PCS
Under the My Story link above, I share my own personal experience with PCS. However, brain injuries vary from person to person. So I want to point you towards some further resources if you are interested.
- These things were a game changer for me. I recommend any & all of them if you're dealing with a concussion.
- Earplugs - My earplugs go with me everywhere. I was using foam earplugs, but I started developing ear infections. Now I use Experience Pro from Loop. They are definitely the best for what I need. They can reduce up to 18 dB but also give you the option to adjust if needed.
- A baseball cap - lights (particularly fluorescent) can be a major symptom trigger. Wearing a hat helps me be in a store longer than 30 seconds.
- Ice packs- nothing cures PCS nausea like ice on the back of your neck
- Listening to something good - I listened to a LOT of Disney movies in my early PCS days. Apps like Audible or Hoopla give lots of options for audiobooks.
- The Dwell app- a precious friend gifted me a subscription to this app. It is by far, my favorite bible app.
- Seeing a nutritionist - after a few appointments & some bloodwork, I was able to get on a few supplements that have helped with some symptoms.
- Cristabelle Braden is a TBI survivor who has created a community for those with brain injuries & those who love someone with a brain injury. I have gotten to know her over the past several months via zoom. She has a podcast, bible study, and monthly support group. She is an inspiration & always very encouraging. You can check her out here: https://hopeafterheadinjury.com/
- The Mayo Clinic is far better at explaining Post Concussive Syndrome (PCS) than I am, so I will leave their link right here 😉 Persistent Post Concussive Syndrome
- The chart below does a wonderful breakdown of things experienced while dealing with a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), such as PCS. I have personally experienced all of the symptoms listed under physical & cognitive. I have experienced almost all of the symptoms under psychological as it relates to my PCS.
Iverson, G. L. (1AD, January 1). Network analysis and Precision Rehabilitation for the post-concussion syndrome. Frontiers. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2019.00489/full