Challenges with Language and Expression Post-Concussion
I am a 24-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 138 pounds. During my middle school years, I experienced a concussion due to a boating incident. In high school, while playing soccer, I sustained a few minor concussions, but the most significant one occurred when I fell approximately nine feet off a waterfall and lost consciousness briefly. This incident happened six years ago, and although there was no immediate sign of a brain bleed, I endured two weeks of vomiting and intense migraines following the injury. Previously, I was an exemplary student, achieving straight A's. However, since the last concussion, I've struggled with a diminished vocabulary, which persisted into college, ultimately triggering a considerable amount of anxiety. I find myself often unable to articulate thoughts, frequently forgetting words, and making errors in sentence structure whether I’m writing or speaking. I'm curious if these issues could be linked to my head injuries. If so, are there effective strategies I could implement to improve this situation? My vision remains good, with 20/20 eyesight, although I’ve always had some sensitivity to light. I used to enjoy reading for extended periods, but now I often experience migraines when I concentrate on text for too long. While I suspect I’ve had around five concussions, I’m uncertain if there are more incidents that I cannot recall, particularly following the fall. Should I be alarmed by the communication challenges I face, or is it something I can manage? For the past several years, I’ve adapted to what I perceive as a new normal, with varying levels of concentration each day. I ultimately had to withdraw from college due to this and other factors. I used to feel intelligent, and while I recognize that my reasoning skills remain intact, I still encounter difficulties expressing myself at work. If there's a way to address these issues, I would greatly appreciate the information.
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 5:21:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing significant challenges with language and expression following your concussions, which can be understandably concerning. These issues may indeed be linked to your past head injuries, as concussions can affect cognitive functions, including language processing and verbal expression.
Explanation
After sustaining multiple concussions, it's not uncommon to encounter difficulties with vocabulary, sentence structure, and general communication. This could be due to the impact of the injuries on brain function, leading to lingering effects such as cognitive fatigue and challenges in focusing—especially when engaging in mentally taxing activities, like reading.
While it’s important to acknowledge how these challenges affect your daily life, there are effective strategies you can adopt to help manage and potentially improve your language skills.
Next Steps
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Cognitive Rehabilitation: Consider engaging in cognitive rehabilitation exercises. These activities can help retrain your brain and improve language and memory skills. Resources can often be found online or through mobile applications.
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Break Down Activities: When reading or writing, break tasks into smaller chunks. Take frequent breaks to prevent mental fatigue and reduce headaches. For example, read for 10-15 minutes and then rest before continuing.
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Word Games: Regularly practice word games or puzzles designed to improve vocabulary and language skills. Activities like crossword puzzles or language apps (e.g., Duolingo or Elevate) can be entertaining ways to challenge yourself.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Since anxiety can exacerbate communication difficulties, incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness meditation can help you stay calm while communicating.
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Stay Connected: Reach out to friends or support groups to practice conversations in a relaxed environment. Speaking in a supportive space can help ease anxiety about communication.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal to track your symptoms in relation to different activities. This can help identify specific triggers for your migraines or cognitive fatigue and allow you to adjust accordingly.
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Explore Professional Support: If you haven’t already, consider reaching out to a speech-language pathologist. They can provide personalized strategies and exercises to help with your specific challenges.
Remember, it’s entirely valid to feel frustrated by these changes, and while it may take time, many individuals see improvements with dedicated effort and the right support. You're not alone in this, and there are pathways toward better managing your symptoms.
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