flying wrecked me, period.
 

If you search the internet or ask on forums most people will tell you flying is OK after concussion as long as you are willing to do deal with the inconvenience (sounds, crowds) and that perhaps the jet lag could make a set back more likely. But no one warned that flying could actually cause harm on the medium/long term for someone with a concussion.

Well, the short story is that I am not convinced 95% that flying to europe and back was the KEY trigger of my PCS. It happened twice (read my story below for details).I spoke to neurologists, they are telling me that now they are finding that flying is actually hurting people although that was not in their textbook. Not just the jet lag, but the changes in pressure over a long period of time, makes the brain work harder (let's face it, we do not understand our brain).

While most people are OK with flying, according to stats and testimonials, I just wanted to put the word out there, that there is a risk that you would turn out like me.

After my initial minor concussion in july 2014 I had some dizziness which abated in 2 weeks. In August 2014 I was sprinting, running, lifting, drinking, NO PROBLEMS.

I flew toward end August to Europe and upon my return, I went for a run (same day) and god: not only that made me dizzy, I dealt with constant dizziness and headaches for THREE MONTHS after.

It took me until June of 2015 to feel good on almost everyday, and more importantly, to be able to focus on mathematics and solve problems, and drink... I was swimming with mostly no problems.

I fly again in August and this time upon my return I make sure that I sleep a lot, and rest. Well, I did not run, just walking around, when I came back, started making me dizzy. Few days after I did a pull up in the gym, and BOOM. I have been dealing with bad symptoms since then (2 months +).

So, in my case, is it possible that it was the run, or the walking that led to my symptoms? Absolutely not. Before flying any flare up, including from swimming fast in cold water for an hour, or hitting my head, would not last for more than 3 days.

I do not believe for a second that running + flight fatigue combination somehow led to PCS for 3 unbearable months. I just do not believe that.

Finally, Indeed, this is more likely to happen with long flights. So it is not just an air pressure thing, evidence from my case suggest it is the length of the flight. Perhaps jet lag, circadian rhythm, many possible explanations... but does it matter? Trust your guts on this, I wish I did. I am almost certain I would never have dealt with PCS.

Most airline flights have a cabin altitude of 8,000 feet. At this altitude, the oxygen has a challenge to cross cellular membranes. For those with a brain injury, this challenge is more pronounced. Studies have show a cognitive performance difference between those with and without a head injury history when at 8,000 feet.

It would be interesting to see if a session in an HBOT chamber reduces the struggles after a long flight by helping to push oxygen across the cellular membranes.

It would follow that extended periods of poor oxygen would alter blood chemistry in a variety of ways. O2 levels effect pH levels and other issues.

Bachisimo, if you have access to an HBOT clinic, it would be worth trying a session the next time you take a long flight.

Wikipedia has a good explanation of altitude sickness. The specialists don't understand why some struggle more with altitude sickness than others.

The signs and symptoms entry is interesting. The comment about expiring CO2 suggests that an HBOT session may help.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altitude_sickness

Mark,

thanks for the HBOT idea. I will think about it. Would it be of any use now (2 months after my flight?). How about just a O2 tank like that for people with respiratory disease, seems less risky/extreme then the HBOT.

I wanted to make sure to make that post, so that people with a fresh concussion can see and be informed that YES there is a risk with flying, something that no one told me a year ago.

Thanks a lot for your support.

HBOT is not a risk. It can push O2 into the cells and push CO2 out. Pure O2 may help but not likely as well as HBOT. HBOT works with normal O2 levels. Either is a shot in the dark.