PCS I think symptoms.
 

I'm about 6 months out from a concussion on Aug 11, 2023. I hit the top of my head a few times when my boat capsized. I've had CTs, and Head and neck mri's that seem fine to those reading them. Blood work also seems fine for the tests that i've had. I had 3-4 weeks of headache then 3 weeks in the onset of some tinging in my hands and feet. Odd muscle pains/cramps/aches. I'm being told my symptoms which started soon after the concussion don't fit PCS.

I'm so tired of being scared and not having answers. Two neuro docs have not had clear answers for me.

Are there some PCS treatments you recommend.
Symptoms
Frequent
Tingling hands and feet mostly right
Aches
Tension Back of hand
Tension in face

Occasional
Head ache
Dry mouth
Itching
Lots of yawning (may not be related)

New. Hands numb when I wake up. Last 2 -3 weeks. Feels like low circulation not the previous tingling /off feeling. This is more painful. Almost feels like they are really cold.

Recent events.

Toes have started to feel numb like low circulation numb. This is different. This is happening when I wake up in my hands. Last night it started even before I fell asleep. Getting up and walking around helps temporarily.
Crossing my legs makes them get numb quickly.

Massage and heat seem to help many symptoms in the short term. Hot Yoga Helps. Walking exercise helps. Hot bath helps. Ice packs help. Foot massager spiky ball helps.

Questions
Why is this happening. Variations of this have been happening since a few weeks after the accident.
Would a Functional Nuerocognitive Imaging show anything

Is it Post Concussion Syndrome?
My symptoms seem to strongly match the National Knowledge Translation Center TBI document.

It sounds like it could be more like whiplash ,soft tissue, upper c spine misalignment.
Check out Up C Spine

I agree with JoMar

Likely subtle, non-imagable trauma in your lower C-spine and upper T-spine.

These are difficult to objectively diagnose so instead, you get therapy, chiropractic, osteopathic, or other gentle spine mobilization/

Also, possible compression trauma to the soft tissue between your skull and C-1.

A gentle traction and mobilization followed by VERY disciplined posture discipline, especially during sleep. Sleep on your back with almost no pillow lifting your head.

I had a similar vertical impact to my neck. I did great sleeping in a recliner chair so I could not roll to my side.

A therapist or chiro can try to mobilize the spine gently but you must be disciplined to always rest in a good, supported posture.

Thanks
 

Thanks. I'm finding exercise to be really helpful. I had not thought about posture stuff but I can start to work on that. I may need to rethink my Wedge pillow with a pillow on top.

The wedge might be OK but with minimal pillow. If the wedge raises your shoulders and chest so you entire cervical spine stays straight, that should be OK.

I slept in a recliner is the early weeks/months.

I had a really good week last week and symptoms came back two days ago. Cant see what i did differently. Im super down about it today. Trying to stay active to help.

It does not help us when you just say "symptoms" came back. The rule with these traumas is you treat each symptoms individually, not as a combination.

Some symptoms may have treatment that overlaps but they still need to be considered individually.

What changes have you made?

The symptoms this week are
1. tension in right cheek. Full sensation and movement. it just does not feel the same as on my left. This has been an on and off symptom for months.
2. Ache in fingers/hands
3. Ache in right foot last night which has stopped this morning. My ache in my hands is better today as well. Yesterday it felt like what I would guess arthritis feels like.

I can't think of major changes. Saturday night I had 3 glasses of wine for the first time in about two months. But most things are the same that I can think of. My diet and exercise level is pretty consistent. I did hot yoga last night around 5:30 which has seemed to help some of these symptoms in the past. Which MIGHT be why this is a little better today.

Sometimes the tension /weird feeling in my cheek itches. But not always. Right now it is particularly itchy

What you mention are more a nerve issue than PCS.
Have you tried phys therapy or gentle chiropractic ?
Soft tissue and many minor issues won't show up on imaging, But very good PT and DC can feel it..

Thanks Jomar and Mark. I love the idea of it being a neck soft tissue issue that imaging has missed. My neuros and general prqcticioneer doc keep saying the imaging were good so that not it. Im on the list for pt for my neck but I have to wait for april to get started. I may try to youtube some neck pt exercises to get started.

Avoid range of motion and focus on mild strengthening without strong movement. More important is sleep posture. When you sleep, your neck muscles relax and any poor posture puts strain on the neck.

Thanks you. The face tension is more face numbness feeling. But i can still feel everything it kist doesnt feel even. Almost like a what an allergic reaction feels like.

Updates
 

I have an appt with a new neuro in 10 days.
I am going to ask about compression or damage that didn't show up on imaging.

Symptoms are Tension, tingling itching in face, It feels stiff but it actually moves fine. Pain ache in hands.

I think the scary thing to me thatbi get freaked out about is when my symptoms change. Tension in my face will itch then not itch. Move around or get stronger or less strong.
Hands ache less but had a little tremor earlier

News!
 

Went to a new doc in CDA who is a head neck and spine doc. Lots of sport med experience. He thinks I have cervical facet syndrome / whiplash-associated disorder. I could see how that fits my symptoms and it is in the region many of you suspected.

PT Starts tomorrow. I feel like I can function better bc I have a plan.

April 11 Update
 

I had a good several weeks. Was exercising an doing well. Pain was low. Some symptoms would seem worse immediately after PT. Its been a rough couple days of pain.
Hands have been aching more this past week
Right lower stomach abdominal cramp-pain (probably not related)
Feet have been aching
Todays a little rough
-right ankle foot pain
-Hand aches
-Tension in right face

I'm so discouraged. I thought I was getting better. Its bad like it was in Dec...
I still want it to be a neck issue. I'm going to stick with PT and exercise. But I'm feeling down.

Try and stay positive, many ups and downs. Thats the nature of the beast. Take care of yourself be patient, it takes a long time.