Is it really PCS?
 

6 months ago I got a concussion after a fall. Since then I've felt at times like I was going crazy trying to figure out what is wrong with me. I'm an otherwise healthy 30 year old woman. I've had a CT and a MRI and seen 2 neurologists, both of whom said everything was "normal" and I was just stressed out.
I had some symptoms that seemed "typical" of a concussion for the first few weeks, like trouble concentrating and light sensitivity, but those went away completely. What I was left with was severe nausea, a feeling of not being myself/random crying at times, and a sense of weakness (without actually being weak if that makes sense.) The stomach problems have persisted with IBS like symptoms. I've seen a GI and had an endoscopy, which like everything came back normal. After about 4 1/2 months things seemed to improve a lot, but then 3 weeks later the stomach issues returned. Also, the feeling of shakiness/weakness came back. It is not aggravated by physical activity, but I'm afraid to exercise because of the sensation that I'm going to collapse. It sometimes feels like I've lost touch with my own physical signals.
I've searched everything I can find on PCS but it usually just talks about things like headaches. I don't know where else to turn or what kind of test I might need. I'm afraid that something else is wrong because I don't know if what I'm feeling is PCS. Can PCS primarily be stomach issues? Has anyone ever felt this sensation of being very weak at random times? I have days that are pretty good, too, but the bad days are really keeping me from living my life sometimes.

ktj,

Have you been evaluated by a chiropractor? A upper cervical chiropractor would be a good start. Also, maybe a physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Doctor) who understands TOS. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can cause the IBS and other weakness issues. Some physical therapists can diagnose and treat this if they have the right training. My PT is a true healer in this area.

I have a recurring problem with TOS. My gut will get bloated. My Blood Pressure will get real low. A variety of other odd symptoms will also manifest.

A diagnosis usually starts with a series of lower neck x-rays looking for false/cervical ribs. These are incomplete ribs associated with C-5, C-6 and C-7, that get inflamed and cause the associated nerve roots to get inflamed/impinged. Only some people have these false ribs. They are the most prone to TOS.

Thank you
 

Thank you so much for your response. I did have an MRI of my neck right after my accident that they said was ok, but I made a chiropratctic appointment anyway today. They also have done chest x-rays because of a feeling of pressure I've had on-and-off on the right side of my chest ever since the concussion happened. Have you been able to get your symptoms under control?

Hi ktj
 

I empathize with the "everything is normal" theory!
It is very frustrating to know that something is not right, yet reaching out for help seems to be in vain....

You've come to a GREAT place and you will get very good input from people who truly care.!
Stick around and you'll get good feedback.
There are many forums here that are loaded with info that will help your situation....

Don't lose hope! :hug:
Rae

My TOS symptoms come and go. I can help myself get relief by being more mobile. Working outdors doing physical things helps loosen up my TOS. If I feel locked up, I will go to the PT, if we have the $$'s for co-pays.

It took almost 8 months of PT for me to get to a point there I was not chronic. Since then, my problems have become less frequent over time. I had lived with a semi-paralytic ileum for almost 18 months. It took time for the peristaltic muscles to strengthen. My PT would actually manually release the ileal secal valve between the large and small intestines at first.

An MRI or CT of the neck will only show serious fractures and such. They will not be very good at showing nerve impingement. It is very difficult to get a good image of the C-1 to cranium joint. It can take a beating in a concussion. This is where an upper cervical chiropractor can help. See NUCCA.org for more info.

You might look into getting a good therapeutic massage, like a sports massage for athletes after a rough game like football or rugby. Some athletic trainers have these skills or can refer to someone who does.

The TOS can cause the chest pressure. I have had occasional problems with a dislocated rib that causes a chest imbalance. The rib get dislocated where it connects to the vertebra. A chiropractic oriented massage has helped me with this. PT's and sport massage therapist may be able to help, too.