As I sit here writing this article, I try to remember all that was in my mind leading up to the moment I was prepared to write it. But I can't. In fact, I have a difficult time remembering much of anything. "The CDC estimates reveal that 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year," (http://www.concussiontreatment.com/concussionfacts...). I, like many, have suffered from several Grade 3 concussions, or traumatic brain injuries. I personally struggle with daily tasks as simple as driving somewhere, taking a test, or carrying on a conversation. This entire "thing" that is blocking my brain and causing so much confusion stems from my past concussions. And if I am just one out of the millions a year who get a concussion and experience such severe symptoms, then I know for a fact that there are others struggling with the same thing, too.
After struggling with memory loss, anxiety and extreme confusion for several years now, my parents researched the best doctors and treatment plans that would help me heal and cope with my symptoms. What people often don't realize in concussions is the aftermath of them. For example, one of my major concussions was over three years ago, and the more recent was two years ago. My specialist confirms that I am still, without-a-doubt, post-concussing. Most people never end up looking into the aftermath of concussions and skip over the post-concussion syndrome chapter, which is incredibly important. It may be very difficult to heal, but it is not nearly impossible.
The point of this article is to make it clear how very real and very limiting a situation like this is. You lose your thoughts, you experience anxiety that you've never had, and you forget how to live your life fully. We are so lucky to live in this day and age. The amount of treatments, doctors, therapists and medications available to people suffering from brain injuries and concussions is astonishing. It truly makes me feel like the world wants me and people like me to get better. We can heal because we have resources available to us, but it all depends on what we do with it. You don't need to see the best doctor to heal yourself, especially if it is not in your plans. It is important to educate yourself through books and therapies to learn how to cope and heal with this type of injury. At the bottom of this page are some types of treatments and books that I have personally tried and read to heal myself, and although I am not where I want to be yet, I won't give up until I'm whole again.
Books:
The Brain's Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge
Post-Concussion Syndrome by William D. Boyd
Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide to Living with the Challenges Associated with Post Concussion Syndrome and Brain Trauma by Diane Roberts Stoler
Conquering Concussion by Mary Lee Esty
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
Treatments/Therapies:
Chiropractic Neurology
Neurofeedback
Craniosacral Therapy
Meditation
Neuropsychology
Psycotherapy
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
I hope this article finds you some relief and gives some insight to those either dealing with a family member or friend battling a concussion, or even to anyone suffering from one themselves. I wish you speedy healing, genuine peace and the feeling of being whole again.
