The concussion discussion

There are many important discussions we have in life. When the kids are little, we have the discussion about sharing toys with others and as they get older, we talk about treating others kindly. We cringe when it comes to talking about the birds and the bees and sometimes get teary eyed when we have the leaving home discussion. But, when there is a bump on the head, unless there is obvious damage, we seldom talk about concussion, the ramifications and the healing process.

Loree Besser has a message and plea for all of us to become more aware of what it means to sustain such an injury and she offers hope for those on the long road to recovery. Loree spent years working in the

BY SUE SMITH-GRIER

health care field and finally retired just a few years ago. She was looking forward to an exciting life of leisure with the freedom to travel and enjoy all that retirement has to offer. No longer tied down to a job, Loree was able to become one of the many Minnesota snowbirds spending the cold winter months in warmer climes. For her, that meant Arizona. Warm weather, lots of sun and beautiful scenery. But one April afternoon all that came crashing to a halt.

One Life Changing Moment In Time

April 18, 2023, around 4 p.m., Loree’s life changed completely when her car was struck by an allegedly negligent driver. Loree’s car hit the median and rolled over. Miraculously she survived the accident. However, she sustained several injuries including some triggered by the car’s safety features.

The airbags deployed causing pain to her left shoulder and arm and temporary loss of hearing in her ear. She was taken to the hospital and given a CT scan without contrast; it only showed a blunt head injury. Unfortunately, no one mentioned to Loree anything about concussion or traumatic brain injury. In fact, studies show people with simple concussions are not likely to get a positive finding on a CT scan. Despite the fact Loree experienced all the symptoms of concussion, she did not receive a diagnosis until she returned home to Minnesota.

Getting To The Truth Of The Matter

Loree’s situation left her feeling like a fish out of water. Once vibrant and active with a strong sense of humor, Loree now dealt with fatigue, anxiety and depression along with a host of other physical symptoms related to concussion. These included problems with eyesight, headaches, loss of balance, dizziness, sensitivity to light and noises, confusion, memory problems, brain fog and just not feeling herself.

A trip to the St. Cloud Eye Clinic and meeting Dr. Bonacci was the first step in getting diagnosed and on the road to recovery. He explained how her brain had been injured in the car accident; basically it had been slammed up and down against her skull causing the malfunctions she was experiencing. The diagnosis led to concussion therapy and the journey to recovery.

RECOVERY: A LONG AND WINDING ROAD

The road to recovery has been long and continues for Loree. She has now learned to accept her new normal. “It’s like a grief process you go through where you’ve lost so much. But I can honestly say I’ve accepted where my new normal is because it was a divine intervention that I even survived that car crash. Thanks to friends and family and faith I’ve been able to get back to 75%. It’s been quite a journey. I started out moving as a tortoise then I had to slide back to moving as a snail.”

Loree’s journey has been slow and progressive. At Big Stone Therapy she endured two hours of physical therapy twice a week for nearly six months with daily exercises at home to ensure progress. This was no easy feat. She mustered courage and perseverance with every step and continues to do so every day.

The Wounded Brain

One of the big problems many people overlook with concussion is it takes longer for the brain to heal than it seems. Many athletes who have experienced concussion will get back into their regular routine before their brain has healed completely.

Signs of fatigue, headaches and other symptoms often get ignored. Concussion patients can get frustrated and lose sight of the fact that recovery can take a long time. In Loree’s case, she’s been advised it may take as long as two years to recover.

Concussion is considered traumatic brain injury. Because of the symptoms experienced, some individuals may feel ashamed or guilty they cannot do the things they used to do before the injury. Time and perseverance can make all the difference in the world. Your brain will give you signals when it needs rest and care. Too often in our busy lives we ignore the signals our bodies and brains send and consequently we end up paying the price.

A wounded brain needs care and attention just as much as diabetes or heart problems. Recovery does not happen overnight. And just like other health conditions, exercise in the right amounts and healthy foods will make a big difference.

Eat The Rainbow For Brain Health

Brain health is enhanced by maintaining a healthy diet. Eating foods that reduce inflammation helps with the healing process. These are usually brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Lean meats, fish and poultry are also good for brain health. Loree’s diet includes only grass-fed beef, plenty of fruits and vegetables, vitamins D and E, magnesium and Omega-3 found in cold water fish such as salmon and mackerel. She says many brain health diets can be found online and of course talk with your doctor for guidance as well.

Redefining Life With Gratitude

Loree has come a long way since that April afternoon in 2023. Whenever she can, she shares her story with others. Her mission is to inform people about concussion, especially senior citizens. She identifies this group as one that does not always receive the attention they need for head trauma and this is the group at the biggest risk of falling.

“I’m so grateful for the professionals at Big Stone Therapy. You don’t push through something like this. There’s a science to it.” She gives credit to doctors and therapists who continue to help her along this journey, and she adds, “You have to be an advocate for yourself. Learn to ask better questions of your doctors.”