Can stress cause a total relapse of PCS symptoms?
 

Since Friday I am completely back into PCS, it even feels like a new concussion, but I did not hit my head anywhere.

Beginning of last week my mom came to the hospital and the doctors said she will not come back home. It's a matter of days that she will die. It made me cry a lot the whole week. Also my neurologist (which does not believe PCS exists) prescribed me venlafaxin 75 mg which I started taking on Tuesday. I felt very nauseous, completely foggy in the brain and I could not sleep.

The Concussion Symptoms got really bad on Friday and after that day I quit taking the venlafaxin.

Could the venlafaxin and the stress with my mother have caused this setback? I cannot do anything besides lay in bed in a dark room, wear earplugs and do nothing. My head hurts bad, I cannot focus and concentrate and noises drive me crazy.

I have not felt that bad since my last concussion in September 2014.

Thanks for any advice.

:hug:

I'm very sorry. You must be in shock.
I would imagine that the stress and grief regarding your mother being so ill combined with starting a new medication would leave you feeling very bad indeed. You probably feel stunned and in a fog right now.

Thinking of you.

I think yes, but it shouldn't last.

I went through a very stressful time last week, and had relapse symptoms for 4 days. Went back to (relative) baseline after the fact.

Sure sounds like it could be the stress or the new med or both. Here are the side effects of Venlafaxine (Effexor)


"Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Chest pain, cough, trouble breathing

Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching

Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights

Fast or pounding heartbeat

Feeling more excited or energetic than usual

Headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, unsteadiness

Seizures

Trouble sleeping, nervousness, unusual dreams

Unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others

Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dry mouth

Headache

Mild nausea, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss

Sexual problems

Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects."

I hope you find some relief. I understand the stress with your mother. My mother has been through some situations this past month and the stress is tough.

My best to you.

Anja,

I am not sure if stress causes me pcs but it certainly makes pcs like symptoms.

My deepest regards to your family...I lost my mom in February of last year.

Bud

I hope things with your mom get better soon bud. Stress of that sort is some of the worst.

I think some of my ups and downs during my recovery has almost definitely been due to stress. I'm sure cortisol and other stress hormones interact with inflammation and healing in a number of ways that could lead to headaches, PCS symptoms and setbacks for sure.

Stress can trigger havoc in the neurons. It can also activate anxiety and tinnitus.

Thanks for all your answers and nice words to make me feel better.
Some of your answers I had to look up in a dictionary, my english is not that good.

Sometimes I don't know what I would do without this forum.

Thanks!!!! :hug:

Anja

Anja, I just wanted to say how sorry I am about your mother. My mother has Alzheimer's, and that can be stressful for me. She does have many good people who care for her. Sending lots of hugs to you!

Thinking of you Anja. How are you today?