Can Post Concussion Syndrome Come Back?
 

I was in a bad car accident about 2.5 years old.

I experience a concussion with memory loss and post concussion syndrome. After about 1 month, I returned to work. After 1.5 months, I returned full time.

After about six months, I felt pretty much normal. I have reoccurring classic migraines and a day here or there with brain fog.

I have fallen in the last month, two migraines in the last week, dizzy, nauseous, motion sickness (even when I am not moving), sensitivity to light, the words dance on the screen (made worse by using computer), and the prevailing feeling like a migraine could flare at any time.

My doctor thinks that I am nuts. Has anyone else dealt with post concussion syndrome coming back??? Is this even possible?

dburrows,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. It is not uncommon for PCS symptoms to return. There are usually stressful events that trigger a return of symptoms. Another head bump, chemical stress (alcohol, etc), illness, and other stressors can cause a return of symptoms.

I was told by both the vestibular therapist and OT symptoms can return especially if we are stressed/tired. They've had patients return years later.

Feel better soon....

What a horrible thought...getting through all we go through only for it to come back.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

Peace and wellness,

Jace

As you were in an MVA, I assume you suffered whiplash. Did you have an MRI of your neck after the crash? Is your neck stable? If not, any sort of jostling has the potential to awaken your symptoms.

Most definitely check your neck out.

I had no idea my neck was part of the problem. My neurosurgeon did not alert us to anything on my CAT scans and MRI scans, but when I got a neurologist months later he did and started treatments on my neck.

Made a difference! I think everyone with a head/brain injury should have their neck examined as standard procedure.

Peace and wellness,

Jace

Don't know why I never thought to ask you if you injured your neck...oh I know why, no short term memory..LOL

Anyhoo...I've had terrible problems with my neck, was in OT because as you described words would "dance", could not read anything, balance was off, nausea etc. OT noticed something wrong with my right eye, can't remember medical term for it.

As others have suggested get your neck checked out, feel better soon..

It has happened happened to me. I suffered a string of concussions in 2006and 2008-2011, which resulted in prolonged PCS symptoms. By 2011, I thought I had recovered for the most part as I only experienced mild headaches in the mornings, and I was able to excel at work and at school.

Unfortunately, in February 2014, it appears that the stress from law school plus a minor head bump seemed to have triggered all of my old symptoms--headache, dizziness, brain fog, and fatigue. My neurologist described this as temporary reoccurrence of post-concussion symptoms. Although my symptoms have improved over the last couple months by doing my trusted vestibular and vision therapies, this whole episode has devastating because PCS has derailed my life again.

One positive that I can draw from my struggle is that I have learned to cherish the little things in life like going on a walk with my dog. I have picked up woodworking again, and have found that to be a very therapeutic and rewarding activity that I can step away from and rest if my symptoms start to flare up. Best of luck to anyone going through this Research what works for you and post to this forum--it helps us all. God bless.