.

My concussion was just over a week ago and resulted in unilateral pain, nausea and mild brain fog. Not as bad as many others, but still very troubling.

I believe symptoms are both functional and structural. Unfortunately, structural damage to the brain seems to be permanent. If someone could show any evidence to the contrary, it would be very helpful to us.

Why is it that some people recover so well and others don't? Is it down to genetics or are there environmental factors that we can take advantage of to help recovery?

Welcome to NT. Regarding your question on the measurement, attached are the verbatim comments from the neuropsychologist that conducted my NPA (this following a TBI categorized as severe):

“On examination, the patient demonstrated intact cognition in all domains assessed including learning and memory, attention, processing speed, language skills and executive functions. He has shown an excellent recovery from his severe injury only five months age. From a cognitive standpoint there are no concerns with respect to the patient returning to work full time or returning to driving.”

I personally have spoken to several people who have had concussions and are symptom free. That said most studies suggest that once a person sustains a concussion or other type of TBI, they are more susceptible to long term problems if they suffer additional head injury.

I hope this helps assuage some of your fears.

Some links that may be useful:

http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/feel_better.html

http://www.webmd.com/brain/post-concussion-syndrome

Best to you in your recovery.

good for you!!! even if you're 98 percent instead of 100 who's gonna notice. not even you this will be like it was a bad dream that passed for you. that's great