Hey guys. I know this isn't a doctors lounge, but I've been struggling to find what I call 'accurate' or helpful information on the specifics. Thought people here might be able to give me some insight.

I'm currently day 10 on a concussion event, which involved hitting my head on the floor following a trip. Not a major event at the time and I didn't suspect concussion initially, but I had a throbbing headache following which still hasn't eased.

I rested initially for 2 days and went back to work, which aggravated the symptoms. I noticed I was short tempered and agitated, which involved in me getting into a verbal argument with a co worker which greatly worsened the headache. This isn't my nature at all, I decided I'd take a decent amount of leave off.

I've seen two doctors about it. One shone his light in my eyes and said nothing was wrong, the other listened to my symptoms and said that I likely had mild concussion, due to the headache, some nausia, tiredness etc. He concluded there was nothing 'majorly' wrong, but through independent reading I'm starting to realize that even that can still mean lasting symptoms.

I'm off work until next Monday for now, I'm just wondering what exactly does rest mean? Most articles suggest 48 hours of rest followed by 'easing into it' but since I've got some time off work I'm not sure if I should be watching TV or sitting in my bedroom with the lights off. I'm quickly becoming aware that my actions now may have an impact months and further down the line but my complete ignorance of concussions prior to this meant I had no idea of the possible severity.

Thanks anyone for reading my story, any information would be appreciated

newbie,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. You've come to a great place to sort through the issues.

Based on my interpretations of the myriads of research, the rest that is most recommended is not the cocooning in a dark bedroom. I call it quiet rest. It is reducing your physical efforts and moderating auditory and visual stimulation. For many, TV is OK if stressful programs are avoided. You want to avoid any programs that cause an emotional response. Mild physical effort is good to help maintain good brain blood flow. Walks with good shock absorbing shoes are OK.

You want to try to keep mildly occupied to reduce the frustration and anxiety of boredom. For some, reading is OK. For me, it wasn't. I would read for 10 minutes and need a nap. My wife noticed this and suggested we cancel the morning newspaper. I would crash after reading it.

When you return to work, it would be helpful if you could inform your co-workers of your struggles. Maybe tell them, "If I start to get agitated, please step back and give me time to settle down and sort through this PCS over-response."

PCS is different for every victim. Try to look at your own triggers and learn from them. Moderation in our daily life is the key.

Read the Vitamins sticky at the top and watch the 'You Look Great" video series. It will help you understand better.

My best to you.

Thanks for the post Mark. That is more what I was wondering, like you kind of hinted on, sitting down doing nothing just encourages anxiety as your thoughts tend to focus on the injury. While trying to rest around the home but at least do something to keep your mind off it seems best.

Is there any research if my early lack of rest following the injury will delay recovery? Or is it such a complex area that you can't really know with any certainty the outcome. I feel a bit stupid going back to work, which did nothing but greatly enhance the headaches.

newbie,

Trying to look back is counter productive. This has been hashed over by others. Your short rest was good. Your arguing at work was likely no worse than spending a week or two tied up in anxiety at home. The temporary increase in headache likely slowed you down a bit.

It would have been better for you to avoid those situations that caused an increase in your headaches but you did the best you knew based on the doctors' advice. Taking the rest of the week off is good, especially if you keep a low stress profile. After that, you should still moderate your days to minimize stress. As I mentioned, getting your employer and co-workers to help you will be good.

There is one piece of research that suggest a week or two of minimizing stress is best but there is no consensus on what the best rest is beyond what I have already stated.

Did you watch the "You Look Great" You Tube series and read the Vitamins sticky ?

If you avoid stressful situations and get good rest each night, you have great chances at a good recovery. 85% recover within the first 6 weeks without any special treatments or efforts.

Understandable

I would imagine most people going through this would be frustrated at their own decisions initially, so I'm not surprised that is a common reaction. It would actually I'd imagine be quite difficult to necessarily link the headaches from the 'concussion' to other symptoms anyway, as headaches are a fairly common stress activated response and concussion is so poorly understood this is all very new to me. I actually seem to remember hearing the word 'concussed' and attributing no serious meaning to it.

I think the headaches generally are starting to go away today actually, or at least reduce in severity. I had a strange episode were I was trying to help someone on a computer related issue and trying to think about it made me feel very dizzy. Now I understand what people are speaking about when they refer to 'over exerting' themselves and what it can mean.

I'll do my best to just relax until Monday, see what happens then.