concussion

[Mammamia33]

My elderly mamma recently had a fall and hit her head. She has a concussion but did not pass out. Immediately after while I iced her head she could not remember what had happened but she knew who I was who my dad was. Finger eye tracking test was good. She was able to walk to the car with my help, around 15min later. I took her to the er. She had 3 ct scans done that showed (were all the same) some bleeding and bruising. She pretty much has remained the same for 4 days now, No verbal communication, a lot of sleep, irritation with being covered with blankets and ng feeding tube for now. Would appreciate any feedback or advise.

As everyone here can imagine it’s hard to see my mamma like this. I sympathize with what everyone with brain trauma has gone through. God bless🙏

[Ideogram]

Sorry to hear you and your mum are going through this.

Tomorrow I'd definitely recommend giving Headway a call. They should at the very least be able to provide an intelligent ear. I called them recently for advice and they got a nurse experienced in brain injury to call me back.

They also have advice on their website which may be helpful.

Wishing you both the best.

[cat3]

I agree with Ideogram on contacting the helpline (on 0808 800 2244) for advice on traumatic brain injury. They can send printouts of information pertaining to your mum's injury.

It can be reassuring seeing, in print, how weird and troubling post-injury behaviors are in fact common, as the brain fights to make sense of the injury. And you mention '4 days' ....such early days in brain injury. It was many weeks before I stopped hallucinating and behaving oddly after a haemorrhage.

Keep in touch m'love and do phone Headway tomorrow.

All best wishes, Cat. x

[Mammamia33 in reply to cat3]

Thank you so much for your response. How long did it take for you to begin speaking and eating?

[cat3]

Wow ; I didn't actually expect to see anyone around ! I can't sleep so thought I'd look in (4am here in UK) -not sure where you are m'love...

I can't recall exactly when I became aware of my surroundings and why I was there ; maybe 2-3 weeks ; I'd need to check with family.

Need to try & sleep now. See you again later I hope... Cat x

[Leaf100]

Hi MSo sorry this happened.

I would encourage contact with Headway.

She will need to sleep/ rest a lot.

Light and sound will be too much for her most likely.

A certain amount of irritable and even angry behavior is not uncommon. Though some go the other way. This often does settle with time.

She will really benefit from you getting the info from Headway and monitoring symptoms by behavioir because she can't say for herself. In general people are unaware for quite some time after injury.

Keep her warm so her body can spend it's energy on healing. Also be there when she goes to sit up or stand as she may get dizzy and not expect it. She should use a frame when she can get up, just to be on the safe side.

The other thing a lot of other people find helpful is a weighted blanket. It has a settling affect for many. She likely will rest better with one.

Be very reassuring and very patient.

Healing happens and is different for everyone, some get back to almost themselves with some residual impact, and some have more impact. Healing happens fasted in thenfirstb3 or 4 years . Yes, it often is slow healing.

You also need to care for yourself- sleep. Eat, exercise. This is a marathon and you don't want to burn out.

Best wishes to your darling Mamma and your family,

Leaf