[kerningz]

Hey guys,

So I'm a freshman in college and I've played many sports in my life that caused me to get concussions, I had 3 or 4 in High School but managed to get better in a couple of weeks for each one.

About 6 weeks ago a trunk of an SUV slammed my head and I had a pretty bad concussion at first, I wasn't able to really do any school work at all and I felt like crap. I was partying and drinking still (stupid of me, I know) because that was a way to not feel like I could do anything at all.

Now 6 weeks in, I still feel like crap but I'm able to do some things now. My main issues are:

- Bad short term memory (very hard for me to remember things)
- Headache all the time basically
- Dizziness
- Can't focus
- Feel like my brain barely functions, hard time doing math and schoolwork
- Feel slow

So, with these symptoms? Is it looking like PCS? Are there ways to speed up the possible recovery?

Thanks, and sorry if I broke any of the rules of the forum by posting this I know some forums have certain rules, just really want answers cause I feel like my doctors don't really have a way to help.

[Mark in Idaho]

kerningz,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Yes, you broke some rules. You drank and polluted your already polluted brain. LOL. Your post is fine.

The best things you can do are eat and drink healthy. Read the Vitamins sticky at the top of the PCS index page. The first post has a link to a later updated post. You need to get good sleep. You need to avoid stress and excessive physical effort.

No cramming for tests/exams. That will kick your PCS into high gear and not benefit your test results. Your school disabilities office should be able to help you with class workload and exam scheduling. You need extra time for exams and papers. You may need someone to take lecture notes for you. Lectures can be brutal on a PCS brain.

I suggest you give up on your social life for a month or more. Quiet small groups are OK but partying, loud environments, busy conversations, (especially when they are among many people) and other overly-stimulating events and activities will be counter to recovery.

Do not fight your poor memory. It will only make it worse. No multitasking. So, simplify your life and plan on a simple life for the rest of the school year. Do not increase your activity levels unless you have been doing good for at least 2 weeks straight. Most will have a good day, think, "This is great, I'm going to get back to my life." and then crash hard. When you start to return to normal activity levels, start slow and go slow.

It takes discipline to create the best recovery environment. If you take the attitude that the next few months can make a difference for your entire college education, you will be ahead.

Please keep in touch. There is a lot of experience here.

My best to you.

[kerningz]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

kerningz,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Yes, you broke some rules. You drank and polluted your already polluted brain. LOL. Your post is fine.

The best things you can do are eat and drink healthy. Read the Vitamins sticky at the top of the PCS index page. The first post has a link to a later updated post. You need to get good sleep. You need to avoid stress and excessive physical effort.

No cramming for tests/exams. That will kick your PCS into high gear and not benefit your test results. Your school disabilities office should be able to help you with class workload and exam scheduling. You need extra time for exams and papers. You may need someone to take lecture notes for you. Lectures can be brutal on a PCS brain.

I suggest you give up on your social life for a month or more. Quiet small groups are OK but partying, loud environments, busy conversations, (especially when they are among many people) and other overly-stimulating events and activities will be counter to recovery.

Do not fight your poor memory. It will only make it worse. No multitasking. So, simplify your life and plan on a simple life for the rest of the school year. Do not increase your activity levels unless you have been doing good for at least 2 weeks straight. Most will have a good day, think, "This is great, I'm going to get back to my life." and then crash hard. When you start to return to normal activity levels, start slow and go slow.

It takes discipline to create the best recovery environment. If you take the attitude that the next few months can make a difference for your entire college education, you will be ahead.

Please keep in touch. There is a lot of experience here.

My best to you.

Thanks so much. This was exactly what I needed. I've been stressing and worrying so much that I won't get better. I'm definitely done partying for the semester. Your response to my post could not have been any better. Thank you for the advice and guidance, it is much needed. My spring break is next week so that will be a full week of doing absolutely nothing. Thanks again. I will definitely update here and keep in touch.