OpenHealth Q&A

[UPDATE] My TBI Situation is Deteriorating…

Hello everyone, I’m 20 years old and currently not on any medication while maintaining an active lifestyle. Firstly, I want to express my gratitude for the feedback on my previous post. Though I received a lot of criticism, it was deserved. I’ve taken some time to reflect and thought it was important to share an update. - I’m in the process of finding a primary care physician to gain insight as my symptoms evolve. - I’ve adjusted my sleep schedule, aiming to go to bed around midnight rather than the usual 3 AM, ensuring I get around seven hours of rest each night. - I decided to leave one of my jobs as a rock climbing instructor to allow my body some much-needed recovery time during the off-season for snow activities. - I’ve made the difficult decision to stop snowboarding until I consult with a doctor. It was a tough conversation with my mom, but I believe it’s necessary for my health. Additionally, I want to clarify that all my concussions leading to this traumatic brain injury occurred while using the same helmet, which I have now replaced. Since my last post and a subsequent episode, I have been experiencing a persistent headache for the past three days. Although I’m sleeping, the pain remains constant, leaving me perpetually fatigued and feeling as if I suffered a serious fall all over again. Here’s some background on how I ended up in this situation, detailing a sequence of incidents over approximately three to four months: - I crashed into a tree while going about 25 mph, resulting in a blackout from the impact. - I had two falls from a height of around 30 feet at roughly 15 mph. While I didn’t lose consciousness, I experienced face drooping for the first time, and it was alarming to hear my spine crack on impact. One fall resulted in landing on my backside, while the second caused my head to snap backward. I ended up in the emergency room due to face droop, uneven pupil sizes, and slurred speech after the second fall. - A 5ft by 5ft window pane fell on my head at work, causing a full-blown seizure, which led to further trips to the ER and foaming at the mouth. At 19, I lived irresponsibly, having just moved out. I regularly drank to the point of blackout, only to go to work the next morning at 7 AM, worsening my condition. I ignored the advice from doctors regarding my lifestyle choices, likely resulting in my continued struggles six months later. My cognitive functions have suffered significantly; I often experience severe brain fog and struggle with memory recall, particularly conversations. I fully acknowledge my past mistakes and understand the consequences of my negligence. However, I am committed to making positive changes moving forward. Thank you for your support, Reddit community!

Answers (1)

8/13/2025, 4:11:13 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm glad to see you're taking important steps toward acknowledging and addressing your situation. It's commendable that you're prioritizing your health, and you're already on the right track by making lifestyle adjustments and planning to consult with a doctor. Given the persistent headaches and your history of trauma, it's important to approach this carefully.

Key Points:

• Persistent Headaches: This symptom, especially following multiple concussions and injuries, deserves attention.
• Cognitive Function: While the changes you are making are positive, cognitive issues indicate that your brain needs more time and care to heal.

Explanation:

Persistent headaches can be a sign of various issues, including post-concussion syndrome, and can result from the cumulative effect of your injuries. These headaches can also be related to stress, lack of proper rest, or even withdrawal from prior unhealthy habits. Given your background of head injuries and associated symptoms (like brain fog), it’s crucial to avoid any activities that could exacerbate the situation, which you've already begun to do by stopping snowboarding.

Action Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms Closely:

   • Keep a daily log of your headaches, noting when they start, their intensity, any accompanying symptoms (like dizziness or visual changes), and what activities you were doing before they occurred. This can help provide your physician with crucial information.

2. Focus on Rest and Recovery:

   • Continue with your improved sleep schedule, aiming for quality sleep. It might also help to create a bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and avoid caffeine later in the day.

3. Reduce Stress:

   • Engage in relaxing activities (like meditation or gentle yoga) to help reduce stress, which can worsen headaches.

4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished:

   • Make sure you're drinking enough water daily and eating balanced meals to support your recovery.

5. Limit Physical Strain:

   • Avoid strenuous physical activity that could put undue stress on your body or head until you see a healthcare professional.

6. Consult a Healthcare Provider:

   • Once you secure a primary care physician, be open about all your symptoms and past injuries. Ask specifically about your headaches and cognitive symptoms, as they may recommend imaging or further evaluation.

Remember:

It's a positive step that you’re seeking professional guidance. Cognitive healing requires patience and care, so be kind to yourself as you navigate this journey. Your progress is significant, and every small step you’re taking towards a healthier lifestyle counts. Let me know if you need further information or specific strategies!