My Concussion Journey
I've had six concussions and countless additional hits to the head. My last concussion was the hardest to recover from, and opened my eyes to how challenging it is to find quality concussion care. Even though the science on concussions and concussion treatment has grown tremendously over the last few decades, many providers are stuck in the dark ages using outdated protocols.
While concussed, I needed to start doing my own research to make progress on my recovery because the providers I was finding were a combination of useless and not good enough. Doing research when you have a concussion is NOT easy. I believe everyone should have a basic understanding of what to do to treat a concussion, and should know where to look for trusted help.
Important Disclaimer
While I am not a medical professional and nothing on this website should be misconstrued as medical advice, my goal is to share valuable basic information and resources and direct you to the real pros who can make a difference in your life.
What is a Concussion?
Important: "Mild" Doesn't Mean Not Serious
Some medical providers may describe a concussion as "mild" if the patient didn't lose consciousness. That doesn't mean the concussion isn't serious. Concussions are always serious.
Concussion Symptoms
Personality & Behavioral Changes
- • Increased irritability, feeling more overwhelmed than usual
- • Feeling a lack of control over emotions, crying for seemingly no reason
- • Feeling like you're on an emotional rollercoaster
- • Feeling like you're "vibrating inside"
- • Experiencing anxiety in a way that differs from pre-concussion
- • Struggling to feel motivated in a way that differs from pre-concussion
Cognitive Symptoms
- • Confusion, memory issues, slow response to questions
- • Repeating questions or statements
- • Forgetting events prior to or after the hit to the head
- • Dazed or stunned appearance, seeming "out of it"
- • Forgetfulness, difficulty staying organized, difficulty focusing
- • Brain fog, feeling cognitively "slow"
- • Trouble speaking, slurred speech
Vision Difficulties
- • Headaches associated with reading and screens
- • Difficulty looking at screens, double vision, blurred vision
- • Eye strain, eye pressure, dizziness
- • Difficulty remembering what you've read, difficulty with comprehension
- • Difficulty focusing, bumping into things
- • Increased startle response, feeling "slow" or "foggy"
- • Issues with spatial awareness, light sensitivity
- • Frontal headaches, headaches behind the eyes
Physical & Autonomic Symptoms
- • Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, including POTS symptoms
- • Difficulties with vestibular function, temperature regulation
- • Neck pain, head feels heavy
- • Head feels like it isn't attached to the body
- • Difficulty holding head up, jaw pain
- • Dizziness when turning head
- • Trouble falling and staying asleep
- • Loss of consciousness, clumsiness
When to go to the Emergency Room
Emergency Warning Signs
- • Worsening headache or neck pain
- • Loss of consciousness, seizure
- • Vomiting
- • Fluid coming out of ears
- • Weakness or tingling in the arms or legs
- • Increased confusion or irritability
- • Trouble speaking, slurred speech, memory issues
- • Unequal pupils
What To Do
Complete Physical and Cognitive Rest for 24-48hrs
No Stimulation
- • No reading, watching TV or movies
- • No phone, computer, e-reader
- • No podcasts, audiobooks, work
- • Keep lights and sound to a minimum
- • Avoid anything stimulating
- • Keep conversations to a minimum
- • Don't make any decisions
If You Need Activity
- • Play a calm game of cards
- • Go for a walk
- • Color in coloring books
- • Wear noise-cancelling headphones
Reduce Inflammation
- • Use ice at injury location (wrap in fabric)
- • Consider using aloe vera and arnica gel
- • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet with healthy fats and protein
- • Remove all sugar, alcohol, dairy, and gluten
Sleep & Recovery Basics
- • Prioritize getting quality sleep
- • Check out the nutrition guide for anti-inflammatory foods
Treatment Options to Look Into
Therapies
- • Laser or low-level light therapy
- • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- • Neurofeedback
- • NuCalm
- • Neuro performance training, vision therapy
- • Vestibular therapy, concussion rehab
- • Cognitive rehab
- • Craniosacral therapy, spinal manipulation
Supplements
Work with a practitioner to determine what may be helpful:
- • High doses (9g) of DHA and EPA first week
- • Curcumin, Glutathione, N-Acetyl-Cysteine
- • Glycine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Co-Q10
- • Resveratrol, Alpha Lipoic Acid
- • Phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidylcholine
- • Vitamin C, vitamin B12, lion's mane
Gradually Re-introduce Activity
After 48 hours, gradually re-introduce activity to see how the brain tolerates it. Stay below symptom exacerbation. Studies suggest supervised physical activity can begin as soon as 4 days after concussion (not always!).
What NOT To Do
Outdated Protocols to Avoid
Don't Do These:
- • Rest until symptoms go away
- • Stay in a dark room
- • Have someone wake you up every 2 hours
- • Go back to "regular life" without professional guidance
- • Take pain relievers (they can mask important symptoms)
Avoid These Activities:
- • Look at screens (TV, phone, computer, tablet) in first 48 hours
- • Consume sugar or alcohol
- • Excessive physical activity, strenuous mental activity
- • Driving too soon after injury
Important Assumptions to Question
- • Don't assume that all medical providers, even concussion "specialists," are up to speed on the latest science on concussion and concussion treatment
- • Don't assume that because you don't have a brain bleed that there's nothing to worry about or treat
Concussion Care Team
Recommended Practitioners
Physical Care
- • Physical therapists, occupational therapists
- • Chiropractors, osteopaths
- • Concussion-focused neurologists
- • Neuro performance trainer (Z-Health Performance trainers)
- • Neuro optometrist
Mental & Medical Care
- • Speech pathologist
- • Clinical counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist
- • General practitioners, primary care providers
- • Functional/integrative/naturopathic medicine doctors
How to Identify Quality Providers
It can be incredibly challenging to find concussion specialists who are up-to-speed on modern concussion science. Here are tips to identify whether a provider is qualified:
Trust Your Gut
If you have a nagging icky feeling about a provider, move on. You don't owe them anything.
Red Flags
- • Provider recommends anything from the "What NOT To Do" list
- • Wants to go straight to anti-depressants without addressing root issues
- • Isn't concerned by low neuro-psych report scores post concussion
Provider Directory
Check out our Provider Directory for recommended practitioners who understand modern concussion care.