In August 2020, I was driving to work school traffic was very busy. The car in front of me suddenly made space for a car coming out of the petrol station. Luckily I just had enough room to stop phew.
The delivery truck behind me hit the back of my car. My head and neck jolted back, causing whiplash. I was in such a panic, and drove off. My heart-beat racing, panicking that I would be late for work. I felt spacy and disorientated I managed to get to work. But I knew something was wrong, my head started hurting, and I felt anxious, dizzy and nauseous. I went home early, and I couldn’t stop crying. I felt helpless, in shock and alone.
But I was grateful to have my dad look after me. Concerned about what happened and if I needed anything. It makes all the difference when you have someone there for love, and support.
One minute I felt fine, and the next I would have emotional outbursts. I was also in intense pain in my neck and back of the head. I knew I just had to rest, which was hard because I just wanted things to be normal in my life. I wasn’t allowed much stimulation like television, phone, and even reading a book. What are you meant to do if you are sitting or lying there?
It was the perfect time for me to draw and colour in my adult colouring in books. I was journaling again. I tried reading my book but couldn’t read for long periods of time as it was difficult to concentrate as it would make me tired. It felt like a big lesson in patience, to let go, trust in the healing and resting process and take things slow and gentle.
I was grateful to have loved ones ask me how I was, and it was lovely to have a change in scenery when dad and I would go to our family friends home for dinner. I became more appreciative of the small things; even just changing location for a few hours made such a difference.
I realised from this experience that no one can give you an exact timeframe of when you will feel fully recovered. How do you go back to your previous routine(s) after your concussion, like going back to work, socialising, driving etc. It felt like it was something that I figured out on my own. When I returned to work, I noticed my energy levels were not as high as they used to be, but I remained patient with myself. And I know that for quite a few months after my concussion that I was experiencing anxiety. I had the sweats, rapid shallow breathing, tight chest, disorientation, and stressed when driving.
A true blessing in my life was my study during this challenging time. I was studying Craniosacral Therapy. And I know that when I received C.S.T it really helped me relieve tension and trauma in my mind and body from the car accident.
There were aha moments of me knowing that I don’t have to feel like I’m going through this on my own that I can ask my family, friends and seek professional help. Reminding myself that I will be helping others in the future within my practice. So they too can receive energetic support to feel calm, clear minded, supported, relieve tension, stress, and pain and so much more.
When I have clients who have had concussions, I can understand what they are going through. The experiences of emotional outbursts, anxiety, loneliness, confusion, fatigue, pain, nausea, brain fog and disorientation. I know how fragile it can feel when you go through this. Because it spikes your parasympathetic nervous system, your fight or flight response, which can leave you feeling like you are not safe. Our brains can be quite fragile, especially when there’s been impact and pressure on the brain from a concussion.
Craniosacral Therapy is the perfect treatment for concussion because it encourages the mind to slow down, and be present within the whole body, which helps the central nervous system to self-regulate and soothe. Simply being with whatever arrives in session without trying to change or manipulate anything because it is all welcome, listened to and supported. We can look at what has been big or triggering for you without being in the thick of it. This is possible by bringing in a resource which is a place that brings the client a feeling of calm and safety. What this does is help you look at the trauma as a neutral witness on the outskirts of the memory so you don’t end up feeling like you are reliving the traumatic event.
If you have a concussion or suspect that a loved one does below are symptoms of concussion.
Not remembering what happened immediately before or after the injury.
Confusion, difficulty concentrating.
Loss of judgement and coordination, walking unsteadily, dizziness.
Slurred speech
Headache that lasts a long time or gets worse
Vomiting or nausea
Ringing in their ears
Pupils of their eyes being different sizes
Changes in vision (what they can see)
Becoming sensitive to light
Loss of smell or taste.
Note that some symptoms continue for several weeks. This is called post-concussion syndrome.
Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include:
· Forgetfulness
· Trouble concentrating
· Personality changes
· Headaches
· Tiredness
· Not being able to sleep or being very sleepy.
It is vital to take time off work and to avoid activities (like sport) that could cause another injury.
Self Care Tips
· Apply ice or a cool pack for 10 to 20 minutes, every two to four hours, for the next day or two. (Wrapped ice or a pack of frozen vegetables will work well.) This will reduce swelling of the scalp and help with the pain.
· Drink only clear fluids for the first 2 hours, to decrease the likelihood of vomiting.
· Take nothing stronger than paracetamol for pain.
· Rest – someone must stay with the injured person if they sleep.
· Check every 2 hours to see if the person wakes easily (if asleep) and responds normally; that their behaviour and movements are normal; and that they know who they are and where they are.
· A responsible person should stay with the person for 48 hours after the injury.
· The injured person shouldn’t drink any alcohol for 24 hours.
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