Coping with Post-Concussion Symptoms

By Ryann Bloom

The worst thing about trying to self-diagnose my concussions was that I really knew nothing about them. To me, a concussion would hurt for a little while, then go away and I would be back to normal. I didn’t understand that brain injuries were so much more complex then that.

When I left cheerleading, I expected that I would eventualy go back to “normal”, but months passed and I continued to notice things that didn’t quite seem like me. After one of my many trips to doctor “Google”, I stumbled upon something called Post-Concussion Symptoms (PCS). I learned that with PCS you can continue to experience concussion symptoms weeks, months, or even years after you sustained the injury.

Learning about PCS was oddly comforting for me. It validated how I was feeling. The irritability, the light sensitivity, the trouble concentrating, the headaches, the dazed-feeling, the memory problems, they could all be explained. I didn’t know how to cope, but I knew I was dealing with something real, and that gave me hope.

Once I figured out what I was dealing with, I started to look for ways to manage these symptoms. I wasn’t sure if or when they would go away, so I wanted to find ways to deal with it, in hopes that one day I could say with confidence that I am symptom free. 

Here are a few methods I have used to help me cope with my symptoms:

Acceptance

Accepting the fact that something was wrong was the first real step I took towards managing my symptoms. I was in denial for far too long, thinking I was just tired, having a bad day or being lazy. When I accepted that it was because of my brain injuries that I was acting and feeling differently, I was able to give myself a break and start paying attention to what was really going on in my head. 

Prioritizing sleep

Your brain needs sleep to function, this is especially important when recovering from a brain injury. I noticed that my symptoms were much worse if I did not get enough sleep. I try to keep a consistent sleep schedule so that I know I’m getting seven or eight hours every night. This was tough in school as I was the type to stay up all night to cram before exams, but I knew that was the worst thing I could do for my brain.

Meditation

I originally started using meditation as a way to help me fall asleep. I would do a 10 minute guided-session before bed to help unwind and take away the stress of the day. It became a useful tool to help me clear my mind and relax. I started to use the techniques I learned from these meditations throughout the day when I felt myself getting frustrated. Using simple breathing exercises allow me to regain focus and let go of what’s upsetting me. 

Exercise

I started to value activities that had me focus on one thing rather than getting lost in my own head. Physical activities (that have minimal risk of head injury) have been fantastic ways for me to escape and relieve stress. I often depend on exercise as a way to boost my mood. When I’m feeling anything negative, I know that hitting the gym or a yoga class will put me in a better headspace.

It is important to realize that, as with concussions, everyone experiences PCS differently. I needed to find ways to improve my mood and clear my mind, so that’s what I focused on. Someone else with PCS may need something entirely different. It takes time and trying different techniques to learn what works best for you.

I found what worked for me but much later than I could have, if I had gone to see a doctor at the time of my concussion. It is especially important to get cleared by a doctor before getting back into any physical activities. 

Take your brain health seriously, seek out the help you need, and take care of yourself. I promise it will be worth it in the end.