Why can't you eat an anti-inflammatory diet? I agree that it requires some organization, but given the potential benefits don't you think you could try to stick to it religiously for a few months?

Try different types of shoes. I was bothered by some running shoes (the ones with air, especially when walking on very hard surfaces) but not by others. I finally found a great relief with good hiking shoes. Not overthinking it will definitely help, but you also want to put yourself in the best possible conditions to minimize symptoms.

Your right I'll do my best to stick to the diet. Sometimes though it's hard since I'm a broke college student so I kinda tend to eat what's given to me but you make a good point.

Also though I'm very skinny so I fear I will lose too much weight on it

Why do I have to minimize symptoms, is this because it will make my recovery faster?

Perhaps, but primarily because minimizing symptoms is an objective per se. Isn't it what we are all trying to do?

Also, one tip for the subway. I have a bumpy bus ride everyday to go to work. It used to set me back frequently but now that I stand on my tiptoes (instead of sitting) it is much less of a problem. Of course you have to hold yourself to something to avoid falling.

Ben, I hope that is OK for me to offer you some CBT.

You wrote "continued brain deterioration". and "I feel severely brain damaged"

You also wrote "I was evaluated by a top neurologist who said I had no noticeable deficits. A few days ago I spoke with a top psychiatrist who said I sounded very intelligent and articulate and should consider becoming a psychologist for my career. My parents and gf say they have not noticed any drop off in my intellect and my friends have not mentioned anything about me acting differently besides that I am now more quiet."

In CBT jargon the first quotes are forms of a Negative Automatic Thought (NAT) called Catastrophising.

The key to CBT is to challenge a NAT, asking if there is any evidence for it.

The second quote shows that there is not a scrap of evidence that your NAT has any basis in reality.

Thanks, that is something I've seen in cbt. I actually have a whole form on that exact concept. I really wish I could just stop thinking about all this though and I guess I was just worried since the neuro appointment was about 5 months ago and I know that alot can happen in 5 months.

Thanks for reminding me my training though, it helps

Ben, We all agree that inflammation is a big contributor to concussion symptoms. It is not the only cause. The web article you pointed to just says that but does not offer treatment suggestions.

As you said, you spend a lot of time focused on your concussion symptoms and concussion issues like worry about a passionate kiss or hug or bumps on the metro. If the bumpy part of the metro is only 90 seconds, stand up with your knees flexed and let your body absorb those bumps.

I don't think you should be doing weight training. It may seem safe but it causes neck muscle tension that can be a problem.

An issue you have failed to understand is quite simple. Your recovery is not based on the amount of time you spend resting. It is more impacted by the most stressful things you do. Just as you say that only 90 seconds of the metro ride are a problem, spending a small part of your day wrapped up in anxiety will prevent the rest from having any value. It is like you keep picking a scab off just as a wound starts to heal.

You have not developed brain damage since the neuro appointment 5 months ago. Also, top neuro or top psychiatrist is completely meaningless unless they have expertise with your condition (most top neuros don't) or you are willing to believe them.

Alright, i appreciate it Mark. So you believe that my routine is safe and worth contiunuing as is so long as i make certain adjustments such as reducing weight training and making serious efforts to reduce stress at all costs?

Im assuming you believe my great fears and concerns over harm of small things such as the transportation dilemma, walking, others, is unjustified?

Yah i agree with you about the doctors, i was only stating it for me to properly answer your question in an objective manner.

Also, small i thought i would mention this small anecdote: a couple months ago, while on the previously mentioned family trip to Boston, i had an interesting experience. I had been taking a mild dosage (5mg) of the ssrri lexapro over the last 4 days. On the 4th day of taking it i had a 3-4 hour period during which i felt much better. Its as if some of the fog was lifting and i was beginning to feel like myself again. The difference was definitely noticeable and what surprised me was that is came following the period of last few days which were FILLED with some extremely bumpy and long car and plain rides. I was certain i had just ruined myself but then out of nowhere that experience happened.

It was short lived, i soon went back to normal and the next day i got cold feet and discontinued the medication but that 4 hour window gave me a glimmer of hope. Now i know it doesnt mean much but its meaningful to me since its the onlyntime over the past several months were ive kinda felt like my old self.

Also do you think all the very bumpy driving/travel around boston/plane ride could have been potentially harmful?

Ben, it was good to read that you noticed some improvement after taking Lexapro for a short time.

Please remember that Lexapro, like all SSRIs, typically take a while (weeks - months) to become fully effective.

You could consider taking it for a longer time to see if you notice a sustained improvement.

No, the bumpy plane and car ride was not harmful unless you were in the back of a truck laying on the floor with your head bouncing on a hard object/floor. This is the last time I will respond to these illogical concerns about getting brain damage from a plane ride or hug or such.

As Kiwi said, Lexapro and others like it take a couple weeks to take effect. One can never look at them with an hour to hour analysis. There is still a potential of a mild up and down in symptoms with SSRIs. They smooth out the highs and lows to a more tolerable level.

It sounds like the Lexapro is worth a second try. It can help you get control of your thoughts and anxieties, at least to a level where you start using the CBT skills.

Regarding the comment about pursuing psychology, I do not think it is a good idea for you. Get a book by Ralph Mattson and Arthur Miller called, "Finding a Job You Can Love." Finding a Job You Can Love by R. T. Mattson & A. F. Miller I met Ralph and Arthur 40 years ago. They have amazing insight into finding a career direction.