[iggle24]

Hello all,

For two months now I have been dealing with what I now suspect to be post concussion syndrome. Prior to reading many of the threads on this forum I wasn't even aware that some people suffer long term effects from minor head injuries.

2 months ago I was horsing around with some friends when I fell and hit the back of my head. It hurt considerably...but as there was no loss of consciousness or naseau vomiting (all of which happened for my sister when she suffered a concussion) I just assumed it was like any other time I've bumped my head in my life and moved on from it. That night I went out and got drunk with friends. The next morning I woke up feeling awful with a nasty hangover, which I thought odd since I tolerate alcohol very well and never get hangovers. Later that night I started feeling sick like I had to throw up but never actually did...I would have passed this off as a simple stomach bug if it weren't for an uncomfortable feeling in my chest and heart palpitations...this concerned me as ive never been able to feel my heart like this without strenuous exercise so I went to see my doctor the next day and after an EKG and blood test came back normal he told me it was probably anxiety and sent me on my way.

Well over the next week or two I started experiencing extreme sleep disruption where id wake up 1.5 hours after falling asleep with racing heart and feeling of intense dread. I also felt sort of spacy when I was awake like I wasn't emotionally connected with the people around me. My bowel movements went haywire...I experienced sexual dysfunction for the first time in my life...basically my body was going haywire and combined with the lack of sleep and fact that I was trying to study for an exam in the midst of all this I felt that I was having a nervous breakdown....though for the life of me I could not comprehend why this would be happening to me.

I went back to the doctor to tell him about the new strange symptoms and he once again said it was anxiety (based on the normal blood test) and sent me on my way with an ambien prescription to help me sleep (which did not help).

At about the two week mark the anxiety lowered and my sleep improved a slight bit to where I could sleep for a bit longer at a time and i didnt feel panicked when I woke up...I thought this was a sign that I was recovering but the feeling of cloudiness persisted during the day and everything still felt dreamlike. Now 2 months later the following symptoms persist ...

-loss of appetite
-heart palpitations (not constant..usually present when I lay down to go to sleep)
-cloudy feeling in head...some say brain fog
-derealization (most noticeable when outside...frustrating symptom as it has made social situations awkward whereas I am normally an extroverted individual)
-lack of ability to concentrate
-insomnia(truly the most frustrating symptom...getting into bed just feels different...body is unable to relax...I miss the way it used to feel crawling into bed after a long day)
-reduced libido
-cold hands/feet/nose
-muscle twitches throughouts legs and arms
-slight ear pain/pressure
-some tinnitus when things are quiet
-fatigue
-light sensitivity


Strangely I am only experiencing very minor headaches that don't even really bother me at all. This factor is causing me some residual doubt over whether what I'm going through is actually post concussion syndrome.

I am truly lost and overwhelmed with this sudden ****-storm that life has thrown at me. This has truly been the worst experience I have ever had and the scary part is that I don't see an end in sight. All of the joy has been sucked out of my life...I feel as if I have been stripped of my personalit. In 2 months I have rapidly transformed from a happy healthy optimistic 24 year old to an absolute neurotic wreck. I wanted a physical diagnosis so badly for what I was experiencing just so I could reassure myself that I am not going insane but now the prospect of permanent brain damage seems just as scary.

I have seen many people on here make the comment about how frustrating it can be to not have people be able to understand what you are going through and let me tell you that I sympathize with you whole heartedly. I called my parents crying telling them about what I was going through and they both think that there is something that I'm not telling them. They keep trying to guess reasons why I'm acting the way I am. Recently I went home for a week and they think that because I can walk and talk and look normal that there is nothing wrong with me. They think that I have just all of a sudden turned into some weak person who can't handle stress.

I can't tell if I have been affected by this cognitively or not. I feel mentally slower but I have been able to pass two exams in the midst of this crisis. I am a medical student and fear that these problems are going to affect my ability to perform. I have a very important exam several months from now that I am supposed to be spending the majority of my time studying for and instead I am completely consumed by thoughts about how I feel throughout the day. Without going too far into my personal life I have a very, very strong reason not to take time off from school to deal with this issue so I intend to mentally push through it and hope for recovery. On the other hand I fear from what I've read on some of these threads that I may be ruining my chance at a full recovery if I continue trying to live my life normally. I already believe that drinking heavily the day after injury and the anxiety over my health has made this thing worse. Is full rest really nessecary for a full recovery?

I also would appreciate any advice on tests that I should get done. As I am a broke student I need the most cost efficient medical tests to aid in identifying any fixable problems. I am thinking now that I should get to a neurologist and an endocrinologist. I definitely want to get my hormones checked...I should probably get an MRI done though I doubt it will show anything at this point.


Most importantly...I need advice on how best to approach this topic with my parents so that they might better understand what I'm going through. I'm not searching for pity...just having them believe that their is something wrong would help at this point. I go to school on the other side of the country and live alone and I don't know how to cope with this without some social support. I appreciate you all listening to my story as well as any advice that anyone might have.

[blackzest]

First off, hello. I'm terribly sorry to hear what you are going through. I can sympathize completely. Reading your story brings me shivers as I recall a time when I was in terrible ruins quite similar to your own.

Just a brief overview of my own experience with PCS. 18 months ago I was in the head with a stick. Initially, I did not pass out, only felt ringing in my ears. I had no history of concussion, despite playing hockey for 15 years (i'm 22 years old). Starting that very night, insomnia ensued which lasted 8 months. I was on heavy sleeping pills that only put me out for 3-4 hours at a time. Throughout my long recovery, I experienced depression for 2 months, severe anxiety, horrible tunnel vision/blurring vision, inflamation in the neck, lack of sex drive, slurred speach, difficulty focusing, and a large sensitivity to light, among a host of other symptoms. Prior to my concussion, much like yourself, I was an upbeat care-free individual that lived his life without any hesitations. I was extremely active. My concussion forced me out of school for a year, which was devistating to me as I was shooting to get the grades to go to law school. It was by far the worst time of my life. I used to play this one depressing song called "Wonderful" on repeat and cry for hours on end. I refused to celebrate my birthday with my family, as the thought of a celebration took the little I had left out of me.

Having said that, 18 months later I now write to you virtually symptom-free. The only symptom I still suffer is some minor vision issues which a recent visit to a vision-therapy center is helping me. I've got my life back. I'm happy again! Some days I feel so happy I literally dance around my room, even though schoolwork is pilling up on me. The only hope I can give you is that I was in the same boat. I didn't believe I would EVER recover, and I feared the brain damage would be permanent. To make matters worse, a visit to my neurologist a year into my PCS, the neuro-doctor told me "you are no longer suffering from PCS. Perhaps it's a migrane issue?" Similar to you, I was unaware that I was even suffering from a concussion until I put it together a month into it. Much like yourself, I drank heavily a few days after the injury, and the next morning I felt what I thought was the WORST hang over I had ever had. I too am very resistant to alcohol and hangovers so it came as no suprise when the PCS explained why I felt that reaction. I also wanted a physical diagnosis more than anything in the world. It is very hard dealing with an injury when you have no idea how long recovery will take (and worrying if you will ever heal).

Concerning your parents, I would explain them as best as possible some of the common symptoms, and hope they take you seriously. I know I was extremely frustrated because everyone THINKS your normal because you "look" normal, extremely frustrating.

As for school, I see the perdiciment you are in. Myself, I was physically unable to function, as well as mentally and emotionally. I needed to take a year off.

When you say, "i'm not searching for pity", I felt the exact same way when I first posted on here. Let me assure you that NONE of us hold it against you, rather encourage you to discuss your issues in hopes that we can offer our experience and assistance. I remember desperately wanting to find people that could relate to what I was going through. The most horrifying part is "not knowing".

I wish you all the best. Coming from a place where I had NO hope, I now write to you today achieving a 3.8 GPA, a feat that I thought impossible a year ago. Never lose hope

[iggle24]

Blackzest,

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. The fact that you would come back to this forum to help others when you have put the worst of your troubles behind you is a true mark of your character. If and when I reach the point you are at I will surely be dancing as well!

I was wondering if you could briefly list things that aided in your recovery (medical interventions, medications, nutrition, lifestyle changes, etc.). Were you involved heavily in any type of therapies, or was it mainly a waiting game giving your body time to heal itself?

[Mark in Idaho]

iggle24,

There are tests that can be performed to pinpoint your cognitive and emotional symptoms but they will not help you get better at this time. It will be best for you to just take it easy, no alcohol except the occasional single serving in a day.

Most of your symptoms do sound like PCS but some sound like you may have other injuries such as a neck injury of the whiplash type. A Physical Therapist or chiropractor may be able to help. Avoid chiros who claim to cure every ill that troubles mankind. Find a chiro who can focus on your injury specifically. It is called active treatment versus wellness treatment. Wellness chiro is just a money pit.

Do a search on this forum for nutrition and get your nutrition upgraded. Nutrition needs to become a lifestyle. Concussion is a permanent brain injury that leaves your brain with important nutritional needs. Alcohol is not one of the brain's nutritional needs. Nor is caffeine beyond a single serving per day, especially during the acute phase of PCS.

The depression that often accompanies concussion usually responds well to good nutrition.

Stay in touch.

My best to you.

[blackzest]

Originally Posted by iggle24

I was wondering if you could briefly list things that aided in your recovery (medical interventions, medications, nutrition, lifestyle changes, etc.). Were you involved heavily in any type of therapies, or was it mainly a waiting game giving your body time to heal itself?

Unfortunately, I live in Canada and although healthcare is universal, it is extremely slow and in my families experience, very unhelpful. My neuologist didn't give me any advice other than to wait it out, rest, and return to normal activities "when you feel ready".

As far as lifestyle changes, one thing I do regret was continuing to work. I actually increased the amount I was working in an attempt to "feel normal". I wanted to hide my pain, which I sure was the worst thing I could do at the time as working onset a multitude of pain, where I would almost pass out each and everyday. Looking back, I should have taken plenty of time off of both work and school. Although my parents constantly told me I should be and it was crazy that I wasn't, I didn't want to take their advice. "Feeling normal" was the only thing I wanted to cling on to. If I could give you advice as far as lifestyle changes, I would eject yourself from regular activities as much as possible. Your body needs to rest to heal, and from what I understand, I was only doing myself harm by pushing myself on a daily basis.

As far as medications, I know I should have been on anti-depressents for a few months. I had what I thought to be this "horrible emptiness in my chest" that never went away, 24/7. It was the first time in my life a suicidal thought went through my head. If you begin to experience anything depression like, I would advise you to tell your doctor.

I was also on sleeping pills for many months due to my insomnia. I never got tired, and my body physically could not put itself to sleep. This was a huge help.

I also underwent physical therapy messages and chiropratic. I can't comment on the chiropratic results because progress was so slow. I can say that physical therapy and massages from my mother helped me temporarily, which was great in and of itself.

As far as nutrition, I didn't make any notable changes. I got into a ritual of having a chocolate milkshake everyday, as it was one of the few escapes I had from my reality.

Very recently, I became aware of vision therapy which I have recently started on and it looks promising. It is aiding in my visual recovery. It consists of a series of eye exercises which I do from my computer at home.

I wish I could provide you with more of a healing plan. Mine mainly consisted of rest and time. It was my experience that my recovery was, by and large, beyond my control. Rest undoubtedly was a huge help. I owe my recovery to my parents. They would sit with me for hours while I rambled on about nothing. My best friend as well. He was extremely supportive.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

[iggle24]

thank you both for your help and encouragement


unfortunately taking a break from school is not a good option for me...I am going to try to maximize my downtime to facilitate healing...meditation/music/early bedtime etc....not sure what to think about exercise...some seem to think it is detrimental while others think it aids recovery if not overdone....I don't experience overwhelming fatigue from running but my exercise tolerance is definitely diminished and slight light headed when I run

blackzest do you remember the sleeping pill you were taking?...hohas your natural sleep returned to normal?...ambien did nothing for me...in fact OTC melatonin works better but I still only average about 5 hours of sleep per night.....I think that if I could conk out 10+ hours a night that would aid in recovery greatly

I find it so strange how varied some of the symptoms of this condition are amongst different people. Some are afflicted with significant balance problems that affect their ability to drive and go places...others have painfully persistent headaches...although I have some very annoying physical symptoms my condition is more of an inner torment that I am hiding from the world. I should count myself lucky that although I am struggling emotionally...I am atleast able to carry out my daily responsibilities at the moment.

I find the relation between endocrine dysfunction and MTBI intrigueing as many of my symptoms seem hormone based. I am going to ask for a referall to an endocrinologist from my GP. He's going to look at me crazy as I already asked on a prior visit if I could have a hormone panel done and he assured me that I didn't need it.

[Mark in Idaho]

iggle24,

Go to WomensInternational to find a hormone specialist at https://www.womensinternational.com/..._referral.html. Then you can request the referral.

You may need to get firm with your GP. It is obvious he is clueless about PCS. That is quite the norm.

You might try adding L-Tryptophan to the melatonin for sleep.

Avoid the sleeping pills if you can. Most interfere with the problems your brain is already having.

My best to you.

[wtrpk]

iggle24 == i don't sleep well either..i would rather sleep straight 5 or 6 hours than wake up during the night. Last night I was up at 4:30..fell asleep about 10:30 -- I laid there until 7:15...my new thing is breathing exercises. I take a nice deep breath in thru the nose and exhale thru the mouth. (keeps me busy rather than tossing and turning.)

happy dreams.

[iggle24]

yes aireyden...waking up early in the morning before you truly have to be up is frustrating..that happens to me all the time


did anyone else have the experience with derealization where you feel disconnected from the world? I am experiencing that and it is the scariest symptom...everything looks normal but I am emotionally detatched from things...Im worried that this feeling will never pass as ive read of others with concussion that have experienced derealization for many years

perhaps I should start another thread for this topic?

[carmell]

I just wanted to know EXACTLY what you are saying when you wake up with your heart racing. My doctor tried to say I have an anxiety disorder (which I do not) and recommended anti-anxiety medications...which I did not take.

This is not exactly anxiety. It is the reaction the brain can have when you injure it. The brain stem which regulates things like breathing and heartrate often gets damaged on impact. DON'T worry (well try not to if you can, I know it's hard) it does go away. For me the racing heart went away after 3 months...after my brain no longer felt like it was swelling out of my head.

I think the body just goes into complete panic mode when its main center (the brain) is disrupted.