Caffeine After Concussion - Who Else Has Had Problems?
 

The other day I almost drove into oncoming traffic after having 1 cup of coffee the day before. I couldn't believe what had just happened and it was good that the other drivers realized what was happening so I didn't endure another brain injury in the form of a car accident. I have been noticing that caffeine especially, while working more or less as normal, causes me great problems for up to a week after I drink it.

Now that I have finally quit caffeine entirely I have noticed a big improvement in my TBI symptoms. I can now smoke pot without experiencing anxiety and I am also interestingly able to drink moderately without problem. (I have not drank in almost 2 months and was curious to see what would happen, and was pleasantly surprised when all seemed fine.) I am sleeping better, focusing better during the day in general, and am having fewer problems reading and comprehending text. I am additionally not having spells of crying, depression, anxiety, and other problems for days after having moderate amounts of caffeine. My headaches have improved overall and are less frequent and intense.

I am interested to hear from others who have had problems specifically with caffeine after a concussion. I want to hear about your experience and how long your problems lasted, what problems you had etc. It would be nice to be able to just have coffee again without feeling terrible for days.

I am also interested in hearing about any research which might explain why these problems happen. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors and as I understand it adenosine is involved in TBI healing somehow but it is not clear to me exactly how.

I'm trying to quit caffeine/sugar. Today was day 1 and I caved for a soda at dinner. Was having super intense headaches. Any tips for transitioning?

I used to smoke a decent amount of weed before my last concussion as well as drink a lot being 19. I'm anxious to start smoking and drinking again (moderately) because I'm trying to get to 99% before school in the fall. Were you anxious before doing that stuff again?

I feel like the odd beer watching basketball or vaping some cbd weed before bed would help me fall asleep easier?

I am also pretty interested in being able to drink coffee again since it was an essential morning thing for me before work or school. I understand that smoking a cigarette would be bad for anyone, but once I'm back to normal health, is the odd cigarette with coffee or at a bar bad for pcs and could it cause a relapse?

Caffeine is an excitotoxin. It stimulates brain cells to the point of exhaustion or even damage.

Those who need caffeine to get the day started are usually lacking adequate sleep. Good sleep results in a good wake up of the brain. Waking up by force such that caffeine is needed to get going is not optimum. Learning to get good sleep and the proper amount so you can wake up naturally will greatly enhance your life.

If you looked at the lives of successful people, most have highly disciplined sleep routines. They wake up naturally and ready to take on the world.

Can you point to any studies in particular related to TBI?

Caffeine decreases cerebral blood flow. Alcohol increase cerebral blood flow. Since every brain injury is different, making a blanket statement of what caffeine does in each individual cases is difficult. If you improve without caffeine, that suggest that the negative effects of caffeine are an issue for you.

Brain injuries are known to cause increased sensitivity to various chemicals, caffeine, MSG, sugar, artificial sweeteners, etc. But, each person is different. For me, caffeine after 3 PM will effect me well past midnight. I might not be able to settle into sleep until 6 AM.

One rat study found caffeine in large doses to be beneficial in severe brain injuries during the immediate acute phase.

Overall, the consensus has been to avoid caffeine with a single serving being acceptable to start the day for some.

I can't see any benefit in caffeine for brain recovery, as Mark says it restricts blood vessels. It's also a stimulant which is not good if you're having any anxiety symptoms or sleeping issues. Cutting out both caffeine and sugar, as much as is practical, can only be a good thing for health generally. I've given up caffeine too and feel better for it. I was only a moderate coffee drinker, but my day has less highs and lows, I didn't think it would make any difference so was surprised. Just shows you how crappy our modern western diets are!