Prescribed to Topamax for PCS symptoms?
 

I finally got into a Neurologist this week to discuss my PCS. He didn't seem very well versed on PCS and up to date on some of the therapy/treatment options out there. He said to treat my headaches like migraines and prescribed me to start taking Topamax daily. This is not the direction I was hoping to take with recovery and am worried that Topamax wont help my PCS symptoms long term. Has anyone had experience with Topamax or other migraine medicine to treat PCS?

FYI my symptoms include exertion headaches, eye strain from screens and doing school work, fatigue, brain fog, and random headaches.

Exertion headaches are your brain telling you to slow down. If you can reduce them by slowing down, that is best. Pain meds are OK if reducing stress and stimulation does not work.

Some have had negative experiences with Topamax and PCS. At best, it only hides symptoms like headaches.

What have you done to reduce your stress and stimulation levels ?

I was on it for an extended time, and in my opinion it made things worse....That was my experience, I hope you have better luck with it....

Did they prescribe pill form, or injection?

davOD, I was prescribed pill form.

Mark, my worst symptoms occur when I exercise (running and lifting), so I have had to stop any strenuous activities since concussion. Luckily I typically don't get headaches form using computer, but I still try to not spend to much time in front of a screen in a day. I have been trying to meditate to reduce stress, but this has been difficult for me. Any helpful ideas on reducing stress?

Lifting is the worst for many because many who lift tense their neck muscles as they strain to lift. That exacerbates headaches. Running has a lot of impact trauma from each foot plant.

Have you tried low impact exercise, spinning, rowing, strider, elipticals, ?

Stress can be studying, conversations and discussions, loud music, etc.

The Buffalo protocol limits exercise to below the symptom threshold with slow increases in effort and heart rate every few weeks.

The simple concept is, If an activity causes symptoms, reduce the intensity of that activity to avoid symptoms.

I was on Topamax for a couple of years and it was the only thing that actually helped my headaches.

After a couple of years, I was able to wean off and my symptoms did not return.