Head Sensitivity to Motion Solved!!!
 

I have had post concussion syndrome for about 1.5 years now. Before the onset of PCS, I had ~7 concussions. In the last 5 months I developed a sensitivity to motion that would result in concussion symptoms after a head motion went above a threshold, which subsequently lowered the threshold for further incidents as many of you describe. For 2 months the sensitivity progressed to concussion symptoms appearing after a sneeze, laugh, or any mild activity.

After doing much research and stumbling upon MrPCS on this forum, I had my hormone levels checked and my testosterone levels were low for my age, 440 ng/dL at 17, but not below the general limit of ~330 ngl/dL. I was very fortunate to find a doctor who would prescribe me Clomid, and after 5 weeks my sensitivity has improved miraculously. I can ride in cars again, walk without having to tip toe, and enjoy life much more.

I disagree with MrPCS that the concussion symptoms are psychosomatic. I am aware I am not an objective observer of my being, but through many quasi-concussion events and observations, I fully believe these symptoms are real. I believe the pituitary gland mediates some unknown mechanism of brain recovery after a concussion, and a damaged hypothalamus axis would impede this recovery.

I heavily recommend getting hormone levels checked and finding a doctor that cut from the same cloth as Dr. Mark Gordon. (My doctor was Dr. Michael Lewis)

Wow, very interesting. I've had this sensitivity from age twelve to age twenty-two (now). At twenty-one I asked a doctor to check my testosterone for this very reason, and it was also in the 400s. The doctor said I was fine, nothing to worry about. Maybe I should take a second look at hormone therapy.

Interestingly, something I've never mentioned on the forum is that one of the most helpful things for my symptoms is abstaining from sexual release. I always assumed the effect was strictly psychological, but who knows.... There is a lot of data on celibacy boosting testosterone and having other beneficial effects on the brain.

Are you doing anything with fish oil?

I stumbled upon Dr. Lewis' omega-3 protocol years ago. It's been very helpful for me.

That's awesome about your sensitivity going way down.

I read his book "When Brains Collide" and take 4 fish oil pills a day, but I have not noticed much of a difference personally.

Dr. Michael Lewis said that a testosterone level in the 400s is 1/2 to 1/3 of what a healthy 17 year old should have. Many people have articulated that the established lower level of 330 ng/dL is too general for every age group. The first endocrinologist I saw said that my levels were fine, so the main challenge is finding a doctor who recognizes the issue. Dr. Lewis operated over the phone for me, so you would not have to travel to see him, and I guarantee he would prescribe Clomid. Unfortunately he does not take insurance and is pricey.

Ok, so somewhere more between 1000 - 1200 ng/dl is normal for a young man?

Interesting - I will look into this. Thank you for posting! Please keep us updated on your progresses.

Everybody is different, I agree that the recommended range for testosterone is just a recommendation. What I could find is the following: 270-1070 ng/dL with an average level of 679 ng/dL

If your body normally runs on 850 ng/dL and as a result of a heat trauma your tested at 400 ng/dL your going to notice a big change.

I noticed an improvement to symptoms when I started taking cannabis. Some strains are known for making your libido increase, I can attest to that as some made me incredibly horny, the one I'm on now moderately - kind of like before my accident.

Its funny two similar outcomes with two different approaches.

Michael,

Could you give us some more details on your experience with this treatment? In particular, is the sensitivity gone completely? Have any other symptoms improved? Have you had any side effects from the treatment?

I have been on Clomid for 4 weeks (accidentally said 5 earlier). The sensitivity has not completely gone away, but significant improvement has been made. I used to notice little bumps in a car, but I do not anymore. I am able to walk at a normal pace now without tip toeing. I do not notice concussion symptoms after these activities anymore. Because the body takes a while to react to hormones, I suspect that it will take around 6 months to feel 90% my old self.

Unfortunately, Clomid seems to cause side effects that could negate the benefits of raising testosterone. I would like to transition to testosterone injections with hCG to preserve fertility; it seems like the combo produces less side effects. Also, around the time I started Clomid I had a gadolinium contrast MRI, which gave me debilitating foggy head to this day, so it is hard for me to accurately judge cognitive symptoms.

Clomid can also have an adverse effect on libido, and another SERM, Tamoxifen, has been shown to be neurotoxic, so from my current research, injections + hCG looks to be the best.

I noticed when I took CBD oil my libido increased like 200%!