Update on diet and PCS
 

Hey all! I posted maybe a month or so ago about the changes I made to my diet. Before I did this someone on this forum linked me to an anti-inflammatory diet, but I didn't go this route. Not that long after, I had a couple high refined-carb days, making my head felt awful, so I cut most of them out going to a ketogenic diet (high fat/very low carb).

I came to say that my progress has continued to be great! I was struggling with head sensitivity to shaking, which would bring on a range of PCS symptoms. I can't tell you if it was eliminating the refined carbs (flour/sugar) or if it was the addition of fats/protein (or both), but that was the turning point in my recovery. I'm not all the way better, meaning I still don't feel like I should be headbanging or doing things that really jostle my head, but it isn't ruling my life anymore. I've read a little about the "cascading effects" after concussion, but after my recent experience I think there is evidence to suggest lingering inflammation was the culprit in this cast...the ketogenic diet is anti-inflammatory. If you're still having trouble with sensitivity I would suggest either trying keto (I can point you to some good resources), or an anti-inflammatory diet. In addition to the positive progress in my PCS, there are a number of benefits with this kind of diet as well, weight loss, stable blood sugar, insulin sensitivity...etc.

The most frustrating thing about it is that both neurologists I saw didn't truly understand the head shaking sensitivity, and by looking through this forum, those symptoms are not uncommon. One suggested I have to "give it time," and the other wanted to put me on a nasty preventative migraine medication (topamax). Now I understand finding a doc that truly understands concussions/PCS.

Mike,

Good to hear of your progress, happy for you!

Bud

Nobody should ever do 'headbanging' to music. Many permanent injuries and even some deaths have resulted from headbanging.

Oh I completely agree, only trying to highlight that while I'm feeling better I don't feel like testing my head in something that extreme.

I am strongly considering this diet. Please keep us updated.

[QUOTE=metmike07;1209121]Hey all! I posted maybe a month or so ago about the changes I made to my diet. Before I did this someone on this forum linked me to an anti-inflammatory diet, but I didn't go this route. Not that long after, I had a couple high refined-carb days, making my head felt awful, so I cut most of them out going to a ketogenic diet (high fat/very low carb).

Hi Mike,

I have had post concussion syndrome for about two and a half months now, from a head injury I got in January. I have headaches, nausea and dizziness about every day, and am not able to do very much or they come on very strong.

Someone just recommended a ketogenic diet to me, and I stumbled on your posts about it. I would love to know more about your experience with it - how your recovery has progressed, and if you have any recommendations, resources, or anything else you know about that I don't know to ask about.

Are you able to shake your head now?

Cheers,
Haileyl

Haileyelliott,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Metmike has not posted to this thread since April 2016.

The ketogenic diet does not help with PCS but some of the concepts of a ketogenic diet can be helpful. Ketogenic diet promoters often fail to mention it takes a lot of discipline to achieve true ketosis. Basically, a very serious fast is required to cause ketosis.

Reducing intense sugars, getting good fats, etc. can be helpful.

Please feel free to tell us more about your injury and what treatment or other things you have tried. There is no single fix to PCS. Everybody is different.

Besides the nausea, headaches and dizziness, do you have any other symptoms ? Sensitive to light or sounds ? Insomnia ?

My best to you.