Newly Diagnosed
 

I was just dianosed with post concussion syndrome this week. Not to sure how a forum works. I don't know anyone with this condition, so it's hard to talk to people when they look at you like your crazy. I already feel crazy and that doesn't help. Mine is kinda of long story, panning over 7 long months of not knowing what was wrong with me. Even knowing doesn't really make me feel any better? Maybe it's just me, but I thought getting diagnosed would make feel better, but it doesn't. My whole family thinks I'm nuts. If anyone else feels like this, please tell me. I'm starting to feel depressed.

welcome to NeuroTalk raeggiebaby

we have discussions on post concussion syndrome here
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=14378

and also here
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=14950
and
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=15571

hope that helps

here is also some general info that may help you use these forums
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=18185

:)

There are many diagnosed post concussion syndrome people on this site. What are your symptoms and how where you injured? My son has had post concussion symptoms since February. It can be a long road but it seems to have a hopeful prognosis.

What symptoms are you having? Dizziness, headaches, etc..? Does stress, physical exertion, or alcohol make them worse? I hit my head and fractured the bone above my eye in November and I have had post concussion syndrome ever since. It was my second concussion in 3 months and I suspect that I didn't heal completely from the first one. My main problems are dizziness/light-headed, concentration problems, and not being able to think as fast and as clearly. Some days I feel like I am almost back to normal and then other days my symptoms come back. Physical exertion, stress, and alcohol seem to make it worse for me. I exercised alot before the the concussion and I have tried to start exercising again when I feel better for a few days. That always makes my symptoms come back. After doing alot of reading I determined it probably is the exercise that has kept me from my full recovery. NHL player Tim Connolly had PCS for 11 months, but made a full recovery. MLB player Corey Koskie currently has PCS and is starting to make a recovery. Both of these guys complained about similar symptoms that I have and both said physical exertion made them worse. Univ. of Buffalo sports medicine created a treatment which Connolly finished and Koskie is currently using. They start out at low levels of exercise, which don't trigger their symptoms and every few weeks they increase the intensity until the symptoms are gone and they can exercise at pre-injury intensity. The theory is that cerebral blood flow is abnormal in some people after a concussion and graduated exercise can help bring these levels back to normal. I am trying something similar right now. Riding a bike for 5 minutes, twice a day starting out. Next week I will increase it by a minute or 2 if I don't have any symptoms. I am going to try this for 2-3 months and see if it really helps. I will let you know how it turns out.

http://www.buffalo.edu/news/8580

It has to be hard for you when your family does not understand and thinks you are crazy. This is a real syndrome and your family needs to understand this. There are alot of resources on the web about PCS. It might help to show them some research on it, so they can understand and support you. You will get better, but it will take time. You need to have a positive outlook on this.

Yannimac,
Thankyou for your reply. I certainly benefited from reading it and down the road my son will benefit from the knowledge if he has problems with symptom reoccurence with increase in activity. He is doing much better and we are now just hoping to get school back in order soon. He would like to run next fall but only time will tell. I hope you will get back to some exercise soon and I wish you all the best in your journey. Sharing the knowledge you have learned helps us all.