I’m about 4 months post-concussion and still dealing with some minor symptoms. Since it’s my third, recovery has been very slow and frustrating, and I most likely will struggle with the cognitive symptoms (concentration, memory, problem solving) for the foreseeable future.
The biggest things that helped me recover in the first two months were supplements and osteopathy.
I went and saw an osteopath who was trained on concussion/brain trauma about once/twice a week for just over a month.
While this is no where near an affordable option for most, it was astounding how much it helped. I was told that concussions basically cause your head and neck muscles to fire and activate when they aren’t needed, which adds to pain, headaches, etc.
Just to have the tension released and given info on stretching and such was a major relief for me.
He also gave me some exercises that involved strengthening my balance and eye function mainly in regards to using my peripherals. These included standing on one foot while looking at points on a wall clockwise in a circle.
The supplements I took were lion’s mane, turmeric, a B complex, vit D, and omega 3’s. These definitely helped with overall brain function and inflammation. I also tried to keep a high protein and low inflammatory diet.
I didn’t drink alcohol for just over two months but used CBD and THC, mainly for pain management and sleep. I think CBD can be very helpful and I should have had a bit less THC over that time but that’s neither here nor there.
Avoiding re-injury is huge and I’m probably not the best to talk to for that as I’m now back into playing varsity men’s volleyball lol but I’m being as careful as possible.
I was originally told at the hospital to adhere to the “cocoon method” which is essentially no screens, no activity, tons of rest until you feel better. while in the first few weeks that was about all I could do anyway, I wish I had learnt that isn’t the best treatment anymore. I went almost two months with no more exercise than 10 minute walks near the end, and learnt that actually getting back into activity and thinking can be the best thing for your brain. I was told I could do anything unless it brought on considerable symptoms, so at that point I started getting back into it.
As many people have said, the brain heals on it’s own accord and there really isn’t much we can do aside from rest and supporting it’s health as much as possible.
