ER if worse?
 

Hey all,

I'm 23 and suffered a concussion a week ago after hitting my head on a hard surface when I was asleep.

I have all the classic PCS symptoms (the few that worry me are panic attacks/nightmares/inability to sleep, jaw/ear pain and nausea) and I have only been feeling worse as time has gone by. I had an MRI but it was unremarkable so my doc is slightly baffled as to why my symptoms are getting worse and not better.

I was prescribed an anti inflammatory which we thought would help, but it hasn't yet so I am being prescribed a different one tonight. My doctor said if I don't feel better by tomorrow mid-day that I must schedule an appointment with a neurologist. It's been a hell-ish week. I thought I would be able to make it until tomorrow but things have started to get even harder/worse. I am extremely naseous, dizzy and with a throbbing headache (now the worst symptom). Each time I try to rest I am jolted awake by a panic attack.

I am wondering if any of you would recommend going to the ER. My neurologist appointment is on Tuesday but I do not think I can wait that long. I don't know what my other options are.

I'd appreciate your feedback.

Thanks.

There is really nothing they will be able to do for you in the ER that your regular doctor or your neurologist can't do for you.

You should ask your regular doctor for something to control the nausea and headache, and possibly the panic attacks. Those symptoms can be managed until the time you see a neurologist.

Even if you can't sleep, be sure you are resting quietly and not doing things that strain your brain or your body.

Manda,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Has your doctor mentioned anything about taking amitriptyline in a low dose to help with the insomnia and anxiety ? It is a common prescription for cases like yours.

It is not uncommon for symptoms to increase during the first week or two. You are very early in your recovery so being patient will help.

Have you tried icing your neck and/or jaw ?

Thanks for the information! I have tried icing it but it hasn't helped. My headache still seems to get worse and worse and trickle down into my neck/jaw. I will ask my doctor about the amitriptyline.

I didn't know symptoms could get worse in the first week or two. Thanks for the heads up.

Looking forward to speaking with you both more!

Icing is not a try it once and see if it helps. For icing to get a good test, you should ice your upper neck and jaw for 15 minutes on, 15 to 30 minutes off and repeat for as long as possible. The inflammation icing helps with take time to reduce. Read the Vitamins and Supplements sticky at the top. It has instructions for making crushable ice packs.

Thanks!! I'm an athlete so I'm aware it's not a one time thing. I appreciate your advice about the sticky at the top- will do!

I slept better than I have the past few nights and I think I attribute that to some anti-anxiety medicine I was able to take and tolerate.

However, my dreams were still pretty scary, but this time I didn't wake up in a panic which was nice.

I know I am early in my recovery, but I am beginning to worry about school (finals are next week) and going back to work (even my part time schedule was pretty busy).

Does anyone have advice on how to cope with this worry?

Another question I have is once I see the neurologist, what possible treatment options may they possibly recommend? Just curious. Thanks all!!

Anxiety is basically the worst of my PCS symptoms, and my best recommendation for the worries about school/work is to take it slow. Depending on your symptoms and how you are able to deal with them, I might even suggest seeing if you can take a break from work for a few weeks. I made the mistake of jumping right back into my daily life after I sustained a concussion, and I feel like I'm paying for it 3.5 months later. Rest is truly an important part of recovery.
As for the neurologist, I think it depends on who you see & what their knowledge is in regards to concussions. When I saw a neurologist, they were of little help, and I rely much more heavily on my PCP to treat each symptom of PCS. You're very early on in your recovery, so you may not even need to worry about persisting symptoms, most people I know have recovered from concussions quite quickly. There are things like vestibular therapy, vision therapy, etc.
Good luck!

Hey!

Thanks so much for your reply.

I was at a neurologist once before when I was younger but I didn't remember much about the visit.

My appointment is Tuesday AM so I hope I'll know more by then. I have been resting up and taking everyone's advice (PCP, parents, everyone here) and I hope it starts to look up soon!

Thanks!! :D

Talk with your advisor at school about finals week. Explain your situation and that you will be seeing a neuro Tuesday. Typically symptoms gets worse for the first week or two, so you don't want to be taking exams this way. Can you take an incomplete and perhaps take the exams in a few weeks? (Having to do in a certain amount of time, like taking an exam, really increases my symptoms due to stress. Therefore, I have accommodations related to length of exams).

Also, take time off work. Any sort of stress, (cognitive via school or work), is only going to make you feel worse and prolong your recovery.

I didn't have much luck with a neurologist. I was referred then to a concussion program in our area and have a Physical Medicine & Rehab doctor who has been really helpful in finding treatments and meds that have helped me get to where I am at.