Overwhelmed by Light
 

Hello,

For starters, I am 27 year old male and in overall good health.

My accident occurred September 1, 2018. I was mountain biking when I hit a rock, flew over the handlebars, and hit the right side of my head on the ground as a result of whiplash. I was wearing a helmet. Immediately following the accident, I experienced blurred vision for around 60 seconds, followed by ringing ears. Unfortunately, I was on vacation and was not in a situation to rest in the days following my concussion. I even had a glass of wine and a beer a couple days after.

Now at almost 13 weeks PCS, I’ll give a brief summary of my symptoms, recovery techniques and where I’m at now.

For approximately 40 days I experienced intense brain fog (difficulty concentrating, feeling of things being “off”). For approximately 60 days I had balance and peripheral vision challenges. Luckily, both of these symptoms have vastly improved following time off work, light cardio exercise, and vistibular ocular therapy. I also experienced a vision change in my right eye (astigmatism) that I have corrected with a new contact lense prescription.

Currently, I am still overwhelmed by white and blue light. Headlights, glare, anything LED or fluorescent, and even halogen are all much brighter than they should be. They also have long streaks well outside where they should be. Around two weeks ago, I did see some marginal improvement. I can look at lights, headlights and phone/computer screens without feeling like the light is shining directly through the back of my head. Overall, stress and sexual activity seem to be my biggest triggers.

I have returned to work 5 days a week. However, I am still overwhelmed by light and started getting headaches on the front of my forehead several weeks ago. I am getting 30 minutes of cardio and have a vitamin regimen similar to the one that’s stickied. I am also continuing my vestibular ocular therapy and am taking about 20mg of CBD oil per day, as well as a tablespoon of MCG oil.
For path forward, I plan to see a behavioral therapist. I feel like I have anxiety that went untreated for years that may be a contributing factor. I have a perfectionist personality.

Basically, I want to get thoughts, suggestions and any feedback you may have on my situation, recovery and long-term outlook of PCS and losing the light sensitivity.

TIA.

Anxiety is a common thread amongst PCS sufferers. It's like concussion amplifies any lurking fears and brings them to the surface. I used to almost have panic attacks for the first couple of months and even now I occasionally get anxious for no apparent reason. Anxiety and depression are the evil twins so I would look out for both. You are relatively young so with the right combination of rest and exercise I think you stand a good chance of full recovery. Just make sure you don't have any more concussions and don't try and rush recovery as the brain cannot be rushed. I would avoid working overtime that's for sure.

lights
 

I too have issues with bright lights. My accident was 9/21/2018 and I still have issues. I read today it can take up to 6 months for light sensitivity to get better. I was literally looking the same stuff up today. It is better but still affects me. I have these great fancy polarized sunglasses that make the world look clearer and orangish- they help. I wear them in stores, in cars and even at a restaurant. I just started being able to go out once in a while. I also wear them outside especially since there is a lot of snow where I live right now and it is so bright.

Not sure if you can wear special glasses half day at work? They make all different kinds. with anti-glare too. Ask your eye doctor for recommendations maybe? Or you can be cool like me and wear fancy sunglasses everywhere.

I think its great you are working again and exercising. I would take those as positive signs that you are recovering well. Therapy will help. Sounds like you are doing everything you can. When I get anxiety I practice gratitude. It works. Give yourself time. Hope you feb better soon!