Possible secondary concussion or not fully healed first one?
 

Hello! I wonder if anyone here who almost healed from the concussion and experienced a secondary hit?
It took me almost 5 months to start feeling normal (with the only things left being headache s from sounds and lights, haven’t returned to work yet but was planning on the near month); two nights ago I managed to bump into a wall going to the bathroom in the dark; my head starting to hurt a bit , I went to bed , but the following day and since then I feel extremely lightheaded (like I never felt with my first concussion), dizzy and nauseated so I ha e to lie down and rest my head to avoid throwing up or worse-passing out.. My doctor over the phone didn’t believe it was another concussion,just “a bonk” on my head (isn’t it the same?).. I felt a slight whiplash when I bumped into the wall too.. so devasted.. folks please share who went through something similar? Have been home-bound for last 5 months, need to return to work (anxiety def out of the window, symptoms are real)..

Lightheadedness is not really a concussion symptom past the first few hours. It is common to anxiety, especially when it shows up later. Some confuse dizziness with lightheadedness.

The whiplash would easily cause some or all of these symptoms. Disturbing your inner ear could also cause them. You could have dislodged the crystals in the inner ear that help you know various head positions. If laying down helps, that could be an indicator.

Ask your doctor for a referral to a vestibular therapist. Maybe you can be put through the Epley Maneuver to try to reset the crystals in your ear.

This type of vestibular trauma can make life miserable. Just moving can make you feel lousy.

Thank you, Mark.

The therapist that I’m seeing did the maneuver with me in the past and it wasn’t the case. Could it be a new problem due to a whiplash?

I just don’t remember feeling so lousy and 🤢 nauseated.. laying down helps a little bit nausea is still there

It might be worth trying again. The whiplash of the bump could have upset things just recently.

There are some tests that can challenge your vestibular system. One follows your eyes as you tip and turn. Ask your physical therapist or vestibular therapist for an assessment.

Do you do any better when resting in the dark? Vision is a big part of balance. An eye issue can trigger dizziness and nausea.

It's actually very common to hit your head again after a concussion. Not being fully recovered, you aren't as stable or alert, which makes you more susceptible to another bump on the head. It happened to my son and I've read many similar stories. Don't beat yourself up over it, just keep plugging. Recovery basics are the same though. Eye and vestibular therapy, diet and supplements. I always recommend books by Daniel Amen and Dave Asprey. Tons of useful information there. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s concussion book is great too for describing the vestibular and eye therapy he used.

You can do this.

Thank you for your tips! I know it feels like all over again... the frustrating part is that none of the doctors is buying it - all saying it’s in my head.. while I can’t even walk for more than 5 minutes..

Trying to remember what helped me last time .
Isn’t there supposed to be a particular rest period before therapy?

My physiatrist is completely against laying in the dark - so I’m now laying in my living room. She explained it with the mental issues that could worsen the condition while laying in the dark..


How long did it take you, or someone you know, to recover from the subsequent bump?

Just under a year, but it's different for everyone.

I'll echo the recommendation about the dark. Get as much sunlight as possible and as much social contact as possible. The difficult thing about TBI/PCS is you can't self judge you condition. You need feedback and support from trusted loved ones to help you along the way. All of this will also help offset the depression that will come and go as your recover.