All seems a bit fishy to me

[ClareO1986]

I have finally got a neurologist appointment... in August. Apparently my head injury wasn't considered major enough to be seen any sooner. Looks like I'm going to be attempting to manage my symptoms for a while until I either see him then or blag myself a cancellation.

So... this in mind, I've been doing a bit of reading of late. This has mostly been since a trip to see a lovely doctor 2 weeks ago who set me on the path to (I hope) recovery.

The last two weeks have been quite up and down but, thankfully, mostly up. I appear to be mostly over the evil virus of doom. I'm currently mostly having to deal with the residual fatigue, general weakness and occasional dizziness, some of which is probably also related to my bump on the head and suspected whiplash.

I was prescribed naproxen two weeks ago for my neck and back pain, and am now down to just taking 1 a day. I was also told that I should start bouldering again (only indoor with the safety of crash mats) and have started pilates. Both seem to be helping. In fact, going bouldering on Monday had an amazing effect in that I've had a brilliant week. Perhaps my new doctor's theory of being an adrenaline junkie and it being good for healing is true... but I digress.

My reading this week has been around how diet and nutrition can help with post concussion recovery. I've taken B-complex vitamins for a good number of years now after about of unexplainable tiredness. It has seemed to have an effect. Well, put it this way - I ran out so wasn't taking it for a couple of days and I noticed a difference. It was also suggested that I upped my intake of protein so a bag of beans and lentils got thrown in the shopping basket last week and have since been added to everything. Both of these things appear to have had some positive effects over the last 2 weeks. That set me wondering if there were any other things that could help post concussion.

My first point of research was omega-3. I've known for a while (from my personal life and professionally) that they can be of benefit to children with autism, ADHD and other such difficulties. I've also previously read that it can help people with dementia. A quick look on "Dr Google" suggested that it was worth a try. There were quite a range of articles and pages that came up when I searched "vitamins and minerals that help post concussion".

I wondered if anyone else has tried similar and what effects, benefits or otherwise it had.

[sospan]

Lots of evidence to support taking omega 3, protein, vitamin B's, dates, nuts and fruit and veg. Also things like Turmeric can help.

Some people find that taking a Serotonin supplement (HTP etc.) also helps although you have to check with your GP if you are on Anti depressants

Plus there are things to avoid like fatty food, coffee, alcohol, too much sugar, processed food.

[Elenor3]

Hi Clare al those things were included in a 'handout' I received during neuro OT care. Like you, I already kept to a mainly healthy lifestyle diet befor my accident so I've just carried on as normal -there fore I can't really report any changes - well other than - me and alcohol can't get along anymore. I didn't drink much beforehand - but can't take to it at all now. It's a shame because I used to enjoy a glass of wine now and then. It's rght off the menu altogether now. I'm trying to cut down on tea because the nutritionist mentioned the negative effects. I don't drink coffee - never have so I don't miss it. I hadn't considered taking supplements because I stick to a goodish diet. Glad to hear you're doing better. I've been told that exercise helps so I'm out walking long distances each day, not rock climbing ha ha Well done you - hope it gives you the adrenalin rush you were missing xx

[ClareO1986 in reply to Elenor3]

Oh my, I can't recommend exercise enough. Seeing the new doctor was certainly a kick up the backside for me to start going again. And the climbing - wow!! It was all very achy at the time but I'm pretty sure I felt the effects of the adrenaline rush for at least a couple of days after!!

[Womble18]

Having been to the neurologists, 3 different ones, I've had 3 different answers, but all conclude post concussion syndrome as part of issues, tho functional disorder has been added, which apparently only a psychiatrist can deter that tho proper testing..mmmmmmmm.. I'm taking my vitamins and have noticed the difference, the big one for me is magnesium at night time, helping with the brain fog and migraines..without it it returns within a week as I discovered several times now til I realised why it was happening. Taking my vit b's with iron with vit d which helps with sleep, and zinc and vit c..these have made a difference.. I do have food which is rich in omega 3 so haven't taken the supplement but that's only started mainly earlier this year. It has all helped for sure..even tho if not taken the symptoms to start back, so the brain must be requiring all the extra energy it can get as what I can make out. Good luck with your neurologist..xx

[paxo05]

Hi,

I agree a healthy body can lead to a healthy mind.

Also keeping energy levels up will help battle fatigue.

Having said that I do enjoy the odd cream cake ....just to keep my spirits up of course.

I try and limit the suppliments and rely on diet. I feel I take enough medication as it is.

I would add that whatever works go with it. We are all different after all.

Happy fishing

Pax

[steve55]

soya bean is the best non meat protein as it is classed as a complete protein. another form of protein is whey protein mixed with either water or milk.

eggs cottage cheese yoghurts etc etc are all forms of proteins you can take

[ClareO1986]

It's very interesting reading all of your thoughts. I have always tried to keep my diet on track as it is but when your partner isn't particularly into as much fruit and vegetables it does get rather tedious cooking something then adding more of what I want. I doubt I'll even change him, us both being Yorkshiremen...

I've started trying taking omega 3 supplements, mostly because I'm not a massive fan of fish. I know they take time to properly get into your system so we shall see in a few weeks.

It's interesting that a number of people have mentioned avoiding coffee. I actually had the opposite effect - when I stopped drinking coffee my headaches got worse!! l

[jayne_h]

Get a copy of Tina M Sullivan Nourish your Noggin. She has several chapters on the influence of food, vitamins, etc on brain injury patients.