Problem: Article: After your initial time of complete rest, return to work, school, and other mental activities slowly. Start with half days, and speak with employers or teachers about having a lighter workload for several weeks as you ease back in to mental work.  Your doctor will likely be willing to write a note for you requesting this if they think you need it. Do not restart any physical activities or even anything that raises your heart rate until you are free of concussion symptoms and have been checked by your doctor. Then return to playing your sport, riding your bike, or exercising slowly and gradually.  It is not uncommon to feel symptoms return when you start to be physical. Let your body be your guide as you increase your activity level. If you start to feel sick, stop your activity for the day and rest. You will gradually build your stamina back up. Many sports teams have a post-concussion return-to-play protocol to ease you back in to your sport safely. If not, do not let anyone convince you to play before you’re well. Ask your doctor or a sports therapist for guidelines, and take responsibility for your health. According to the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Neurology, the concern for recurrent concussions has lead to serious consequences such as second impact syndrome and dementia, which has lead to the development of a series of guidelines that address concussion severity and return to play for athletes. It can be frustrating trying to return to your daily life while you are having difficulty concentrating, remembering and thinking. These problems will improve, but in the mean time help yourself by making lists of things you have to remember or writing notes as ideas occur to you. Focus on one task at a time. Consult with loved ones you trust before making any important decisions while your brain is recovering. Drinking alcohol or using any drugs that aren’t prescribed to you can delay your recovery. Do not drink alcohol until your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so. Having had a previous concussion is a risk-factor for getting another concussion, and unfortunately the effects of concussions are cumulative over your lifetime. This means that each subsequent concussion is easier to get, and has more severe symptoms than the last. Suffering from multiple concussions can even cause permanent problems after many years. If you’ve had a concussion, consider what activities are safe for you to do.  You may need to refrain from contact sports like football, rugby, hockey, and roller derby, in which concussions are common. Some people find they can no longer go on roller coasters or handle the loud noise of concerts without feeling unwell. Always wear a helmet and protective gear when playing sports or riding a bicycle or motorcycle. Fasten your seatbelt any time you are in a vehicle. Check your home to ensure there is nothing you may trip over, like a loose rug. Some people experience symptoms of a concussion for much longer than others, even months or years. If you have to give up activities that you love, refrain from exercising like you once did, or struggle to be as mentally active as before your injury, you may feel discouraged, isolated or depressed. Find a local support group or join an online community to build solidarity with others who are experiencing similar struggles. If you feel deeply depressed, anxious, or have thoughts of self-harm, seek professional care.
Summary: Return to mental activity gradually. Go back to physical activity slowly, when you’re symptom-free. Use lists, notes, and help from others until your thinking improves. Avoid alcohol. Consider if you need to make lifestyle changes. Protect yourself from further concussions to the best of your ability. Seek a support group.

Problem: Article: If your headaches do not go away with lifestyle and other changes, see a doctor for evaluation. While usually not serious, chronic headaches can be caused by other medical problems. To help your doctor provide the best diagnosis, make a list of your symptoms.  Keep a headache diary, chronicling when your headaches occur and any potential triggers. Include the intensity of each headache. You should also note how long your headaches have been occurring and any existing medical conditions you have. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may want to run some tests to check for underlying conditions that may be causing your headaches. They may order a CT scan, an MRI, or blood work to check for neurological or other problems. If your doctor orders any tests, make sure you ask them about preparing ahead of time. Some tests may require you not to eat or drink the day before, for example. Depending on what your doctor thinks is causing the headaches, they may suggest dietary supplements. Magnesium, butterbur, feverfew, coenzyme Q10, and riboflavin are supplements that have reduced headache symptoms for some. Discuss dietary supplements with your doctor to see if they would be safe given your current health and any existing medications. Never introduce a dietary supplement before talking to your doctor first. Massage therapy involves seeing a professional masseuse to have your head, temples, and other body parts massaged to reduce the frequency of headaches. However, you can also give yourself a daily scalp massage to help prevent and possibly also relieve a headache. To give yourself a scalp massage, press your fingertips to your scalp and move them in small circles around your head. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes daily or as needed.
Summary:
Present your doctor with a detailed list of symptoms. Get any necessary medical tests. Talk to your doctor about dietary supplements. Get or give yourself a scalp massage.