Marijuana: My way of coping with severe PCS
 

Hello, I am Sarah and I suffered a concussion on September 25th at work when I slipped backwards with a heavy crate and hit the back of my head on the metal floor and the crate fell onto me and onto my head. It has now plagued me with horrible Post Concussion Syndrome symptoms.

I am 23 but I have been threw a lot of illnesses and deceases(skin cancer, Tonsillectomy, Epilepsy, liver failure, kidney failure, shingles, hospitalized for H1N1, etc, just to name a small amount of them) for my age with a number of surgeries and time in the hospital, so I am very used to bed rest, but in shorter periods of times and I usually am able to ignore the pain but this has made me feel so fragile.

I had not improved in my symptoms for over a month, if anything I have become worse. I have constant headaches, most of the time they are a pain level 6-7 but they often throughout the day jump up to a 9-10 which was making me become nauseated and violently ill daily, this caused dehydration and I lost weight and my skin became a grey colour. I had been seizure free for about 5 years but since the accident they have now begun again. I have bad confusion and memory loss and experience short term memory loss on a daily basis, I have to keep a list of things I need to remember now. I am rarely able to leave the house, once or twice a week at most, otherwise the symptoms become much worse. Due to this I have become depressed.

This depression is difficult for me because I am generally a very positive individual and I cope easily with stress. I am usually a very busy person and before this I was working 8-10 hour days and had a good social life. I was put on Amitriptyline for the migraines, headaches, insomnia, difficulty eating, and irritability. But this was making my depression worse, was making me have no appetite, and was making my irritability much worse, it was improving the migraines but thats about it.

I am a pro marijuana individual and believe it has a lot of healing power and I often turn to it for treatment and I brought this up to my doctor. He agreed and then told me the benefits of Marijuana and he researched its effect on a Post Concussion Syndrome and it said that it helps with a number of the symptoms and can help in healing the brain. I began to use marijuana on a regular basis to combat headaches and nausea. I immediately noticed a difference, I still have the headaches but I am able to tolerate them, they now are at about a level 3-4 pain, I am more alert, I am able to handle the depression with a brighter outlook, my irritability is gone as well. Also I am finally able to eat again.

I am still far from returning to my normal life but I have found what can help me to get threw it with a more positivity and I believe it should be used by more people who are suffering from PCS.

I know this can be a controversial topic but thats alright.

CBD oil is readily available over the internet. It is a legal version refined from commercial hemp. Only the CBD component has been show to have benefits.

You should ask your doctor about Zyprexa. It also can help with appetite and depression.

I bet you are getting the 'just better than worthless' medical care common to Work Comp doctors. Has anybody suggested that your neck can be injured and adding to your head aches and other symptoms ?

I second Mark's suggestion of CBD oil or at least the closest to a 100% indica strain you can find.

I was a daily smoker before my first concussion. I often used it to medicate my celiac disease. I quit after I had a major panic attack trying to smoke two weeks after that concussion.

I look forward to shops opening up in Oregon so I can pick and choose strains and stay away from those with high THC contents. I'm glad it's helping you! I just figured I'd throw in a warning about THC causing panic.

I am concerned about the psychosis and other problems associated with long term use. Plus, driving while high is a issue that has harmed people I know leaving them with permanent brain injury based disability.

Oh and I am too. I never plan on going back to my daily habit. Nor would I ever drive while using. I just look forward to being able to occasionally use CBD-heavy strains for GI distress and muscle tension in the future. I may look into getting CBD oil. I'm past the point in my life where I'm seeking out a recreational high.

The psychosis I am concerned about is not about me. Research shows that routine cannabis use during the teen years leads to psychosis later in life, usually in the mid 20's. Studies have already shown the legalization has caused it to be much more accessible to youth.

I have thought about lighting up because I've heard that it can aid in recovery from TBI. The exact mechanism of action is not well understood. For me, I have enough paranoia and anxiety from PCS already that I have decided against it for now. I'm sure it would only complicate things. Plus, the smoking process would be detrimental to my heart and lungs. It's definitely a factor to consider. Maybe, a vaporizer or brownies?

Mark, I would be hesitant to dismiss cannabis from being a neuroprotective substance. There are so many compounds, mainly cannabinoids, in smoked cannabis that researchers are still sorting out. This includes potential health benefits and hazards. Many times patients don't respond to THC pills because they lack all the wonderful cannabinoids that are contained in marijuana smoke. I'm not suggesting that concussion patients should all smoke weed but there is research being done that may suggest some benefits.

I would love to take a look at the research showing that cannabis induces psychosis. It's the first I've heard of it. Any chance you could send a link?
I'm also interested in the benefits of CBD oil as this is available on the Internet.

I mentioned the CBD oil because that is the part that has shown neuroprotective value. THC has been shown to increase anxiety so it should be avoided. Its only value is at very low, non-psychoactive doses. It has shown no neuroprotective value.

I've found it to be helpful. I'll bump up my earlier post which as lots of links, some may find it interesting.

CB just stands for cannabanoids, and there are quit a few of those. THC does not cause anxiety, but it does have medical value- the studies are very clear in this. Cannabis is neurorotective, anti-inflammatory, and encourages neurogenesis.

Genetic pre-disposition in the indivudual will always alter how our bodies react/up-take drugs. In this instance the relationship between cananbis and genetic schitophrenic latency is unclear. On one hand it certainly does act as a potencial trigger to behaviours, on the other drugs like Sativex are being formulated as a treatment.

If possible a 50:50 strain is best I've heard, though some prefer up to :75 indica.

The Harvard research I read says THC, although it may be an anxiolytic at first at low doses, can have a rebound effect that often causes anxiety and even paranoia, especially at higher doses. It has been shown to trigger manic events in bi-polar persons. CBD, canabidiol, has the neuroprotective value. There are trace other elements in marijuana that may also be therapeutic.

Ash, in this instance, CBD stands for cannabidol. CBD and THC are the two main components of camnabis, but like we both were saying there are about 70 other cannabinoids just in smaller amounts.

I've done some research online and from what I can gather, a few studies support what Mark was saying about THC regarding psychosis. THC can make those who are predisposed to psychotic conditions worse.

Again I have to credit Mark with his knowledge of CBD (cannabidol) oil. Studies suggest that this is the neuroprotective component in cannabis. It is interesting that nature seems to pair compounds that have contradictory actions together often. Still, the other cannabinoids may have benefits that haven't been studied as exclusively. The OP and Ash may be benefiting from these compounds. I think Mark has a good point about the anxiety caused by THC though.

I think I am gonna order some CBD oil and see what benefits I notice from it.

Hope that works well, DannyT. You'll have to forgive the little mistakes (though do feel free to correct them) still a bit frazzled by nounage and communicating info. An old weakness that has turned into a faultline at times.

Just been having a mull about this, thought I'd chat.

I belive that the function of the comined cannabaniods depends upon the staus of the brain. That those whose brain is regular/regulation undamaged by injury/swelling have simply less use for the chemicals, excess prolongs phycoactive affect and reaches a state of reverse antagonism sooner. In an injured brain there is greater need, the endocannabanoid system already activated as the body tries to repair. The phycoactive agent functions as a numbing agent, relaxing systems. Forming anti inflamotory compounds via cb2 receptors/immune system.

cb2 recpetors are also found in the nervous system, motor functions.

Others promote neurogenisis via hippocampus/cb1 receptors/neurones. TH interacts on this level, preserving whilst matter responds.

The two work together. CB1 a synaptic backup and repair centre, cb2 fixing communiations channels.

Perhaps this is why intaking canabis provides relief when injured: the endocannabanoid system is already under stress, our bodies aftigued providing energy for this repair, depression and anxiety occur as natural uppers are being used elsewhere.

So targeted combined use would depend on need. Cancer patients with irrigation would want cb1 neuroprotecters/repair. As would those with epilepsy for the elictral impulse control. Those with muscle spasms cb2 anti-inflammatory.

In instances of head injury, like ourselves, then on what region/s or processes of the brain are affected, occuring in symptoms.

You know, ideally. :rolleyes:

Regarding gentetic pre-disposition: I would argue that each person would need to make an assessment. How do the symtoms manifest and how much stress are you under? If this stress has already led to feelings of anxiety and/or depression than the risk has already been realised. Bringing down that level of stress may help. It depends on what groups of genes you have and how they interact, and perhaps the way you have come to think. I have not read enough into the latest studies to feel confidant in any certain point here.
Some studies do tend to lack a qualatative veracity: the circumstances of intake and depressive episodes are presented as problem not symptom.

Though this article is very interesting:

http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v3.../0803272a.html

ash,

You might want to do some comparative study of your information. Some scientists believe endocannabinoids reduce healing/neurogenesis. In my research, the pro-cannabis sites tend to say things in opposition to the strictly science/medicine sites except regarding the neuroprotective effect of cannabidiol, which they both agree on. They sometimes use weak logic as they try to connect the dots. They also appear to make assumptions based on a pro-cannabis bias.

Fortunately, both recognize the need for more qualitative research. I agree than more and better research is needed. Unfortunately, drug research is primarily funded by drug companies as they work to develop patentable drugs. They are not interested in cannabis research since there is not a patentable drug to be developed from such expensive research.

Plus, as you comment about genetic predisposition, patient experiences are varied. This is evident as cannabis is used to moderate epilepsy with varied results.

Plus, these effects can be negated by excitotoxins like caffeine and other commonly ingested chemicals.

I am surprised that nobody has given a diagnosis around your headaches and prescribed medication for same.

I have found Cymbalta very helpful for mood and pain, but I ultimately need Anticonvulsants for the Neuralgia I have. Without these drugs I wouldn't be able to function and work full time.

Did your symptoms increase after smoking?

Going to Denver soon.

Stay away from high potency pot. Especially the skunk strains. They are dangerous. A new study came out last week that is scary. The anxiety and psychosis they can cause would be very counter to recovering from PCS.

Yeah just read it. Wow.

Do you think it would be bad for me even if I smoked it on one day?

The study was for people who do it regularly

As I stated before....I have had great success with the whole MM...

With so many strains, what works for me may not work for you....?

High CBDs great for pain and inflammation....

I ballance between a high CBD for pain, and at night a indica strain..

I used to get 2 to 3 hours of sleep, with night terrors.....

Last night I got 8 hours rest!.....I function better all day and feel better, and slight memory improvements (due to sleep)

Now I started this in June and Im still learning....and Im less than a month away from my 9 year anniversary date....

davOD,

You should read the articles I posted links to in the sticky "Links" above. The research is not looking good, especially for indica/sativa strains.

Yep well aware of those....There are some also that swing the other way....

I can read your posts and know you are anti-MM...thats cool I have no problem with that....

I also know that there are many neurotic people hear...

I put this off for 4 years....It was my shrink that this needed to be tried, as nothing else was working....

So it is my right and choice to due as I wish......This is what I am doing for relief....

And I highly suggest everyone here on prescription meds to look also!!!

200,000 people die a year from legally prescribed meds....

I look at the glass half full.....not the glass is poison.....

My opinion is that if someone does it moderately, then its fine. Like drinking.

I know people who are in medical school who smoke on a daily basis and are doing fine

davOD, You have not been following my posts regarding MM. I support using CBD oil. It has proven medicinal value. THC has very limited medicinal value. The calming effect of THC has a serious rebound effect too, for many. The research says that THC has more value in very small doses that do not cause a high. Very small doses of THC combined with stronger doses of CBD tends to enhance the value of the CBD.

The exception to THC is those undergoing cancer chemo and dealing with glaucoma. They need a stronger dose.

I also agree with the need to carefully consider pharmaceuticals. For some, they are a life saver. For others, they can cause more problems that they solve.

I've been hesitating to post my experience with medical marijuana, but now that this is back at the top, here goes.

First off, this is MY experience and my experience only. Please don't take this as medical advice or anything along those lines. Just sharing my experience.

My TBI was nearly 4 years ago. I spent just over 3 years as an outpatient at the rehab clinic of our local hospital. I have a physiatrist that has been following my case since 6 months after my injury, so nearly 3 years, I was seeing him every 6-8 weeks.

After my TBI, I was left with a constant headache. From the moment I fell on my head, until trying cannabis, I didn't have any breaks from the pain. At its best, it was around 6/10, at its worst 9.9/10. (I never liked to say 10, because it always seemed possible / likely it could get worse.) I'd wake up many times a night crying in pain, sometimes just crying in pain while asleep.

I had many other symptoms, including debilitating fatigue (no matter how much I "paced" myself and all the other accommodations that my OT spent months with me on) but my main one was the head pain.

Early this past summer, my physiatrist discharged me from the rehab center, but left it open that I could come back and see him if needed. We tried so many drugs, from many different classes and none helped. Some made things worse for me, most just did nothing... I did tolerate Topamax, but never found it did too much for my pain.

So I went looking for other options and finally decided to try medical marijuana. I found a doctor that was knowledgable about prescribing it (most docs aren't knowledgable and don't feel comfortable prescribing it) and met with him and he agreed it was worth a try for me.

I started in July and started by vaporizing it. Vaporizing was not for me, it made my throat dry and sore and I didn't find it worked on my pain. I was discouraged. Then I made the remaining cannabis into edibles and they worked!

For the first time in nearly 4 years, I can control my head pain! I find if I use a fairly strong indica with something higher in CBD content, I can get my pain down to 2-3/10. For ME, that's nearly gone! :)

So I take some before bed each night, takes about 1.5 - 2 hours to kick in, but then RELIEF and now I sleep easily 8-10 hours a night, straight through. I rarely need to take a nap during the day any more, only if I've really overdone it, but before, I was sleeping during the day 2-3 hours, plus 8-10 hours at night, but it was always interrupted by the pain.

Finding the right strain and dosage is a bit trial and error, so its absolutely not perfect, but this is the first thing that has helped me at all. For me, I need a balance (about 50/50) of THC and CBD to get the maximum benefits.

I know many pro marijuana sites say its a miracle drug and I'm not so sure about that, but it sure has been miraculous for me. I look forward to leaving the years of prohibition behind and real research starting. Its absolutely improved my quality of life and I've had moments here and there of feeling more like my old self.

Due to its classification as a schedule 1 drug, research has been very difficult, but things are starting to shift now. Thus far, the studies have been small and all over the board as to effectiveness and risks of it, so small, I don't put much stock in any of the studies, whether they find in favour of MM or against it.

Yes, drug companies may not be overly interested in pursuing the research, but given that it has shown some promise at all in so many areas, the research will happen.

I'd be just as happy if the drug companies didn't do any of the research, in fact, their results tend to always be skewed in their favour.

Anyhow, again, just my own experience, I'm not making any recommendations. If you're considering marijuana, please look at all the research available, from BOTH sides of the issue before deciding.

Starr

Great to hear another success story....Its not for everyone, but when nothing else works, its just a miracle through our eyes...

I wish I could write and express myself as well as you do...

Isnt sleep wonderful now?

"Starr"

How much combined CBD/THC do you take at each before bed dose ? Do you obtain it as an edible or make the oil into an edible ? Is it dosed in a joint equivalent or what ? What strain is it ? ACDC, Charlotte's Web, Harlequin ?

I know the research often tries to get real technical with dose amounts but in real life, that would be difficult. The sellers may know general ratios and and general concentrations. 'This edible has 50/50 and x grams per brownie/cookie, etc.' I'm just trying to learn how the sellers quantify dosages other than the oils.

Mark,
As of right now, the only medical marijuana available in Canada (with the possible exception of BC) is dried buds.

I grind it myself, as you might for smoking or vaporizing, but then I simmer it with butter and a bit of water for 3 hours and make cannabutter. Then I use the cannabutter to make brownies or banana muffins (either covers the marijuana flavour a bit) and eat it that way.

Oils and extracts will soon be available in Canada. Health Canada has mandated that they be available, but are still doing their final inspections at each licensed producer.

Edibles will not be available for sale even under the new rules. Perhaps once marijuana is legalized that will change and our new federal government has promised to legalize it, even for recreational use, so we'll see what happens eventually. (As I mentioned, some things are different in BC, so while the rules apply across Canada, BC is challenging and pushing the limits.)

I'm hoping the last order I made will be my last before the oil becomes available. The oils will save me quite a bit of effort.

My "prescription" is for 30 grams a month... 1 gram per day. There will be some equivalent when the oil is available, but I don't know what the translation will be yet. 30 grams of dried product requires about a pound of butter.

As for strains and dosages, it requires a bunch of math to know how much I'm getting per piece of edible, but the batch I just made is about 3/4 - 1 muffin or one brownie that's about 1 inch x 1 inch. But that would vary depending on the amount of cannabutter and the strength of your strains... lots of variables.

When I get a new order, I make it into cannabutter, do the complicated math to estimate what each piece of edible contains and then when I start eating from a new batch, I start with about half of what I normally take to see how it works for me.

Last night was the start of a new batch and I took about half of what I had calculated to be my dose and it was not enough, so last night I did not sleep well and today is a bit brutal for pain. Tonight I will take a wee bit more and just trial and error it until I get to be where I want.

I've used different strains over the last few months, none are the ones you've mentioned. Later I'll have to look them up and see what I have now (can't remember the names!). Often I end up buying some fairly high THC (they have ranged from 12% - 19%) to get the good "couch lock" effect for a good night's sleep and as high a CBD content strain that I can, usually around 8%-10%.

(The licensed producers do label the bottles of dried product with the exact amounts of THC and CBD, but it does vary based on available strains. Not every strain is always available when I'm able to order.)

Then when I cook it to make the butter, I combine them. I generally only take MM right before bed or occasionally during the day if I'm having a really bad head pain day and will be laying in bed anyhow. I generally avoid taking it during the day, so I can still drive etc.

I find that with just taking it once a day before bed means that my head pain will often be better the next day anyhow, whether the pain relief effects hang on or whether its just sleeping better that helps, either way its amazing.

Having never used pot before, not even as a young adult or teen, (I was always against it) its been quite a learning curve and I try to err on the side of not taking enough than taking too much.

The nice part with edibles is the effects last much longer than smoking or vaporizing, though they are not as immediate either, it can take up to 2 hours to really feel a difference.

So its a bit of a complicated process right now to make the edibles and honestly, they don't taste great. No worries about taking too much because you're hungry! LOL! I choke them down because I know I'll feel better after. I'll be happy when the oils are available and I'll just put the oil in capsules and swallow it.

No more yucky gluten free brownies or banana muffins! (I'm also celiac). :)

As far as effects, I never feel particularly stoned or anything like that, usually just relaxed and very tired (not THAT different from my normal!) and I don't get the munchies or anything like that. In fact, since I started with the MM, my appetite has decreased substantially, similar to when I was on Topamax, actually.

Other than the MM, I'm drugs free, both OTC and prescription. In my case, nothing ever touched my pain, until now.

Starr

Wow, A pound of butter for 30 brownies or muffins. They must taste rich. If you use the whole 30 grams each month, then it sounds like 1 gram a night. At 25% active CBD/THC, that would be 250 mgs of active ingredient. If you strain out the solids, maybe less due to incomplete extraction in the simmering process.

"Bioavailability also varies greatly depending on route of administration of CBD. Studies have demonstrated bioavailability of the administered dose of 34%-46% for intranasal administration and 40% for vaporization. In contrast, the bioavailability of oral CBD is thought to be as low as 6%, owing to significant first-pass metabolism." http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/839155_9

Maybe you are only getting 25 mgs or less to your blood stream. 250 mgs would appear to be a very strong dose.

Here are some links to some common CBD strains.
http://synergycbd.com/cdb-rich-strains/
http://www.leafscience.com/2014/10/1...t-cbd-strains/
ACDC is also very high in CBD.

Ty,

Based on my experience with employees who can't keep there marijuana at home I sure hope I don't end up with one of the students you mention for a doc.

Not sure if I can say that here but it really does scare me.

Bud

Anyone know what dosing what be good with CBD oil? How many mg?

Planning on going to Denver soon

I called the dispensaries earlier and they had no clue

As with CBD oils, you dont have to worry about being zoned out...

I was using 4 drops under my tong 2x a day...Then upped it to 3x.....I was trying to calm down my headaches....

Just be VERY cautious....and it takes time to get in your system

Why do you say to be very cautious?

Well....out of caution?
You may be a 100 lbs woman, or a 350lbs man?
With taking ANY type of supplement, start slow and gradually work your way up...

Ah ok. Just wondering since I head and read nothing online about it being dangerous. I definitely agree though

Would it be worth it for me to spend money and stay in Denver for a week just to pick up a high cbd strain and smoke it for a week? Will it make a difference?

I am very close to fully recovering but small things happen that exacerbate my symptoms. Suddenly 2 weeks ago I started getting sound sensitivity, after 4 months of never having it.

If you think you are close to a recovery, I suggest you stay away from marijuana, even high CBD. The smoking will have lots of negative chemicals. The THC will be of very questionable value.

Plus, CBD is not a healing agent. It is a continuing treatment. Over a long period of lowered symptoms, improvement may happen.

I think you need to continue learning how to work with your condition. Stay away from alcohol. It sounds like you are sensitive. Learn to protect yourself from problem sounds and volumes like in the car. Learn how to settle from a startle response. It sounds like you get upset at being upset by the startle. Accepting that it was a startle and that you need to settle will be a good skill.

So, stay the course. Learn how to move forward as you continue to improve and you will be fine.

I don't understand your comments regarding marijuana? There is nothing dangerous about it.

I was at a point where I literally couldn't leave my house because my anxiety and depression, I had a fear of dying. I was in a very bad state, I suffered from ice pick like migraines, my brain felt like it was sitting on a hot frying pan being pricked my 1 million hot needles

My doctor advised me to stay away from marijuana, he told me to rest and drink water so I did what he said and for months it just wouldn't get better. I didn't leave my room for about 3 months. (January 2015 to about April 2015)

I finally said screw this, I need to feel different, things can't get any worse than they are now, I had read a lot about the benefits of marijuana and sure I had read some dangers that can come with it as well but there are ups and downs to everything, the internet has hundreds of sources on the subject and they all will tell you something different. The only way to know is to actually try it.

I got a joint off one of my close buddies, he gets his off of your common drug dealer so I doubt it was medical grade but I live in British Columbia and it's easy to access and it's almost always high grade stuff, people around here know what they are doing when it comes to Marijauna, high THC levels but I made sure to smoke only a little bit at a time (a few small puffs). I had smoked weed throughout my teens years and I knew what I was getting in to.

WITHIN DAYS I started feeling better, finally some relief, I was able to leave my house and I was feeling happy again. I began walking for exercise, visiting friends and just experiencing the outside world again. I began using marijuana and I began to improve day by day, unfortunately I recieved a set back about a week ago but I am feeling better already which leaves me to believe it was nothing to major but I will leave that story for another day.

I have been following this site for a long time, Mark. You are a very humble and knowledgeable man. You help a lot of people but sometimes you seem way to caught up in the science part of things. I feel like you read one bad article about something and you shut it down. I really want you to try this magical plant, it may very well help you. I understand you are at peace but you should take a serious look in to marijuana and just give it a shot, I think you would wish you had done it a lot sooner.

Cheers, sorry for the long read I hope I wrote it well enough for you to read, my grammar and punctuation aren't the greatest.

Tyson,

I would love to have access to CBD. It has great value. But, I would never smoke it. Too many other things in the smoke. I spent half an hour last Thursday talking with a Mom and her daughter who has had significant benefit from CBD oil. The daughter got her life back. They have to get the CBD oil illegally.

There is no real meaning to medical grade unless there is a regulation that requires a registered grow house. At best it means that grower has had his various strains tested to determine percents and ratios of CBD, THC and such. There may be an attempt to show no herbicides or pesticides but the testing and growing is basically unregulated or minimally regulated, even for the approved grow houses. It is usually more of a tracking of product to make sure no product makes it onto the black/street market.

Statistically, some of your depression and anxiety issues may be due to your teen use of marijuana. Research shows that the teen brain is far more at risk of long term changes due to regular use than an adult brain. Yes, that is science but science is what is used to find the best way to treat a condition.

It is well documented that THC can be anxiety reducing in low amounts but have an opposite effect in higher doses.

It sounds like your few puffs at a time over a longer period may have helped reduce your anxiety. That alone can lead to a massive improvement. It is not the marijuana that necessarily caused the improvement. Often, it is the reduction in anxiety that causes the improvement. Anxiety is often the major problem with PCS. Anxiety magnifies the smallest PCS symptom, sometimes to nightmarish proportions.

I know people in Colorado who use low dose to just take the edge off. They know that more is counter to what they are trying to achieve. No high. Just enough to almost get a high. It reduces their hyper-vigilence to their symptoms.

When we can stop focusing on our symptoms, they don't impact our lives as much.

So, yes, I see value in CBD and low dose THC. But, TyDurden is improving so well that smoking some may disrupt his progress. His symptoms do not appear to be severe enough to risk the toxins from smoking. Maybe a bit of oil or edible. The PCS brain is usually very sensitive to toxins of every variety.

I just dont understand why anxiety affects it that much? Why?

I can understand something external, like actually hitting your head, but anxiety?


Also thanks for your input guys

Quite simply, anxiety causes a strong cascade of toxic residue in the brain. Think of it as the stinky smoke from a tire burnout. There is a catch-22 with concussion and anxiety. The concussion causes a change in perception or processing that confuses the concussed person so they become anxious trying to understand. The more they struggle to understand, the more anxious they become. With the anxiety comes the bad chemistry.

The physical effects of a concussion can also cause a cascade of bad chemistry as the brain deals with injured tissue. Some of the tissue dies and breaks down causing even more bad chemistry. There is a system in the brain called the glymph system. It is a lymph system for the brain that drains the glial cells. It is the brains sewer system. It is necessary to carry off the toxins. It is a very sensitive and small system that is damaged by the trauma of a concussion similar to what happens in a diffuse axonal injury. If was only discovered a few years ago and is changing how researchers look at the brain.

There is an entire sub-specialty of psychiatry call ortho-molecular psychiatry that studies this cascade of bad chemistry and tries to correct it.

So, anxiety, whether thought based or physiology based, is a big issue that is hard to overcome and is made worse by toxins.

my story...sample size alert of ONE
 

since the day i went to the emergency room after my injury until this day 2 1/2 years later

i have told every single health care provider i have seen...i have primary care doc and see 16 different specialists...

i have been on over 250 appointments with highly paid, highly educated, and as we know highly arrogant docs...

i see the varsity. 7 of the clinics i see the head of the clinic.

i make it a point to let all my docs know that on my med list is listed as 'as needed'.

NOT ONE health care provider, at any pay scale you can think of, told me i should stop my use.

not one.

i find that astonishing.

but, then again, i love i n Colorado...

here is what i think:

it is a tool. period.

i have lot in my tool box: valium...percocet...tramadol...lidocain patches...and MM...

i use it in only 2 circumstances and every doc knows what i do:

1) i get ready for bed completely, then i go outside and i smoke. everyone in the house knows what i am doing. all i need is 2-3 hits of indica. i go straight to bed and turn off the light. it helps my sleep. A LOT.

2) after an episode of rage. i need something to alter my state of mind to combat the onslaught of chemical changes at that moment. it helps me EVERY TIME. just ask my wife...she can't get me outside fast enough and i usually come back in with a sigh of relief and ask her just happened because it is so bad i cannot remember...some of you know what i mean...absolutely every filthy word you can think of comes pouring out at full volume. yikes. that is when i need help. and it helps me.

the chemicals released into the brain during a fit of rage are as powerful as anything i have encountered in my life. it is impossible to calm down to anything that resembles something related to a human being.

MMJ helps me in those 2 situations.

i am not a recreational user, although it sure is nice to feel good when i go to bed...

my 82 year old mother knows. our 7 kids know. our dog knows. my priest knows. i do not keep it a secret.

what works for me will never work for everyone.

it is just a tool in my tool box.

your tool box is different than mine.

it is not a miracle for me or anything like that.

when i need a patch, i use a patch...when i need tramadol, i take it...

our bodies all react differently to different meds. gabapentin ain't for everyone, neither is this.

it works for me and i know my body well and i am careful with all my meds.

i hope this helps to hear my story.

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Brainstemmed

Brainstemmed,

If you read the rest of my posts, I am not saying M is bad. Ty said he is doing good and it appeared he was looking for a quick fix for his residual symptoms. As I said, I know people who benefit from low dose M, especially for symptoms like yours. But, M is known to cause anxiety if too much it used. Ty already appears to have anxiety issues. A week trip to Denver for some M is not going to change his condition except maybe give him some short term relief. He mentioned that he used it regularly as a teen.

I wanted him to be cautious so he does not trigger a relapse.

Bnstmd,

Have you seen the post about Atlas instability posted a few weeks ago ? Here is the thread.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...97#post1187597