just had a concussion

beau · 07-23-2009, 09:23 PM

Hi people,

I got a concussion Tuesday evening playing ultimate frisbee (it was my first, I far as I know). Fell on my head apparently. Anyways, from what I've read online, it looks like it was a Type II concussion - I wasn't unconscious but I had amnesia for about 5 hours after the accident. I was taken to the ER but don't remember much of it or what the doctors told me. I got some paper on the concussions but not much.
So two days after, I still have a bit of a headache and I can tell my memory is not the sharpest.

I've looked a little bit on the internet but have not been able to find consistent answers to my questions.

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?

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

3. Is it OK to drive?

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?

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.

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?

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

Nick

Mark in Idaho · 07-23-2009, 11:47 PM

Nick asked,

Quote:

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

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

beau · 07-24-2009, 12:34 AM

Mark,
Thanks a lot for your answers. Not happy about 6 weeks with no physical activity but oh well. It could be a lot worse. I have not felt any dizziness since the accident and I actually did drive a short bit tonight and I seemed to do well.

Quote:

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?

Oh yeah, I should have mentioned. I am 27 years old. No, I was not drunk at the time of the accident. When I was told of the accident later, I must admit I don't know how it could have happened. It seems that if I was falling backwards, instincts would have me put my arms back to brace my fall but I guess that didn't happen.

thanks again

nick

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