S01E01: The 20 Things I Wish I Knew At The Start of Our Concussion Recovery Journey

About this Podcast:

Our family’s journey with concussions has taught us so much. It’s been tough, no doubt, but through the challenges, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that I hope will provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of solidarity for families embarking on a similar path. These lessons are organized into five categories—Expectations, Recovery, Support, Symptoms, and Tools—and are grounded in the lived experience of navigating concussion recovery as a caregiver and parent. In their own right are separate podcast topics which I will cover individually. Join me for subsequent podcasts covering these topics in detail, capturing the perspectives of the Moms/caregivers, the survivors, and practioners who are creating solutions to accelerate concussion recovery and symptom relief.

Transcript

Summary

In this episode of the Moms Heal Heads podcast, Mary-Katherine McCarey shares 20 essential insights she wishes she had known at the beginning of her family’s journey through concussion recovery. Covering topics such as the importance of setting realistic expectations, understanding the invisible nature of concussions, the impact of pre-existing conditions, and the necessity of a supportive community, she provides practical advice for caregivers and families. The conversation emphasizes the non-linear nature of recovery, the significance of a healthy lifestyle, and the value of educational accommodations. Additionally, Mary-Katherine discusses innovative tools like neurofeedback and the benefits of animal therapy, all while encouraging listeners to maintain a positive mindset throughout the healing process.

Takeaways

• Concussion recovery is often non-linear and can take time.
• Setting realistic expectations is crucial for caregivers.
• Invisible injuries can lead to misunderstandings and isolation.
• Pre-existing conditions can complicate recovery.
• Community support is vital for emotional well-being.
• Healthy lifestyle choices significantly impact recovery.
• Educational accommodations can ease the burden on students.
• Animal therapy can provide emotional support during recovery.
• Neurofeedback is a promising tool for brain regulation.
• Daily rituals and positive mindsets can aid in healing.
  

Sound bites:

“Recovery isn’t linear; it comes in waves.”

“The smallest of things become really big things.”

” Pre-existing conditions become amplified”

“Healing requires a whole body approach.”

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Concussion Recovery

00:52 New Chapter

06:44 The Role of Pre-existing Conditions

12:30 The Importance of Community Support

19:50 The Role of Light Exercise

24:40 Educational Accommodations

31:30 Understanding Human Design to Tailor Support Needs

38:55 The Impact of Vision Therapy on Recovery

44:22 Understanding Therapy’s Role in Concussion Recovery

52:32 Fatigue: The Toughest Challenge in Recovery

57:22 Tools for Healing: Neurofeedback and Daily Rituals