Keep Going: Post Concussion Syndrome What to do Next Complementary and Alternative Therapy Strategies for Cognition
Post Concussion Syndrome: What to do next
Persistent difficulty with memory, attention, and executive functions after a mild brain injury is frustrating. But, there are evidence-based next steps that you can take to feel better. This article focuses on next steps for persistent difficulty with cognition, but many of the recommendations apply to other symptoms. too.
Talk to your doctor
Ask your doctor for a referral to a multi-disciplinary concussion treatment team. Specialized vestibular, vision, and/or cognitive retraining therapy may help if you have not seen this type of team before.
Ask your doctor for a referral for neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive functioning so you better understand your strengths/challenges. It may be part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team.
Ask your doctor if another health condition could be impacting your recovery. Your doctor may recommend bloodwork or other tests to get a better picture of your health.
Ask your doctor about trying complementary and alternative therapy for your symptoms.
Ask your doctor about supplements or medications to help with thinking skills.
If your doctor is not familiar with head injury, as for a referral to a neurologist or physiatrist.
Return to normal activities strategically
Review compensatory strategies to increase success with thinking skills. Set small goals for consistent strategy use and monitor your progress.
Take small steps forward. Instead of waiting to feel 100%, or trying to do everything at once, identify one small and manageable step you can take to move forward.
Get additional help and support
Talk to a counselor. They can help you with changes in emotions and coping skills.
Talk to a friend or family member about what you are going through. Let them know what kind of support you need.
Try a local support group. Talk to others who are dealing with head injury and learn about local resources.
Take care of your brain health
Overall health significantly impacts brain function. Practice healthy habits to support your thinking skills. Sleep hygiene, a healthy diet, staying hydrated, decreasing stress, and exercising as tolerated are all important.
Try more therapy
If you already saw a speech-language pathologist to work on your thinking skills, you may assume that you won’t benefit from more therapy. That’s not necessarily true. There are several reasons to try more speech therapy. You may be in a different place now. For example, you may be returning to work or school and want help practicing some high-level thinking skills before then. Also, if you have forgotten the strategies you learned a refresher may be helpful.
Take your mind off of it
Finally, prolonged difficulty with any type of change is hard! Dwelling on things that are hard ultimately makes them harder. Try scheduling time to journal or talk to a trusted friend/family member about what you are going through. Then do a meaningful task to take your mind off of it for awhile.
There are many services and activities you can try to help your thinking skills. To read more about services to try in conjunction with traditional healthcare services, read about complementary and alternative treatment after head injury.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with questions, and before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical, or wellness program.