Hope for PCS turned to Prolonged/Persistent Post Concussion Syndrom
 

I am nearly 16 months Post-Concussion due to car accident (severely rear-ended) and have now 'graduated' to PPCS - Prolonged/Persistent PCS. :(

My main symptoms at this point are: headache, (coming from the back/bottom of my skull and reaching around to the top of my skull), wooziness (feeling like I just got off a cruise ship, but didn't get to ride!?!), tinnitus and lack of energy, especially when exerting myself (or trying to, I should say).

While I am making progress, (even just 3 weeks ago another layer of 'fog' lifted in my brain) it is very slow and hard to discern, at times, because I have multiple injuries relating directly to the accident.

I press on, though, and am very hopeful for a total recovery - in Jesus' name AMEN! :o

I have had great success with Massage Therapy, currently 3xs/wk thanks to my wonderful Ortho Surgeon Doc (although the Cranial Sachral work makes me extra woozy doozy) and excellent progress in overcoming the Vertigo stuff from a Physical Therapist who had special training in 'dizziness treatment' - some call it "Balance therapy" - I highly recommend it!

I have already experienced 3 setbacks due to my own 'overactivity' (have so much going on & initially thought, wrongfully, staying active would help!) and 3 breakthroughs (where the "fog" has lifted!) during the span on my recovery. I find myself asking "how much more fog is in there"? Who knows, but God. I focus on my successes and breakthroughs along the way and am so thankful I can function somewhat now; but also am very aware of my limitations.

I have not been able to return to working full-time as a Substitute Teacher, which is what I was doing before the accident. I work just one day a week, every other week, and have been off for the last 3 in order to focus more on my recovery!

It's been hard for me, as a Mom & person who likes to serve/give to others, for me to focus on me, but that is important for now. I was VERY active before this accident, never had any physical limitations like this before (appedectomy @ age 17, about 2 weeks down, and Mono @ age 19, about a 3 month recovery).

I believe if God allowed this, He will bring me through! :D I pray and ask Him to lead me to the best Docs/PTs/MTs, etc, and He sure has. I am right now praying/looking for a new Neurologist who is more familiar with PCS/PPCS. Mine isn't terrible, just non-active about it. Be blessed and rest up - hope you're better soon! :hug:

Anyone else out there experienced success after a year+ of PCS/PPCS?

Hi,

Wow, reading your post was like I had typed it myself. I am 18 months PCS, from a rear ender as well.

The headache is the same (was told it is Occipital Neuralgia with that pattern you described and now get Botox for it), dizzy, vertigo (mainly on elevators now), low energy, fog, and I had just over a year off work, rib/shoulder/neck injuries, etc.

I have been lucky enough to get into a brain rehab program here in Vancouver and they are teaching me tools to better regulate my energy, how to cope with overstimulation, and any challenges I face at work.

This concussion has been the worst one of the many I have received, and I had no idea that I would still be dealing with it. But, I have learned to appreciate many things in my life. I miss having energy, pain free days and the ability to get my heart rate up - but, I have access to good doctors, therapists, programs and such.

It is so good to see that you can be positive, that can be difficult after going through a long term issue. So thank you for expressing that!!!

I am realizing that things may not get better, but I can be better at managing them. Which in the long run makes for a balanced life.

Best of luck!

wdcindy,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Your perspective is encouraging. It is difficult to find a doctor who will stay connected to your progress as long as you have had PCS. As a Californian, I hope you are not a Kaiser patient. Not much help there.

Is your ortho focusing on your head or your neck? The crossover between whiplash and concussion can be great. The C-1 atlas vertebra can cause many of the symptoms you mention. I am not confident in the cranial-sacral work. If the CSTherapist leaves the plates of the head alone, and instead uses manual skills to work with the upper neck all the way to the top Thoracic vertebra, you will get the most benefit in my opinion. You experience may be different.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Minimal Force Chiropractic can both be helpful with the whiplash injuries. There was a post a few days ago about minimal force chiro done by a chiro in Walnut Creek. There is a special association of chiros who use this technique. I forget the name but the post will have it. I think Jeffrey started the thread.

You appear to have realized that personal growth can come from the experience of dealing with PCS. Good for you.

Let us know how we can help.

My best to you.