Welcome to Headstrong: a place to share my 20-year-old life with post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Here you'll find my stories, life hacks, and answers to (most) of your burning questions.
Making headway with pcs symptoms
No. 1
Wear sunglasses outside even if it doesn’t seem that sunny
Sunglasses are a must with PCS. I have worn sunglasses in some very embarrassing places since it always feels bright to me. I always feel like people probably think that I think I’m really cool, but I actually just can’t see anything otherwise. So even if you think you look like a diva, wear your sunglasses anywhere. If you go out with a brimmed hat and sunglasses, people won’t think you’re crazy, they’ll be busy wondering who you are and where the paparazzi are.
No. 2
In classrooms (or anywhere inside) face away from the windows and avoid sitting directly under fluorescent light
For some reason, even if you don’t have assigned seats, kids rarely move after the first day of school. If you have a concussion don’t be afraid to change things up and move your seat.
No. 3
Wear earplugs in noisy places like concerts
I always wear earplugs at concerts. And don’t worry about it. All of your friends will be temporarily deaf after the concert, but nobody will have to yell at you afterwards.
No. 4
If you have to be in the sun, heat, or noisy environments, take frequent breaks
Although I’m relegated to golf for sports, I have to make sure that I don’t get too much sun and heat. That’s why I’ve labelled myself a ‘9 and lunch’ kind of girl.
No. 5
Keep hydrated
You may have to pee all the time, but it’s worth it. Dehydration can lead to more headaches, which is the last thing anyone with PCS needs.
No. 6
Read with a blank piece of paper under the line you are reading to reduce eyestrain
I was always an avid reader, but struggle to read quickly now as my eyes tend to skip lines. So when the teacher asks everyone to read out loud in English class, my heart always drops a little, and I’m always worried about embarrassing myself. Using a piece of paper under each line is a life saver.
No. 7
Physical Therapy
Find an excellent physical therapist with concussion and post-concussion syndrome experience. There can be structural problems with the back and neck secondary to concussion. I worked with Lenore Herget at Mass General, who identified and treated an eye convergence problem that had really impaired my reading ability. Thankfully via eye exercises, this has resolved.
No. 8
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Find an excellent Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with concussion and post-concussion syndrome experience. These are often specialized speech therapists. CBT helps with memory retraining and honing executive functioning and can be incredibly helpful.
No. 9
Be a self-advocate.
You are not making your symptoms up, and you may need your school, work, family and friends to accommodate you in various ways. Help people understand and help you. And never feel that you are a burden to others because of your symptoms.