Is this normal?
 

I need help please, I'm going on 4 mo. With PCS. There are time especially when I'm upset or having anxiety that I get pins and needles pain in my head and body. Lots of it is in my head but I do get it in my chest arms ears and sometimes tounge. That's weird I know. I need to know what this is. I can't seem to get help from any doc besides this is PCS. I also want to know why do I have anxiety / panic so bad now? Sometimes I can't control it at all. Also is it OK to take xanax for panic? 1 more thing is there maybe something I'm doing wrong and that's why I'm not healed yet? I miss a lot of things that I used to be able to do. Like listen to music, watch tv, go places without exhaustion etc... please help me with answers. Thank you !

Hello mussbsweet,

Sorry about your ongoing struggle with PCS.

The pins and needles in your head thing happened to me for a very long time, and still happens when I over stimulate myself (too much music, tv, critical thinking etc.) I don't recall it happening in my chest, ears, or tongue, but would have a lot of sensations in my eyes and hands/feet.

I have no clue what is behind the pins and needles on a physiological level, but I don't think it's anything to worry about.

Anxiety and panic attacks are common with so many of us with PCS, I'm sure many would agree it's one of the most prominent struggles along the road to recovery. I'm sorry that you are struggling with them. I would advise against taking xanax, klonopin, or other benzodiazepines for panics because of the negative side effects the drugs carry, including drowsiness, dizziness etc. which overlap heavily with PCS symptoms. Not to mention it can be highly addictive. But it's between you and your doctor whether or not it's something you should take. Did s/he have any opinion on the matter?

How frequent are your panic attacks? And do you recognize anything that might be triggering them for you? In my case, many of my panic attacks were brought on by sheer overstimulation. The brain is like a reactor, everything you put into it buzzes around and then comes out one way or another, in the form of thoughts, feelings, or in our cases, panics. It took me about 6 months to learn how to reduce stimulation while remaining active, and even then it wasn't perfect, the panic attacks still happened occasionally after that. One thing that helped me was writing down the symptoms of a panic attack, and then a short list of methods to quiet my mind while I was having one, because I could never remember what they felt like or what I should do while one was occurring. My list had things like— go for a short walk, focus on my breath, repeat a mantra (like a phrase or prayer), very quietly play acoustic guitar, hum a song— anything to keep me busy for 30-40 minutes while the panic attack did its thing.

What is your daily routine/habits like? What is your diet like? There really is no set time for anyone's recovery, and although 4 months seems like a long time, it is still very soon after your injury. It sure does feel like an eternity though, there's no doubt about that.

mussbsweet,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

As B.. said, anxiety is a very common PCS symptom. It usually helps to take a brain health regimen of vitamins. The most important are B-12, a B-50 Complex for the rest of the B's, D-3, magnesium citrate, Omega 3 fish oil.

There is a full regimen in the vitamins sticky at the top.

Learning to moderate your environment is very important. The PCS brain often struggles to ignore background/ambient stimulation. Visual clutter, sound clutter/music/voices, etc. even cloths or shoes that are uncomfortable can all contribute to this over-stimulation.

Many need to change their music listening habits to reduce the physiological effects of music.

Stopping caffeine is helpful. A single serving in the morning is tolerable for some but more is counter to the brain's needs. Some will experience caffeine withdrawal headaches. Yuck.

It is a struggle to live with PCS but when we learn to moderate our lives, things are much easier and recovery is better.

My best to you.

Sweet,

I have had pins and needles for months as well as ferocious anxiety and panic.

It does get better. Last Thanksgiving I was a nervous wreck and this year I am looking forward to all the company.

It will take patience and calmly practicing staying calm...you won't win the battle in one day so don't let it discourage you.

This is winnable, stick with it. As I said I am MUCH better than this time last year and even 2 months ago.

Hang in there,
Bud