Okay all knowing peeps.. Two days before Christmas Day I had an accident on a snowmobile (nothing spectacular - my own stupidity for failing to wear a helmet on a 2 mile trip to the store from the cabin). Anyhow, somewhere on the way home I crashed big time and knocked myself pretty senseless. Aside from a broken jaw and smashed cheek bone I took a pretty good knock to the head and was pretty incoherent for about 10 hrs after (diagnosed by the Doc as Class IV Concussion). So my question is (as there has to be a few on here that have had similar injuries) I am constantly tired. Average sleep is about 12+ hrs / night and I could take a nap anytime. Also have problems in concentration. This is after almost a month. Is this normal? How long does it last? Vitamins / supplements help? Normally I'm the type that has a ton of excess energy - ability to work out, run 3-4 miles easy, race endurance, take on garage projects and stay up till the early hours. Would'nt even think of that now. It sucks. And... yes I am a dumbass for failing to wear the lid. I know, I know. If I could turn back the clock I would.... Take nothing forgranted folks - "ATGATT" All The Gear All The Time.
Well you are alive at least....I'd check witht he family doc and maybe check with a specialist in sport related head injuries - that doesn't sound good
glad you learned from it and to hear that you're seemingly ok. hope you continue to heal up. i'd probably go get it checked out with a physician or something. but i dont know much about concussions either so this may be normal, i'm not sure
Sucks... I've always been good after a couple of weeks. Couple of buddies had symptoms at 6 weeks or more. Is your mood good or do you get pissed really easy? That was the thing whenever I bumped my head... hairtrigger temper.
I've posted here many times (I think) about smacking my noggin on the curb in T6 at Summit. That was in 2007. I hit hard enough, wearing a good Arai helmet, that I was out for 8-10 minutes. I didn't consult a doctor about the concussion at the time. I knew I had a concussion. Not much to be done about it except wait it out. That was over four years ago. I'm still waiting. My symptoms were (and still are) very poor short-term memory, diminished taste (tongue/food, not what shoes go with my bag,) constant fatigue, random, phantom pain, muscle contractions, burning sensations in my hands and feet (diagnosed as neuralgia linked to that concussion.) I also started spending a lot of time on the WERA BBS and posting nonsensical rubbish that makes me laugh maniacally. I eat too much pie, and now my hair got gray. Try to protect your head. You may need it if you ever stray off this beeb.
from ehow: 4 •Seek immediate medical attention if the victim displays symptoms of a Grade IV concussion. A Grade IV concussion is, essentially, identical to a Grade III concussion, except the period of unconsciousness lasts up to 10 minutes. A Grade IV concussion carries significant risk of serious lingering effects and, possibly, permanent brain damage. 5 Recognize the most severe type of concussion, a Grade V concussion, by noticing that its defining feature is a prolonged period of unconsciousness lasting longer than 10 minutes. With this type of concussion, it is a virtual certainty that concussion symptoms will persist for days, weeks or perhaps months. These symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and cognitive, emotional and memory problems
I don't think so (not anymore than normal...) Mood seems pretty good - I'm tired all the time so don't really give a toss either way. Wierdest thing is; I was aparently walking around and talking a little bit (somewhat incoherently) and knew my name etc.. but I have absolutely no recollection of it. Hell, I even rode the sled back to the cabin once my brother started it for me. Took my boots and gear off, got a ride to the hospital, went through the CT scans etc. Can't remember a thing. But I was upright. The next real recollection of anything, was checking out of the hospital about 2pm the next day. The following days are still a bit fuzzy though. Thanks guys. This does suck though...
I've hit my head a couple of times and luckily I've always been fine after a few hours with no side effects. Have a friend that t boned a Saturn at forty MPH that turned left in front of him, he was alert within a few minutes but was out of work for darn near a year with lingering problems(poor balance, memory issue's etc). If it was me I would follow doctors orders, if your not already under a doctors care go see a specialist for these problems.
Have you followed up with your GP/family doc? You should. Confusion, lethargy/sluggishness for a week or two post accident is normal, but this far removed shouldn't be. CTs/MRIs can miss damage and bleeding if small enough or the tech reading the scan can miss it. I'd go see your doc, and get a referall to a neurologist. At minimum, another CT.
I would go see a doctor but it would make sense that you are tired still....a head injury is pretty major and your body will take some time to heal up the best it can. Think of a deep bruise in your thigh....you can see the mark for a few weeks as well as have some feeling of pain at times, so your brain is no different.
I got my ass kicked and got a concussion - the immediate symptoms were vomiting, but after that, my memory suffered a bit, as did my coordination, I kept bumping into shit - but it went away slowly about 5 months later.
Go see a doctor. The effects can last a few weeks and go away or, like herpes, you never fully get rid of 'em. Oh yeah, wear a f@cking helmet. You know this but right now but I thought I'd mention it one more time in case you forget because of your concussion.
DaveK, I don't you, but wanted to say that your bedside manner is impecable. Thank you for your kind advice. Seriously though, thanks guys for the good advice. Already made an app with the Doc on Friday. Never been one to whimper much, but this one did a number. Thanks again, RC
Maybe you should try to get to a head injury clinic or a sports injury clinic where you can get checked by a neurologist or other specialists. They may be able to help you identify medium and long-term issues/treatments. I think your injury may be past the scope/understanding of a regular GP. GL
I rang my bell pretty good while on a quad back in highschool. I WAS wearing a helmet, but was fucked up for a good 4 months. Constant headaches, neck aches, always felt tired.... I never went to a doctor, and they just sort of got better as time went on. If I would have been smart, I would have been at the doctor. I think in your case, going back would be wise.
How many "good" concussions have you had? Back in '08 I high-sided and landed from 10-12' up. It was #9 for me and I still suffer from dizziness and light headedness if I stand up quickly. Research Chronic Concussion Syndrome if you've had a few.
RC, I learned the hard way to tell it straight forward, don't candy coat it and kick them right in the nuts so they never forget. Oh yeah, wear your f@cking helmet! The brain is nothing to be f@cked with.
When I went to the doc for my concussions from Road Atlanta the doc asked "So which one are you?" I thought this was one of those mixed up patient stories and I was about to get a mastectomy or something but what he explained was: "Which one are you? Did it just happen or did it happen 3 weeks ago? When I see concussion people it's usually cause it just happened or because it's been 3 weeks later and they're afraid they're stuck this way." I was the latter. I'm not telling you not to go just telling my story... and I wish I hadn't of after I got the bill to have someone tell me to just keep relaxing.
