Concussion

So many misunderstandings…

“I should be fine.”

“I didn’t even lose consciousness.”

“I just got my bell rung.”

Did you know that only a small number of concussions result in a loss of consciousness?

Another misconception is that a person needs to hit their head to have a concussion. While a direct blow to the head can certainly cause a concussion, it’s also possible to get a concussion from a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.

“But my scans were clear.”

Scans do not diagnose concussions. They only determine if there’s evidence of bleeding or swelling in the brain.

The truth is that concussions can occur without any visible signs and can significantly affect your brain and how they function.

Recovery is a multi-stage process that continues for years and differs for each person.

The good: Many symptoms resolve on their own, but you’ll have to adjust to a “new normal.”

The bad: You use it or lose it. If problems go ignored, the ability to adjust will be impossible.

“I’m not the same person anymore.”

Concussions often lead to a shattered sense of self. After a trauma of any kind, there’s such a push to return to “normal” that people say, “I’m fine” (even when they’re not).

What’s tricky is that people with concussions “look fine” on the outside, but they may struggle with sensitivities that make them feel frustrated and overwhelmed.

They may see the world in “black and white” without gray. A concussed person may seem stubborn or resistant. They easily get stuck on details and can’t move past things. Often, there’s limited awareness, so mood issues are common.

A concussed person may become socially inappropriate. They can be blunt (“lack a filter”), impulsive, disinhibited, or unable to understand non-verbal cues, body language, slang, or sarcasm. They may not know when you are joking with them and react defensively or argumentatively.

“People keep calling me lazy or selfish.”

After an injury, it is common to have problems starting or returning to activities if distracted.

Individuals often appear avoidant or lazy due to fatigue because extra cognitive energy is needed to concentrate, remember, and process information.

They tire easily, become confused, may communicate poorly, and need to take frequent breaks.

“They think I’m faking.”

Scattered abilities make individuals appear difficult or manipulative. A concussion isn’t like a broken bone where healing is predictable. We use our brain constantly, so there’s no real resting it. If you walked on a broken ankle, would it heal well?

Like every other human, people with concussions have good and bad days. Some are more tolerable for a variety of reasons.

Because of the memory challenges associated with concussions, many misinterpret them as “selective memory” or “remembering what they want to remember.” The truth is that there are many kinds of memory, and not all of it is affected.

Also, concussed individuals may attempt to make up or cover up their deficit areas by lying about what’s going on to avoid being judged or called stupid.

I know you’re struggling…

The process of thinking about how you are thinking is the key to moving past your challenges.

Learn to be aware of and understand your symptoms to monitor and regulate yourself better.

This knowledge will allow you to set realistic goals, recognize your growth, and make adjustments as needed without feeling like a failure.

Most therapists don’t get it.

I have spent years working directly with individuals and their families to overcome the challenges faced after a TBI.

Without a proper understanding of the symptoms, many are diagnosed and medicated for things that can be managed differently.

You deserve to be heard and understood. Call today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation: (412) 258-0766.