Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho
I think the biggest point is ignoring these contacts. They will happen. But, being anxious about them happening sets you up for a setback.
Understanding one thing should be a big help. The PCS brain is easily triggered into an anxiety response. It has symptoms that are very similar to a new bout of PCS. If you can learn to reduce your anxiety reaction to these contacts, you should do much better.
The brain is highly susceptible to suggestion. Thinking "Oh, No. I made contact with my head." or "I jarred my head." will set you up for a relapse. Then the brain starts a replay of the symptoms from your real concussion as a memorized response.
So, take reasonable precautions with no contact sports but go on and live your life. Bumps happen. They do not need to be recognized. If you get an increase in your tinnitus, try to ignore it and move on.
btw, If someone watched your movements through a normal day, they would see you do many things that cause a jarring to your head where you did not have a reaction. Walking down steps, sitting in a chair, and many other movements that you do all day long can have more impact force without any symptoms. Because, you ignore them.....
You may have a sensitive vestibular system that triggers that 'wooo....' feeling. Doing some vestibular desensitization training may help. The simple one is sitting in a chair and leaning forward and putting your head between your knees then sitting up straight and repeat.
I know that I have to be careful with certain movements or I get that 'woo..' feeling. I know it is not brain. It is inner ear/vestibular. If I stop for a moment, it settles down and I can go on without any problems.
I hope you can find your way to reduce your reactions. I know how annoying and frustrating it can be.
My best to you.
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Hi Mark, I really appreciate your reply on this thread.
Little background, I had two concussions within a week of each other about 5 years ago. I am very similar to OP where when I bang my head I either try and forget about it and go about by business/ still drink socially and try to act normal with my life, and it will eventually go away. About 2 weeks ago, I walked face first into a door, tried to not let if affect me, drank with family and friends for about 3 days in a row felt a bit off but nothing horrible. Had great workout a few days later, about 5 days after I started developing the symptoms. I left work early and was just feeling a bit off, but felt the anxiety of the potential concussion symptoms come back and overwhelm me (headache lasted 2 days, light sensitivity still here a week later, same with sound sensitivity and focus/ sleeping a lot/ depressed. I have gotten to the point where I think to myself is this a concussion, or my anxiety and brain triggering symptoms based on my fears.
I had PSC symptoms for 1.5 years after my initial contact, I started getting over my symptoms when I started acting normal again and trying to live a normal life. Started working out again, drinking coffee and consuming alcohol which really seemed to help me forget and start to feel better.
Im 26 years old, it feels like doctors dont know anything. I saw a concussion specialist doctor about the time I started feeling better and he said I had no PCS.
Do you think my symptoms are potentially being triggered by my brain in fear of developing these symptoms again?
I never understood how athletes were able to recover so fast from concussion symptoms, professionals never seem to miss a few weeks.
Sorry if I was ranting, any advice from anyone would be great.
Thanks!