Help with Ongoing Symptoms

Most people with concussion recover after their injury, however, a small percentage of people will experience symptoms (such as headaches, memory problems, irritability or fatigue) for a longer period of time. Although these symptoms might be related to the concussion, they often are caused by other injuries or factors that lengthen the recovery period. These factors can include age, gender, previous history of concussion, the presence of a psychological disorder or a learning disability, stress at home or work, and certain medications. Remember, not all symptoms improve at the same rate—some take longer than others.

Here’s what you can do:

• Speak up. It’s important to communicate honestly and openly with your health care provider about symptoms that continue to bother you or interfere with your everyday life.
• Keep track of your symptoms. Track ongoing changes in your symptoms or any new symptoms in a journal or mobile application (see back for examples). Share these changes with your health care provider to pinpoint possible causes and treatment options.
• Support your recovery. Think about ways to help your brain and body heal now. Eat healthy foods, exercise and keep a regular sleep schedule. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Limit caffeine, especially energy drinks, which can hurt the quality of your sleep; limit alcohol consumption.
• Seek ways to relax. Reduce stress by trying activities such as yoga, exercise, music or art. Talk with your health care provider about these options to complement your treatment.

Track Your Symptoms

Keep a journal of your symptoms like the one below and share it with your health care provider.

How can technology help?

• CBT-i Coach
  CBT-i Coach is for people engaged in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) with a health provider, or those who have experienced symptoms of insomnia and would like to improve their sleep habits. The app guides users through the process of learning about sleep, developing positive sleep routines and improving their sleep environments. It provides a structured program that teaches strategies proven to improve sleep and help alleviate symptoms of insomnia.
• Concussion Coach
  Concussion Coach is a mobile app for veterans, service members and others who have symptoms of a concussion or mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). This app is intended to support face-to-face treatment with a health provider and provides portable, convenient tools for the patient to assess symptoms and cope with TBI"related problems. It is not intended to replace professional diagnosis, medical treatment, or rehabilitation therapies.
• Breathe2Relax
  Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool. Breathe2Relax is a hands-on diaphragmatic breathing exercise. Breathing exercises have been documented to decrease the body's 'fight-or-flight' (stress) response, and help with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management. Also available on Google Play.
• PE Coach
  PE Coach is the first mobile app designed to support the tasks associated with prolonged exposure treatment for PTSD. Providing hip-pocket access to the necessary tools for successful PE participation, the app includes audio recording capability for easy playback after sessions; tools to support patient tasks between sessions; and visual displays of symptom reduction over time. Also available on Google Play.
• PTSD Coach
  PTSD Coach was developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD in collaboration with T2. The goal was to develop a mobile application to assist Veterans and Active Duty personnel (and civilians) who are experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Also available on and Google Play.

If you have thoughts or feelings of hurting yourself or others, seek emergency care. Call the Military/Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-TALK (8255), send a text to 838255 or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net. Another helpful resource is Military OneSource at: 800-342-9647 or MilitaryOneSource.mil.