Mild head injury - recovery

anemoneprose

I threw up after taking a hard knock to the head about three days ago. Other than feeling a bit weird (the kind of buzzing, slightly out-of-yourself feeling that might accompany a hangover) and having a bit of vertigo (which is improving every day), I'm fine, and my doc agreed at followup. (I have some exercises for the vertigo that seem to be helping.) A CT scan was not initially ordered, as swelling seemed unlikely given I did ok on the clinical exam.

I'm watching and waiting, but my doc said I could probably get back to exercise by next week, as long as the dizziness improves.

It's important to me that I continue to exercise, for lots of reasons. But I don't have a spotter, and now worry about trusting myself, not just with weights, but balance, getting a high heart rate (dizziness), etc.

I'm thinking the most I want to do is maybe some basic Pilates mat work. (With a huge fluffy pillow under my head). Does that sound ok? Can anyone speak to safe recovery? Can I trust that feeling ok is actually being ok, or should I wait? What are solid signs of improvement?

Today I took a short walk for the first time since Wednesday. I felt a bit wobbly, then was ok, then almost tripped on a door frame
So, not really trusting myself.

If the wait is long, what are good ways to stay sane and support recovery? Just waiting is boring and frustrating, and I'm restless already.

Thanks.

anemoneprose

bump

DavPul

If as recently as two days ago something as low effort as a walking made you dizzy and prone to tripping, I'd go ahead and give it another few days, and I'd ease back into with my finger on the "bail" switch at the first sign of trouble. Better safe than sorry, and you don't want to set yourself and increase your recuperation time

anemoneprose

That makes sense. Thanks (again)

BenderFitness

Wait! Just because your symptoms are gone does not mean your concussion is healed! Returning to exercise to soon, especially if there is chance of re-injury can lead to long term effects. When you do start, try some mat work and things where you can immediately stop (in a safe position) if dizziness strikes you. Be careful, your long term health is so much more important than a couple of missed days.

anemoneprose

Thank you!