Originally Posted by beau

Hi people,

Here they are:

1. How long till I can play sports or do physical activity again? How will I know I'm ready to start such again?

< I would suggest a minimum of six weeks before you put yourself at risk of another head trauma. I would go easy on contact sports, at least for the near future. A helmet would be worthwhile as long as you don't think it makes you bullet proof. A skateboard helmet would work.

2. When can I drink alcohol again? Do I need to limit my consumption?

< Same six weeks. Then, any binges or bad drunks will be like getting another concussion.

3. Is it OK to drive?

< Depends on how you recover. Your neck may hamper your ability to look around for traffic. Do you get any dizzy or disoriented feeling when you turn your head from side to side quickly? If you do, wait until this symptom is resolved.

4. I may be imagining things but I feel like I have been sleepier today than usual even though I got plenty of sleep after the accident. Is drowsiness expected?

< Yes

5. The morning after the accident, I woke up with a sore neck - like muscle soreness. Is that ok? I thought it was maybe from me instinctively trying to keep my head up when I hit the ground.

< Anytime you hit your head hard enough for a concussion, your neck also gets a beating. A chiropractor may be able to help. He should go easy on upper neck adjustments until your head is feeling better. Some Physical Therapists can do neck mobilizations and light traction.

6. From what I have gathered, future head injuries can be really devastating and they can occur with lighter hits. Is there a time period after the first concussion where this danger no longer applies?

< No, you will forever be subject to second impact syndrome. The risk is highest in the next 12 to 18 months.

I apologize if these questions are silly but I am new to the whole concussion thing.
Thanks in advance.

Nick

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

Nick asked,
< Nick, you did not mention any details. How old are you? Were you drunk at the time of the concussion?