Welcome! Here's the answers to your questions, and some good to knows:

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• Helmets don't prevent concussion, they prevent skull injuries

• I was a lacrosse goalie for 15 years and I'm accident prone- I've had 20 concussions.

  • Because of this, and because of  the related chronic neck issues, it doesn't take much for me to get concussive symptoms.​

• Some of those symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad spatial awareness, lack of balance, brain fog, word replacement, stuttering, fatigue, poor concentration, light sensitivity, noise sensitivity.​

• Every concussion is different. Sometimes one symptom is worse, sometimes my symptoms look nothing like another persons. It's all in the nature of the impact and the chemistry of the brain.

• Yes I am aware that concussions are bad.

• No I am not a vegetable (yet).

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So what helps?

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• Quiet. Softer, darker environments with less stimulation.

• Rest. Concussions aren't something to "push through" and the key to healing is learning to anticipate your limits, and take breaks before you hit them.

• Hydrate. Way more than you think you need. This helps flush your system and helps you reset.

• Familiar activities. Trying to do nothing and avoid all stimulation until you feel better can actually do more harm than good, and can lead to anxiety.

  • Watch a show you like and have seen before. It's less taxing on your brain than processing new information, and helps to get you back to full function quicker.​

  • Listen to a podcast or  audiobook. Visual stimulation tends to be more jarring than auditory.

• A good support system. Between trusted friends, family, and doctors​, keep your support system informed and let them know how they can help if possible.

  • Facebook has a few great support groups where you can find resources, inspiration, and a chance to vent.​

    • Post Concussion Support Group​

    • Pink Concussion Womens Group

• Listen to your body. Meditation can help with this; are you craving something in particular? Water? Food? Need a nap? Need a hug? Listen to what your body needs and trust your instincts. 

  • Meditation helps to regulate your nervous system and can help bring some peace and calm. If you're a mediation skeptic, I highly recommend Dan Harris's 10% Happier - particularly great as an audiobook.​

• Time and patience. Be kind to yourself. Head injuries are unqiuely challenging, and everyone has different needs and timelines.​

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Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions, comments, or just to chat!

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Best,

Sarah Dew