I was diagnosed with post concussion syndrome over a year ago. I made, what I believed was a full recovery. Last fall I decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in military psychology. About half way through the semester I realized I wasn't recalling information like I should be. There were also instances where I was unable to block out background noise. Sometimes the sound the chairs made when people moved would cause me great irritation. I had to acknowledge at that point that something still wasn't right. I was devastated. Recently, I have felt as though someone has picked me up and set me right back to where I was immediately following my concussion. All the symptoms I initially experienced have returned. I spoke with the nurse at my neurologist office who recommended I go to the ER. I have now been referred to a concussion specialist who I will see in two weeks. In the meantime, I am experiencing increased memory loss, fatigue, and what I refer to as "zombie periods" where I feel as though my brain and my body are shutting down, and words don't come out correctly. I don't understand what is happening. I feel the people around me don't understand the severity of what is happening and I feel alone. Even if there is one other person in this world who can say, I know how you feel", that would be tremendously comforting.

lily101,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Believe me, We know how you feel. There are hundreds of us who know how you feel.

Personally, I doubt your memory issues have increased. Once we first notice in a serious way, that we are experiencing memory difficulties, all of a sudden, we notice those difficulties much more often. Until then, we tend to ignore or over-look those struggles.

As we become more aware of the reality of our struggles, many of us will increase our struggles with anxiety. This only makes those cognitive struggles worse.

The return to school put your brain under an intense workload. Most of our daily activities never stress our brains in normal daily life like serious academic work does. It is possible to endure an academic program. We just need to take it slower after we first learn how our new brain learns.

First, I would encourage you to read the Vitamins sticky at the top. Especially the link at the bottom called "You Look Great" and the "Lost and Found" article on Brainline.

There a re good people here to support you so please don't hesitate to tell us about your struggles.

btw, As you have notice your struggles at school, some of us struggle to read long paragraphs. We do best when the paragraphs are broken up with a blank line every 5 or 6 lines.

My best to you.

Mark In Idaho,

Thank you for your encouragement and feedback.

If you don't mind me asking, how did your brain injury occur?

You are right, I am more observant now when I am unable to recall information. It does create frustration and anxiety.

Although I wouldn't wish this upon anyone, It is so comforting to know I am not alone.

I am determined to "recondition" my brain. I believe it is possible.

I always encourage your thoughts and feedback.

again, thank you

Angie

Keep up the good work with school! I just returned to classes in january. I only took one class and man it was a struggle :P But I got a 75! So I'm super happy about that. it took a lot of trial and error to find the best way to study. I found I have to work harder than I did before to get the same grades I used to. Time management is going to be your best friend. I started studying for my exam the second day of classes. Just a little bit at a time. usually 30 min a night and more if I was feeling good. Take advantage of your good days so if you happen to have a bad day or two you aren't super stressed if you need to take those days to rest!

Thank you for the advice and encouragement. I have decided to take a break from school. I have some tests lined up that will hopefully give me some sort of base line for where I am at cognitively.

What are you studying?