Recovering from Concussions: Smile for me Now | Bryant D'Hondt | TEDxWWU

In total I have had 15 concussions, I have done the process 6 times and each time I am blown away by the results and what I can learn from something so feared by our society. It is the fear of not knowing that makes the experience that much more traumatic. My hope is to have researchers ask different questions, to someone with a brain injury, defining what it is means nothing but having hope means everything. I like to explain it like this “we can know the in’s and out’s of a volcano, but it doesn’t me we can stop it from erupting.” Life is hard enough as it is, and when you feel lost in your own mind it can seem like an impossible task just getting out of bed.
Bryant has had 15 concussions and was told
that he was looking forward to a life with
Parkison's Disease. Through his hard work
and dedication to recovering a brain that
seemed lost, he hcame with an uncoventional
process for recovery. Bryant is currently a
professional golfer and motivational speaker.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@ying_1688]

Still please be careful everyone, our head is delicate. Not all people are as lucky as him. I'm now suffering from a concussion and I know how hard and painful that is. Im still fighting to get better and recover. I want to find myself back. I truly hope anyone who has the same injury as me can all be well again. We deserve this!

[@freedomliberty3664]

yinghsuan chen me too. How long have you had it?

[@gasaul5759]

How are you now?

[@was2dog]

I’m in my second concussion in one year from hockey and it hasn’t gone away for 3 months

[@elijahwood2415]

Was2Dog I got 4 in one year just from clumsy ness. My advice is become a turtle that hides in a shell til you fully recover. It’s a domino effect once you get one. My fourth concussion was like 30% as hard of a hit as my first but it still caused one.

[@nadiathorn6005]

It is really hard to not be able to do what you could before, I'm trying to find the gift in the experience.

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

I wish I could carry a normal conversation.

[@Garbageman209]

Why cant you? Is it due to brain trauma?

[@gasaul5759]

How are you now?

[@WayneFloet]

What did you have for lunch today?

[@jennkerrgaspar13]

Brilliant

[@felipemelchorhernandez6998]

I suffered a concussion 2 years ago I still suffering the consequences. The first year was the biggest rough. I got Like 20 symptoms like Headache constantly for 14 months Light and noise sensativity for 18 months I still have then now but they're mild In the first year I developed depression now the depression is cosumming me I feel empty with no feelings I have no joy at all I'm not the same person as I used to be I feel lost I feel like I'm living in a different body I got scuicide thoughts most of the time i don't know if i will get back to normal maybe I will not

[@brdwthacgr2699]

*pats* im feeling for ya, bud

[@AdLineamDesignsGlasgow]

I had a concussion 2 months ago (magnetic plate fell on my head in work from no fault of mine) and the pain is still absolutely unbearable. I also have all of the symptoms that you've described here... All the best to țiu!

[@jmac79ers]

Darn post concussion emotions, I teared up 10 seconds in

[@chao9812]

Joe Mac same bro same

[@nondassteele7620]

Also the movie called concussion with Will Smith was a very good movie . A true story about Repeated concussions caused by playing football NFL players who went mad and killed their selfes. The movie tells and shows real horrors..What severe tramatic brain concussion injuries can do. If you ever get to see this movie watch it. A true story movie.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Thank you so much for the intelligent and inspiring presentation. I admire your spirit. I appreciate your mentioning the Hippocratic Oath. You nailed it. Yes.

[@Samyaboy21]

Thank you. I've had three concussions, blacked out every time. My third one happened two days ago and the doctor told me that I'm lucky to have even woken up two days ago after hitting my head. I felt alone and I'm terrified right now. This helps me feel less alone. So thank you.

[@4UnlimitedBEing]

How are you doing now, Sam?

[@B14cKZero]

i have car accident and my skil was relly damge it broken actuly and i have hemiplegia in my left side of my body .. and after 2 month i am ok right now and i do all my thing's and learn like before . by the way i am from iraq and stell learning english :) . i wish the best for u

[@felipemelchorhernandez6998]

I suffered a concussion 2 years ago I still suffering the consequences. The first year was the biggest rough. I got Like 20 symptoms like Headache constantly for 14 months Light and noise sensativity for 18 months I still have then now but they're mild In the first year I developed depression now the depression is cosumming me I feel empty with no feelings I have no joy at all I'm not the same person as I used to be I feel lost I feel like I'm living in a different body I got scuicide thoughts most of the time i don't know if i will get back to normal maybe I will not

[@Rise_Higher-444]

I hope you feel better

[@hairynipps2599]

@@felipemelchorhernandez6998 u will

[@nondassteele7620]

Very powerful story from all aspects of tramatic brain injury... In my job i have worked with a person with dementia and talking to them can be very inspiring even though with in a hour they dont remember you. But during that conversation with them your on the same wave lenth. Im currently working with a tramatic brain injury from a car wreck. This has been a experience as well.

[@witchcraftdollies5205]

Thank you. Thank you so much for showing me that anything is possible. I'm twelve and have had 3 major concussions in a year. And I'm sorry. I know you hate that word, but 12 concussions. Wow. You are a hero. Thank you

[@jonathananderson844]

Ive had a bunch of concsuions and ive done better in school afterwards and i dont't notice any change so it is possible for yall to be ok.

[@ying_1688]

Jonathan Anderson :)

[@griselda425]

I had a concussion about 18 years ago and I never had any symptoms. Then 4 months ago I started having absence seizures. Turns out I have epilepsy. As we get older, our brain starts to shrink and that’s when the scarred tissue will have its effects. Maybe you may not have symptoms just yet. However, most of us eventually will. Good luck.

[@thereflex-rehabreview2404]

Really enjoyed the talk, Bryant D'Hondt. As two medical students, pursuing Physical Medicine and Rehab residencies, we are listening and share your desire to improve healthcare delivery.

[@michavanalstine6744]

This guy's lucky he had the luxury of being tired of people asking if he was okay or how he was doing. Lots of people suffer invisibly and have to publicly almost embarrass themselves and be vulnerable just to reveal that they have a brain injury derailing their life. Lots of people have to kind of force others to listen or take note of their brain injuries.

[@georgiamay7056]

One of my daughters has no memories of her youth. She has had concussions from severe domestic violence. She is divorced, but I am looking for ways she can regain those memories of fun times with friends. Her friends have a hard time with it. I was thinking that maybe they could record some things they remember to give to her. When they tell her, she doesn't remember. We live in the area where you got your first memory back. I know the park you mentioned.

[@infinitshade]

Georgia May I'm sorry to hear that your daughter has lost her memory. The stronger the emotional connection is to memories the easier they are to recall. Having her friends try and remind her of things doesn't carry the same weight as her searching for them herself. I became obsessed with remembering. It has to come from her own subconscious and that is where it gets tricky to help

[@jamaldubois4607]

Treatment with ice may help her regain lost memories

[@phillipeastman2021]

Music really helped me remember things. I'm a kick boxer and boxer but I've noticed I can't remember things from my childhood and my short term memory is going but old music really helps me.

[@aaliyahserafina9366]

Wow. This is just what I needed to hear. Thank you so much, I am truly grateful!

[@felipemelchorhernandez6998]

Aaliyah Warren have yoj had a traumatic brain injury

[@blackentrepreneur244]

3 years later, how are you now?

[@Tb-cl8hi]

The power we need to find inside ourselves..comes from understanding this small quote ------ '''you can't change what you can't acknowledge''

[@flybar3344]

I unfortunately have had two concussions this summer. The recovery has been super painful from the migraines to the amnesia. Thank you Bryant for this and for sharing your story. We are not alone

[@dolphin92gl]

Is there any recovering from cervicogenic dizziness? It's debillating i also have cuncusion

[@gmun2248]

If you haven't found an answer yet, vestibular physical therapy at a specialist neuro rehab center is what you need. It's hard & it's a slow process, but if you commit to it, it really works.

[@blackentrepreneur244]

How are you 2 years later?

[@dolphin92gl]

@@blackentrepreneur244 the same sadly but I also have pppd and vestibular migraines so probably all in one

[@40medic]

Best advice ever! Smile and ask about the persons past. I learned a long time ago while working as a cleaner in a nursing home. You can communicate with those who have Alzheimer’s. Smile and ask about their past. Ask the same question. Maybe 10 times. Over and over. Then it clicks. Those deep rooted memories will come to the surface and you will learn about the person you are communicating with. Similar to concussions. Those memories are there. They are deep within. Just have to find the path to bring them to the surface. And when it happens, it is truly a special thing. Thanks for your Ted Talk.

[@HappilyIndian]

Brave young man, true hero SALUTE & Way to go man 👍👍👏👏👏🙏🙏🤗🤗❤

[@debblackmore7460]

Stay strong stay positive stay safe everyone takecare becareful sending luck hugs prayers most of all love from headway Nottingham UK ❤

[@debblackmore7460]

❤ never give up on yourself many will never yourselves keep going doing amazing things keep positive keep strong keep going giving up isn't a option good luck everyone I have hypoxia brain injury I died 26minutes spent weeks months in coma rehab hospital learning talk walk again doctors said I would never walk talk again yet I'm sending comments secret is dont give up sending you all good things from headway Nottingham UK ❤❤

[@jackshannon5796]

That clapping doesn’t help the cause.

[@chao9812]

That was so powerful I’m only 17 and I’ve had 9 concussions. This brought tears to my eyes

[@thesportswarehouse8853]

How did u have 6 concussions in basketball?

[@JD-wx8ik]

Basketball is a contact sport

[@kevinrichardson6686]

Law and order

[@anthonyhewitt9397]

This has such a good message

[@gilleytube6890]

Surfferd a tbi July 4th was in a coma for 2 weeks after. I'm dealing with the same things right now I'm glad this video just pooped up.

[@breadwlbutta]

How you got it?

[@TheBushRanger.]

Update?

[@lookUp45]

I feel your pain. Bless you for touching on this. Iv had 6 concussions in my life. Sadly this has been my experience too with doctors. It sometimes feels they got into it for the money, not to help people.

[@debblackmore7460]

😊

[@neuroepithelialcyst]

Watching it with skull fracture :(

[@WayneFloet]

Me too :) smile

[@neuroepithelialcyst]

:(

[@WayneFloet]

I'm 3 weeks in ,shades 24/7 ,still dealing with a lot of muscle spasms and confusion, staying positive though! How are you 4 months later?

[@majj4439]

Same my frontal bone is fractured

[@neuroepithelialcyst]

@@majj4439 :(

[@Design111]

The Mind Eye Institute in Chicago specializes in this. Dr. Deborah Zalensky

[@ByMerch]

How was he sent home after being told nothing was wrong with his brain after the concussions and problems with his face, arm and sleep? I don't get it..

[@marielg9143]

Thank you I have a concussion right now an nobody reaches out to me I been on my own smile journey but my head hurts.

[@mnmdisney]

A-EFEN-MEN!!! TIERD of "take more meds, this pill that pill, but dont you dare use the external pain rub with THC in it"🤦‍♀️😖

[@michavanalstine6744]

This guy's lucky he had the luxury of being tired of people asking if he was okay or how he was doing. Lots of people suffer invisibly and have to publicly almost embarrass themselves and be vulnerable just to reveal that they have a brain injury derailing their life. Lots of people have to kind of force others to listen or take note of their brain injuries.

[@20FootBurmessePython]

Ehh

[@unbakablemuffin4029]

BPC-157, It really helps.

[@LarryBrooks-cf9qp]

When you have no money there is no treatment. V.a. refuses to help.

[@WayneFloet]

Take lots of rest and look into natural diets and methods that are not institutionalized

[@thatsjustluvly]

Amazing talk what a great guy

[@JiveBunny997]

My history: epilepsy since age of 6 for 41 years after a serious car crash. Had 2 brain operations to remove a tumour. Recently after an argument with a family member i punched my self in the jaw, (yeh, which wasnt a wise idea) which has made me dizzy - its been a month now. Ct scans suggested no irregularities / bleeding on the brain. Just getting irritated, as to why its lasting so long. I think the pre-existing brain related injuries/trauma is restricting recovery. Anyway good luck to fellow concussion sufferers

[@TheBushRanger.]

Feel better?

[@JiveBunny997]

@@TheBushRanger. Well Ryan, i no longer experience the brain fog or the confusion. Also the tinnitus has slightly subsided too. Its just the waywardness & balance issues which fluctuate - i.e, some days feel good and other days so so. My neurologist who've i've been with 20 years assured me it would settle down but could take a year or two, adding that my recovery would be slightly slower due to my pre-existing brain injuries & the 2 brain operations but we have to soldier on and be positive. Overall, its not as bad as it was when i first had the concussion. All of us should be positive & convince ourselves that we will get better

[@danielrivera1840]

Hello my friends, I'm pretty sure that I have CTE. 4yrs of football 17 years of soccer, 4yrs of wrestling, fighting, getting slammed on my head in the street, head on collision at 70mph pretty sure that I will have CTE.

[@thomasscharneck986]

Daniel Rivera go to your doctor than ask her to refer you to a neurologist

[@gasaul5759]

How are you now?

[@huss03]

Doesn’t make sense. He’s suggesting that doctors go straight to the drug solution, yet the example he gives is of his doctor REFUSING to auto-prescribe drugs. And then he talks about the cost of the scans, the money for which goes to the hospital, and then seems to suggest it goes to big pharma. Maybe he has got brain damage...

[@infinitshade]

Huxxy maybe I do.

[@choudhurybiku5628]

can a concussion decrease iq

[@matthewwhite4963]

I think it depends where the damage is sustained in your brain, however I imagine you would need to have multiple sever concussions to actually notice a difference in iq.

[@anthonyhewitt9397]

Anything that effects memory is gonna 100% effect your IQ. It effects your very grasp on being conscious which is your ability to recognize yourself in any space in time. Getting confused easily overwhelmed. Which is mostly emotion and memory over time. which a single memory over a time period can create varied emotions. But if your ability to grasp time and remember with emotion is impaired your gonna really suffer and feel alienated psychologically.

[@freedomliberty3664]

I still haven’t recovered. How long have yours been?

[@auds9738]

I just got mine on tuesday. It's friday now, so 3 days so far, but i've already gone down the rabbit hole on concussion research and possible treatments. Hoping the dizziness goes away soon. How about you?

[@freedomliberty3664]

4 mths... don’t be discouraged. Yours may last only a week. Don’t be negative . My is weird. I didn’t started feeling it till a week later and I didn’t rest well

[@auds9738]

@@freedomliberty3664 thanks for the kind words, I've actually mostly recovered already so i'm really happy :) Though actually I had to take matters into my own hands. I did some digging and found out that my dizziness wasn't so much a brain problem as it was an ear problem. Turns out the impact that causes the concussion also often dislodges particles in your ears that help you maintain balance, and it causes dizziness if it goes uncorrected. Fortunately it can be easily corrected at home. I did the Dix-Hallpike test and Epley maneuver, and after going through a minute or two of extreme dizziness and nausea while performing the maneuver, the dizziness never came back. Just sharing in case you also suffer from dizziness, it might help you out :)

[@christian8307]

CC Cs get as much sleep as you can. Every time you sleep, you give your brain time to recover. It took me almost a whole year to recover, but i got as much rest as I could and i definitely feel a lot better.

[@toniocartonio572]

@@freedomliberty3664 I got a concussion (third one in my life, I had 2 in 2016). After 4 weeks more or less everything got back to normal. But in september symptoms got bit worse. I'm still suffering from headaches. Those headaches aren't that heavy, but they are hitting me everyday. I just can't stand it. I'm really scared. My parents don't know. I'm praying everyday (even though I'm not a religious person) asking to be cured. At the moment I'm only running, but I decided that Iwon't ever play a sport again. I'm almost 22 yo. Sorry for my english