Understanding and Living Well With Post-Concussion Syndrome

by Priyanka Pradhan

Concussion, even in its mildest form, can have lasting effects on the individual in a way we're only just beginning to understand. Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI), concussion and post-concussion syndrome have previously been conservatively managed with recommendations for 'rest'. But even mild brain injuries and post-concussion syndrome can have an enormous impact on life, long after the 3 months during which they are expected to resolve. There are also significant differences between the way in which concussion affects men and women respectively, as this new research shows.

If concussion or an mTBI are affecting you, there is much in this book to help and support your symptoms. Neuropsychologist Dr Priyanka Pradhan has pulled together the latest research to provide a complete manual for overcoming the impact of any mild brain injury, while writer and coach Anna Leggett gives deep insight from her own experiences with post-concussion syndrome. Their book not only explains what a concussion is and how it may present, but also gives comprehensive practical strategies for managing persistent symptoms. Such strategies include how to ask for professional and specialist medical help (and where to get it from), and also some simple self-management techniques. Understanding and Living Well with Post-Concussion Syndrome also explains the importance of sleep and diet, and includes significant psychological and emotional support for mental wellbeing and recovery, a support that is often missing from the clinical pathway for post-concussion syndrome.

This book is an essential resource for anyone who feels that they need insight, practical help and emotional support into what is often perceived as an almost-invisible illness, but one which is very real for you or your loved one.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2022

About the author

Priyanka Pradhan is a Dubai-based journalist with experience of 13 years in television, print and electronic media, across India and the UAE.

Specializing in business and lifestyle genres, she reported for CNBC Network 18 (Storyboard) and Economic Times Now (Brand Equity) as correspondent and assistant producer in Mumbai.

After moving to Dubai in 2011, she served as assistant editor for The New York Times Style Magazine (the UAE and Qatar editions) and Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East as well as features editor for Sorbet Magazine (UAE and EU)

She contributed as travel writer, to various lifestyle magazine titles such as Conde Nast Traveller (UAE and Indian editions). She was also regular contributor to regional and international magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar Middle East, DestinAsian (Indonesia), Al Nawras (in-flight magazine for Air Arabia) and Villa 88 (UAE).

Reviews

[Danielle Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a typical 5 ⭐️ blowing through the pages read. But as a guide for post concussive syndrome it’s extremely applicable and user friendly. I think the duo of authors and their expertise/personal experiences were important for this book. The doctor brought all the knowledge and the patient brought the relatability and how the knowledge has been applied to her life. At times this book made me feel hopeful, validated, and grateful. At other times oddly emotional for a very un-emotional book, bitter, and frustrated. I highlighted and underlined a lot that maybe one day I’ll go back and look at. Ironically the book encourages you to make sure you aren’t doing too much in that all the possible appointments and forms of healing are overwhelming, while also suggesting a billion different avenues that could be worth pursuing. So you definitely have to do some filtering to figure out what is worth trying out. I found this book very easy to follow along- the only part that felt over my head brain science-wise was the first chapter and I basically skimmed it. The rest is easily digestible. For the random person, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book. But if you have a loved one or are experiencing post concussive syndrome, I would highly recommend reading this little by little.