Because treatment and overall progress is patient-driven, it is very important for every survivor to consider: "What is right for me?"
There is not a one-size-fits-all formula for concussion recovery. Every injury is different and that is why recovery must be self-evaluated by the survivor. Therefore, you determine what treatments and pathways will be best for treating your unique injury.
One concern we had was how to plan for the road ahead. There is no doubt that pain and other symptoms will spur many survivors to equip for the journey ahead, and it can be a daunting task determining exactly which resources are available and which to use. At Concussion Survival, we wanted to provide a list of resources and tools for survivors to help heal and overcome mTBI. Below are some suggestions for symptom management for your journey ahead.
There is not a one-size-fits-all formula for concussion recovery. Every injury is different and that is why recovery must be self-evaluated by the survivor. Therefore, you determine what treatments and pathways will be best for treating your unique injury.
One concern we had was how to plan for the road ahead. There is no doubt that pain and other symptoms will spur many survivors to equip for the journey ahead, and it can be a daunting task determining exactly which resources are available and which to use. At Concussion Survival, we wanted to provide a list of resources and tools for survivors to help heal and overcome mTBI. Below are some suggestions for symptom management for your journey ahead.
Sleep and Quality Rest- Your best bet for recovery, sleep and rest will give your brain the opportunity to shut off from the world for a while to heal itself.
Concussion Toolkit- Create one to tackle your individual symptoms.
Nutrition- Are there any dietary changes you could implement to improve brain healing and function? Have you looked into anti-inflammatory food sources? Check out Brain Food to learn more.
Medical Binder- Keep one for files, documents, test reports & notes. It is a great resource to bring to doctors' appointments and for tracking your progress.
Medications- Are there any medications which could help you recover?
Assistance- If you can't keep up with the housework or drive across town as you did before, you may consider asking for assistance from family or neighbors, or hire a caretaker while you recover.
Timing& Travel Limitations- Many survivors tend to being altering their schedules and limiting their travel after injury. For example, we found ourselves avoiding traffic during rush hour. We also changed our timing for visiting the grocery store, instead choosing late evenings to evade the commotion of Saturday afternoon. We recognized the world was not going to change for us, so we found it was best to avoid situations which might trigger symptoms with a little time adjustment.
Environmental Adjustment- You may experience changes in how you perceive and react to your environment. Consider limiting light, sound, smell, & extraneous stimulation. You may prefer darker or more quiet environments after injury.
Concussion Toolkit- Create one to tackle your individual symptoms.
Nutrition- Are there any dietary changes you could implement to improve brain healing and function? Have you looked into anti-inflammatory food sources? Check out Brain Food to learn more.
Medical Binder- Keep one for files, documents, test reports & notes. It is a great resource to bring to doctors' appointments and for tracking your progress.
Medications- Are there any medications which could help you recover?
Assistance- If you can't keep up with the housework or drive across town as you did before, you may consider asking for assistance from family or neighbors, or hire a caretaker while you recover.
Timing& Travel Limitations- Many survivors tend to being altering their schedules and limiting their travel after injury. For example, we found ourselves avoiding traffic during rush hour. We also changed our timing for visiting the grocery store, instead choosing late evenings to evade the commotion of Saturday afternoon. We recognized the world was not going to change for us, so we found it was best to avoid situations which might trigger symptoms with a little time adjustment.
Environmental Adjustment- You may experience changes in how you perceive and react to your environment. Consider limiting light, sound, smell, & extraneous stimulation. You may prefer darker or more quiet environments after injury.