Is it Post Concussion Syndrome?
 

Ok so here's my story:

I played soccer my entire life. I headed many balls through that time since I was five but a little over a year ago as a senior in high school I headed a ball and immediately felt very dizzy and left the field. I went to the ER and was diagnosed with a concussion. I had constant headaches for a week but as soon as they stopped I played in the next game. My doctor told me it would be fine. And it was until I took an elbow to the head a few weeks later. I immediately started with headaches again. I had a headache almost everyday. Sometimes fairly mild that lasted all day or intense ones that faded after a couple hours.

This lasted for about 7-8 months until I started physical therapy which helped a lot. I still experience more frequent headaches than before the concussions and in comparison to most people. I also experienced a change in sleep. Immediately after the concussions I would sleep much longer at night and still take long naps the next day. I fell asleep in classes. I never did that before. It is better now but I still feel like I fatigue much easier. And since the concussions I have vivid dreams every night. I never had dreams that I remembered before the concussions. Now I wake up every night from dreams that always end in confusion leaving me frustrated and trying to figure them out. I feel out of control of my emotions. A few night after the first concussion I woke up sobbing uncontrollably. For no reason I could fathom. To a point where I was scared of myself. I went to my parents room and they were terrified. My mom insisted on sleeping in my room with me for the next two night. I've not experienced the same level of loss of control. But I have regular break down moments where I cry for no reason I can understand.

I have sensitivity to light. And when I'm in a room where a lot is going on (many people talking about different things loudly, lots of commotion, etc...) I find myself feeling incredibly frustrated and I just want to yell at people to speak one at a time quietly and orderly. It's like I can't process it all at once. Or I can but only for so long before I have an emotional outburst. I feel like no one sees me struggling with it either because I don't talk about it anymore. I went to my family doctor multiple times and they just told me to give it time. Finally I was referred to a neurologist who talked to me for 5 minutes then put me on depression meds that made me more spaced and made my heart race. Finally I stopped saying anything because it felt like no one understood and sometimes it felt like they thought I was making it up. Which made me feel like I'm crazy or depressed. I don't know what to do.

Sorry I know that's a lot to throw out there but thanks for reading

srm1325,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear you are struggling so.

Everything you describe is common to PCS. The struggle with multiple voices in a room is a very common problem. The outbursts are also common. The emotional lability can be, too.

Your sleep issues can be PCS or they can be due to PCS induced Sleep Apnea.

To top it off, the way the doctors have treated you is par for the course. It is a concern that your school did not provide better care and advise. Most schools now have concussion protocols that are a regular part of the athletics program.

What kind of physical therapy are you receiving ?

What meds were you put on ? Are you taking any meds now ?

Please read the sticky at the top labeled Vitamins. It has good information and some good links at the bottom.

Please feel free to unload on us. Your post was not as long as many first timers. It can be a challenge to find someone who understands. Believe me. We do understand.

My best to you.