PCS and PTSD...linked??
 

I want to start out by saying I am very happy to have found this group. I have been feeling very alone with all of this..as far as people understanding what you're going through.

I was in a highway accident back in June where I was rear ended by someone who I believe was texting and driving. I was at a complete stop due to a lumber truck pulling out of the mill and the guy behind me didn't stop or even attempt to brake...I had the brake and clutch engaged and smashed the back of my head on the back of the headrest. 24 hours later I was in the ER with what they told me was a concussion and I needed to remain on cognitive rest until I am symptom free after 20 mins of reading....

The next month or more I was in a lot of denial. I didn't want this accident to define my life or ruin any fitness progress I had attained. I had just hired a new personal trainer and was training for a fitness competition before this accident happened. I tried to keep doing smaller workouts and going into the office once a week for a couple hours. Gradually as my sleep became a problem I could no longer sustain my life's activities and I had to go off work and completely rest. I felt so defeated and depressed.

Along the way I've had a few setbacks including a second concussion Nov 25 which had me back in the hospital with even worse symptoms and sensitivities than the initial accident. My hearing was so sensitive I had to whisper because my own voice hurt my brain...even had to wear earplugs in the shower because the sound of the water hitting the tub hurt my brain. ..worst time of my life but it did allow for a huge step in my spiritual journey to happen which I'm grateful for.

As of right now I had a slight setback on the weekend from doing a modified yoga pose and am back on rest mode. Im not the most patient person and used to be a multi tasking queen so being in limbo is very hard. My friends don't understand at all because they keep asking me to go out etc so I've resorted to sending them youtube vids to try and get the message across.

This is month 7 for me...but only 2 months since the second injury so I def have a ways to go yet...my new concussion dr told me at least 2-3 months more of rest and I cant start the head injury rehab program until my symptoms subside by quite a bit...they tell me that PTSD triggers concussion symptoms so I wanted to see if anyone else found that as well? They say it can make your sensitivities worse and without counseling they may never get better...??
I wear sunglasses and earplugs EVERYWHERE STILL :(

Oh ya..and im told I need to RELAX. Easier said than done for a lot of people I think. ..

Thanks in advance for any input!!

jmeow,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your struggles.

What you doc likely meant was PTSD can make concussion symptoms worse.

Other than your undefined rest, what treatments have you received for your two concussions ? Have you had any work done with your neck, especially your upper neck ? Most concussions include a subtle upper neck injury that, until treated, will make concussion symptoms much worse.

It would be worthwhile for you to read the Vitamins and Supplements sticky at the top. Look at the Nov 8, 2014 posting 101. It has the latest information. There is a link to good video series on YouTube called You look Great. You and your friends should watch it. It is 6 segments and takes almost an hour to watch all six. Well worth it.

Yoga poses that include neck flexions/extensions can be a problem.

My best to you.

well...the neurosurgeon I was sent to see says they are linked so without treating the mental portion they don't see much of an improvement with concussion symptoms or the sensitivities at least.
I have been attending physio twice per wk which involves IMS, Cranio sacral Therapy and Acupuncture. I also have a Nucca Chiropractor who does very slight and measured adjustments to the upper cervical spine...mediation and relaxation are what im currently learning to do as well.

I would be concerned about combining CST and NUCCA. The CST can possibly undo the NUCCA.

What is the CST Therapist doing specifically ? Is it an osteopath doing the CST or someone else ? Most CST protocols have been replaced with Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy. Most OMT therapists do not do any cranial therapy.

What is IMS ?

What the doc likely means by needing to treat the mental portion is the anxiety from PTSD or otherwise can slow or prevent healing from the concussion. They can each make the other worse. Studies show that serious PTSD can cause physiological changes in the brain that are difficult to correct except over long periods of time. The more common anxieties that accompany concussions are simpler to treat.

My best to you.

Hi and welcome to NT.

PTSD is very common among those of us who sustain our brain injuries in car accidents.

I believe that your doctor is overstating, grossly, the connection between your PCS and PTSD. I doubt that eliminating your PTSD will make your PCS disappear. However, as Mark said, any decrease in your anxiety level will be an asset to your healing and make you feel better, overall. You should definitely seek treatment for your PTSD.

The good news is that the vast majority of people with MVA induced PTSD can be helped. How bad are your symptoms? Do you have flashbacks or just general anxiety about being in a car? Assuming you weren't looking in your rear view mirror, you didn't see it coming. Not having a chance to become terrified can be a big bonus in terms of a positive treatment outcome.

My accident was horrendous and, like yours, was caused by a negligent driver and a cell phone. In the immediate aftermath, just the thought of being a passenger in a car made me break out in a cold sweat. Now, while the car will never be my "happy place," I can ferry my child to her activities, like a normal mom. The only time I get anxious is when I see another driver do something really reckless - but I figure that's a pretty normal response for any thinking person.

I was lucky because I found a therapist willing to work on the triggers for my PTSD, not just medicate away the symptoms.

With the proper help, you can overcome your PTSD.