Head Pressure
 

Hi everyone, this is my first post and I'm sorry it's probably going to be a long one.

About a month ago I was on the antibiotic Levaquin for a sinus infection. I think I was allergic to it because it made me feel just awful. But anyway I had went downstairs to my basement to do some laundry and the doorway down there is very short (prob 5 ft) well I guess where I sick anyway I wasn't paying much attention and raised up before I should have. I didn't pass out but I did see stars and all I could think was "get in the house". I had also done the same thing about 2 months prior to this and hit the same part of my head (just below the crown).

4 yrs ago I was in 2 MVAs within 6 months of each other both on which I cracked the windshield with my head( I wear my seatbelt now). I have not really felt the same since the second MVA. I have been having memory and concentration problems since.

But my question is I am not really having a headache. I would call in more of a pressure on the back of my head and Its really driving me crazy. I work in a Dr. office and she is telling me that it is my sinuses. I have not had any scans done because I am uninsured and I really dont have $1,500 lying around to pay for one. I got a headache at the time I injured myself and I have probably had 10 within the last month. Which is way more than I ever have. I went swimming this past Sunday and got one and went golfing this past Monday and got one. But has anyone heard on people complaining of pressure instead of a full blown migraine??

I'm just really tired of feeling this way. If anyone can offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Amber

Amber,
I work night shifts, I am a nurse, hence the early AM reply. Sorry to hear about all your concussions. That Laundry is a dangerous place and when you have had past concussions, it does not take much to cause injury and symptoms. Most PCS patients have normal scans, so you might be alright not scanning. Laying low and resting is what is reccomended, which I am sure you know. The pressure in back of head does not sound kike sinus issue. Take it easy and hopefully the pressure will stop with rest. You may not have PCS if that is your only symptom. Do you have dizziness, memory issues fogginess or personality changes? Hang in there and hope things improve soon.

Thanks for replying Nancy. Yes I have had memory and concentration issues and if I get up to fast I get a little dizzy. The head pressure is really getting to me. I'm wondering if I shouldn't go to the hospital or not. I dont have any insurance and it makes it hard. I also feel like I am getting confused all the time. I just don't know where to go from here........

Amber,
I am sorry, I have not been paying attention to this site for a bit. You sound as though you really are in the thick of PCS. Seeing a nuerologist who specializes more in concussions might be O.K and take worry away. The worry can make you worse. Go to an E.R. and ask for a neurology consult first before MRI and CT scan, so you do not have to pay for those. You really need the neurology consult to see if they think it is neccessary. This is a very difficuly syndrome to ride out by yourself. Time will tame down alot of the symptoms and rest. My son is 4 months out and much much better, doing schoolwork etc. He is not 100% but perhaps 85% and has room for improvement. He does not multitask too well now I've noticed. I cannot put too much on his plate, he gets overwhelmed easily, more personality issues like that lately. Stay in touch with this site. Take care
Nancy

Hi Nancy,
just read your reply and thought I would mention not to expect too much from your son ie. to reach 100% again. Apparently very, very few TBIers ever reach 100% again. My TBI was 17 yrs ago (at the age of 13) and though I continued to progress through school and university I still would not say I am 100%. What I personally struggle with most is that others don't realise the extra effort that I have to put in to achieve what I do.
Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm just not wanting your son to feel like is expected to reach 100% again (in any time frame).
Best of luck and keep up the hard work of being a TBI survivor carer.

Nigel.

I could not disagree with you more. He should expect 100% recovery. If I remember correctly, Nancy's son had no visible damage when he had MRI/CT scan, which would be classified as PCS from mild-TBI. From everything I have read, the majority of people with no visible damage recover completely from PCS within 6 months, although it takes some people 12 months - and only a small percentage have permanent symptoms. It would be hard to keep a positive attitude if you are telling yourself you are not going to fully recover. Staying positive is very important in the recovery process - part of the recovery is psychological. I see no harm from thinking you will fully recover. Don't put a timeframe on it, but do expect to get better.

Amber

I agree with Nancy I would definately get a neuro and have them look into the issues of the migraines and other things. It could be a combo of things.

I have lots of issues. And I did ahve a post concussion syndrome. And I"m not a 100 % and I'm probably not going to be. But I'm not sure that this is my first either. Just from knowing that I've had some falls and issues before.

Donna

Thanks for replies regarding my son's recovery ( Nigel and Yannimac). I appreciate your interest and think both have a point. My son does point out that he is not fully recovered and he does get nervous about other peoples expectations. We are hoping for full recovery and I am aware that there is no guarantee. His doctors both say they are fully expecting this and that he just need to be supported until symptom free. When he is without his symptoms, headaches, dizziness etc, he should gradually start exercise. He is just about there. He goes days without any symptoms. We can expect to have relapse if he over does it. He is seeing, a physicain in Concord MA who also sees alot of sports concussion injurys. The pschological frustrations that happen during recovery, I think are devastating and my heart goes out to those who are alone with this recovery. He will never be the same, as none of us are after a traumatic event. I think support and understanding go a long way and hope that will ease the pschological pain. He is proud and wants the have success again. This will help him and ,yes, he will probably have to work harder initially to get it. My job is to encourage him but not try to push him when he is already doing the best he can. I have made mistakes, already by not understanding he is doing his best, even if that means resting when he feels lousy. Take care and lets hope we all recover the most that is possible.
Nancy

Head pressure my major complaint!
 

Mine started with incredible head pressure coming from the bottom of my head , between my ears and around my head like a tight band. I am using ativan, sometimes 1 a day to keep the sensation feelings away and to keep me from getting so anxious about all these symptoms. My approach is to use this as a crutch until I am healed. I also started using Gota Kola which helps with my concentrations and sleep.
Take care...

@ Mayflower, do you also feel dizziness? and does the Ativan make it better?