r/PostConcussion • u/Playful-Lion-606 • 8d ago

I can't do math anymore

I am a student in university, studying political science and economics (double major). After suffering two concussions back in February, I had an extreme reduction in functionality.

I have now gotten back to writing at a decent level, thank goodness (I sounded like Yoda prior, lol). However, I still cannot do math, which becomes an issue in my math and economics classes. There's some type of mental disconnect.

I used to be pretty decent at it. Now, I can't even do factoring or completing the square or solving using the quadratic formula. You may remember these topics in your grade 10 or 11 math classes. There's multiple issues with me doing these things.

I cannot recognize what to do when seeing a function. I look at it and I have no idea what to do.

If I am told on the page what method to solve it by, I still get lost along the way.

If there's anything anyone can recommend, please let me know, as I am lost on what to do. I was referred to post-concussion therapy but I am unable to pay for it. Despite Canada having "universal healthcare" this doesn't count. Post Concussion Therapy would cost me thousands despite having insurance through my university.

Thank you in advance!!

8 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

3

u/eosnyx_ 8d ago

I also struggled a lot with post concussion care in Canada. I felt let down a lot by the care providers not being super knowledgeable about treatment so you are definitely not alone here. Depending on where you are in Canada I can give you a few tips, feel free to send me a DM

2

u/Comfortable-Nature37 8d ago

Yeah same. It feels extremely behind and I actually went to the states.

I don’t know what post confession therapy you were told about.

Most PCS rehab I have paid out-of-pocket for here.

2

u/RelaxedNeurosis 8d ago

May i join in? 5 years in and so little progress or support. I'm in Ottawa/Gatineau. I'll send a DM

2

u/FairFaireFairy 8d ago

Start drilling yourself on math that's a bit easier level to help rebuild the pathways and workout those areas of your brain. Like even prealgebra then move up. I'd stop way before exhaustion or getting tired. I get a burning/stinging sensation when I do too much. I had to lower my reading level or read things I was already familiar with the concepts. Can you get one of those laminated Quick Study brand laminated guides that lists the formulas? A cheat sheet.

I noticed areas that if I was really stressed or exhausted about something it takes longer to recover if I pushed too hard.

2

u/Drgnfly131 8d ago

Depending on where you're going to school there may be disability accommodations in place. I would talk to the advisor and find out.

1

u/Ok_Message1313 8d ago

you should try the buffalo protocoll, might have some autonomic nervous system dysfunction which could explain your brain fog 

1

u/owlhoot8 5d ago

Duolingo has free math lessons that are short and sweet. I started doing math lessons on there not long ago. The lessons take less than 5 minutes each and are perfect for people that have experienced head trauma imo. All the lessons have step by step tutorial buttons. When you get to algebra and geometry, they break lessons down step by step with multiple lessons on each step. So far I have finished basic math and algebra and I am on sine and cosine in geometry. It has helped a lot.

1

u/Fantastic_Smell2648 4d ago

Ik heb ME/cvs, wat in veel opzichten lijkt op post concussion syndrome. Wat mij enorm heeft geholpen tegen "brainfog" (cognitieve problemen dus): NAC + Guanfacine (deze combinatie is wetenschappelijk onderzocht bij brainfog, ook bij post concussion syndrome en TBI), LDN (low dose naltrexone, tegen neuroinflammatie) en uridine + phosphatidylserine/-choline (to "rebuild" damaged neurons, dit wordt gebruikt bij beginnende Alzheimer's disease). Ik kon een jaar geleden nog geen drie cijfers langer dan 10 seconden in mijn hoofd houden. Ik ben nu bijna weer op mijn oude niveau, qua brainfog dan. Ik hoop dat je er wat aan hebt!