Advice on managing concussion anxiety?
 

Hi,

Today I woke up around 4am because for some reason my hand hit myself in the head with enough force that it woke me up (why that happened, I don't know, maybe it was part of a dream that I was having or something but it's never happened to me before). I felt somewhat anxious mentally, but I was able to go back to sleep. When I woke up a few hours later, I felt fine physically, but I started to think about what had happened and anxiety started to kick in.

Now, about 6 hours after I woke up, my heart is racing, I have a really strong headache, I feel dizzy, and I can't keep food down. Basically, I know almost for a fact that I didn't hit myself hard enough to cause damage, and yet still can't control the anxious feelings. In fact, when I try to control them by trying to stretch or meditate, they just seem to get stronger. I feel like concussion anxiety is like a unique kind of panic attack, something that can last for hours or even days. Does anyone have advice on managing it, or on preventing it from arising in the first place?

Thank you so much.

red90,

Although meds should be a last resort, I keep some clonazepam and propranolol for just these situations. Propranolol is quicker acting and safer. I would use the clonazepam if I knew I was going to be stuck in an over-stimulation event.

If you do not have access to emergency meds, find something to keep busy with.

For a fact, the hand to your head did not do any damage or even cause a trauma that could trigger a relapse. What it did do was trigger a severe startle response with some delayed onset. It can be difficult to understand how the roller coaster of anxiety can seem to be disconnected from the triggering event.

Back when this was a bigger problem, I also had my non-med rescue protocol. I would go lie down in a dark room and play a CD of music that I knew would be effective at pulling my mind into that safe place. My favorite was Dianna Krall light jazz, 'The Look of Love' but I also could use operatic like singers, Sarah Brightman, etc. I found that lyrics were important. The words grab the attention. Most contemporary music has too much instrumental pounding and such that stimulates rather than sooths.

For me, I do best when I know the playlist so my mind gets into a flow. I have set up a playlist on YouTube that helps. I use this same protocol when I have insomnia since it usually has a bit of anxiety.

This was a severe problem for me during the first two years after my injury. I know how upsetting it can be. But, with discipline, you can find your protocols to resolve it.

My best to you.

I read my bible or work at recalling what I read.

This head stuff is funny..the other night as I was walking through the living room I ducked as a startled response to a fan (wasn't even running). I walk by it all the time, no big deal but this time it caused a real response.

I do wonder where those responses come from, they aren't all the time but when they happen they are most definetly a protective response to a nonexistent threat.

Bud

I go to my happy place which is a particular spot where the bush meets the beach but like the idea of music which has been preselected . . . when I've thought that music might help in such situations actually finding it adds to the anxiety. Be Prepared as in our old Girl Guide motto has merit!
Thanks folks.

I find meditation and/or pranayama breathing to be helpful.

Lightrail11 I'm reading your bio under your replies for the first time, and I'm amazed at how quickly you returned to work following your accident. Do you go 0 to 100 in terms of going straight into full time work again?

Lightrail is lucky to be alive.

http://archive.azcentral.com/news/ar...trian-hit.html

You can see the slow motion video here.
Train Hits Man in Phoenix - YouTube

Hi Zack (and thanks to Mark for posting the links).

The process was about 6 months. After a month in the ICU I "came to" in the hospital neuro rehab unit. I didn't know how old I was, what year it was, or who the President was. I couldn't solve a flashcard problem 7*4=? I saw PT, OT, and Speech therapists as inpatient and as an outpatient. Progress was relatively slow but steady. Eventually deficit areas (memory, cognitive processing, executive function) came back. After 6 months I was cleared to return to work.

I'm fortunate and blessed to have recovered. As Mark stated, I'm fortunate to even be alive. When I saw the neurosurgeon who performed the craniotomy for a follow up appointment after release from hospital he stated "I consider you my miracle patient. I didn't tell your family this the night of the accident, but I didn't think you were going to make it."

Best to all of you in your recovery journeys.

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
Friedrich Nietzsche

Wow! That's amazing, really sounds like a miracle. I hope you are enjoying hopefully being back to relatively normal and your story is truly inspiring! I wish you all the best in your life.