Treating NON-headache TBI symptoms with nortriptyline?
 

Hello! I am new to this forum and will try to be as concise as possible with my TBI back story: Was in a car accident January 2018. Despite no physical impact, not losing consciousness and the low speed velocity I was struck with, I still sustained a TBI, experiencing headaches, cloudiness, confusion, dizziness, etc.. My MRI came back normal.

10 months, loss of job due to TBI, and countless doctors appointments later, I still find myself experiencing an onslaught of symptoms. I currently feel an inability for my brain to process heightened stimuli. For example, I have always been a coffee drinker, but as of about 4 months ago, I have been unable to tolerate caffeine. It makes me feel as though I have been "poisoned", I get tremors, and I feel as though my brain is "overworking" to process it. I did not experience this immediately after my car accident; only within the past few months. Another example: I went to the movie theater recently. Afterwards, I felt concussive symptoms of a heavy head and disorientation. I try to avoid watching things that make me laugh, as I find the act of laughter to be particularly taxing to my brain and body. I describe this as what (I can only imagine) adrenal fatigue may feel like. I even had to go to the ER once because my tremors and brain "electricity" were so bad after coffee one day. I calmed down after being given Ativan, and all of my tests came back normal

I have had a comprehensive look at my blood panel, including hormones/cortisol. Everything comes back normal. I asked my neurologist about this, and he told me to try nortriptyline for these symptoms. He originally prescribed it in February for post-concussive headaches, but I no longer have regular headaches. I also have never taken this med, as I am quite wary of it and afraid of side effects.

My question is... has anyone else been prescribed nortriptyline for post-concussive symptoms, other than for headaches? I am stumped and quite concerned about these tremors and feeling as though I am very limited on performing activities that were once normal to me. The feeling that these symptoms give me are quite severe and scary at times. I am currently scheduled to see an endocrinologist, but my PCP seems to think this is all neurological.

Any opinions or words of advice are appreciated! Thank you so much!

Hi Holl

Welcome to NeuroTalk :).

I hope that other members will be able to offer you support and good ideas (I know very little about TBI/PCS).

Best wishes.

Thank you! :)

No magic solution, I had headaches 4 months straight, what helped me is good diet, plenty of sleep and returning to full time job.
The most important thing though is to limit stress.
Coffee acts as a stimulant so it might exacerbate concussion symptoms, on the other hand it might help with fatigue and depression

Both Amitriptyline and less strong Nortriptyline are often prescribed for PCS, they're old tricyclic anti depressants but used for a multitude of ailments. Some say AD's are beneficial to brain healing but the evidence is not conclusive.

You have sensory problems, which is very common with TBI. I don't think the medication will help you. We were prescribed something similar for headache and sleep, but not for what you are experiencing.

My best advice is to go see a functional ophthalmologist or optometrist for vision therapy. This helped us tremendously. ** Do this! It will help you.

Just google 'college of optometrists in vision development.' There is also a book out detailing this type of rehab called 'The Ghost in My Brain' by Clark Elliot.

Dale Earnhardt Jr's new book 'Racing to the Finish' also covers these sensory therapies.

I was prescribed it for depression and sleep.....I got the lowest dose and even cut them in half as I couldn't get that tired sleepy feeling to go away, then when I did it was time to take more and do the same thing over.

Thank you for the feedback! :)

Interesting! Thanks!