Concussion or Neck Issue
 

While camping, I was walking with my head down and I walked directly into a fallen tree that was horizontal to the ground. It struck me right across the forehead. I was taken aback at first, and then just frustrated and anxious at the possibility of another concussion. Two days later, I have brain fog and a tension headache. One thing to note is that my neck and trap muscles are incredibly tight from my backpack, so I was wondering if this was more of a concussion or a neck related issue. (was walking around 5 mph into the fallen tree). Thanks.

Your first issue is you first thought of anxiety about whether this was another concussion. That presets you into a path of anxiety and stress that can cause all of the symptoms you are having.

You don't say if you experienced a "I got my bell rung" sensation.

I would bet your neck was traumatized and you added to that with your early anxious thoughts.

Whether is was or was not a concussion does not matter. You treat the symptoms, not the diagnosis.

If your neck is stiff, treat your stiff neck.

Thanks for the insight Mark. I did not see stars/experience a bell ring sensation. I did feel as if I hit my nose but that could also be due to allergies. In terms of logically deducing if this could cause concussion, it takes running into a wall at 20 mph to do so right? So I am confused as to why I am having concussion symptoms from subjecting my brain to 1/4 or less of that force. thanks again.

There are two injuries that occur during a concussion. First there is the impact force that can do damage, and the second injury is the inflammation that the brain produces in response to the impact and it's that inflammation that causes the symptoms. Inflammation has a beneficial role in the beginning, but prolonged inflammation is bad.

Whether there was enough impact force to cause injury is questionable, but the secondary inflammatory response can occur with or without a forceful impact so that may be causing your symptoms.

So take Curcumin and Fish Oil, both of which are anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. Then rest and relax for a couple days to allow the inflammation to subside, then gradually resume your previous activity level.

[One thing to note is that my neck and trap muscles are incredibly tight from my backpack,]

Are they often tight like that?

Look up Trigger point info.. you can treat most of them yourself with thumb/hands or a small ball or such against a wall or floor...
Neck, shoulder, pecs, upper chest is also where many nerves & blood flow thru, tight muscles clamping down, adding on the backpack straps pressure can affect those and cause some symptoms..

Brainfog123,

The symptoms you are experiencing are also symptoms of anxiety and of neck inflammation. Stop labeling your symptoms as concussion symptoms. As I said, you treat the symptom, not the diagnosis.

They can be anxiety symptoms of tight neck, brain fog, and tension headache. YES, anxiety causes brain fog. Anxiety also causes poor sleep that causes brain fog and headaches.

They can be strained neck symptoms of tight neck, brain fog, and tension headache.

Or, they can be concussion symptoms of the same.

Researchers have determine that 80% of concussion complaints are neck related, not neurological.

Thanks for all the help guys. I will absolutely be taking a double dose of fish oil. I'm also going to check out the trigger point stuff. The only tough part about resting is that I am an engineer, and have a very strenuous week. I guess the reason I want to determine if it is a concussion or not is because I am worried about getting dumber from head trauma, and being worse at my job (anxiety). I'm going to try all the stuff you all mentioned and report back.

I'm guessing you do a lot of desk/reading/computer work?

If your neck/traps are tight often you might explore our Thoracic Outlet Syndrome forum.. TOS for short.. Not saying you might have it- but lots of PT and self care ideas to help with any hand,arms, neck, upper back and related issues....
https://www.neurotalk.org/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/
explore the sticky threads above main section..

Also if any forward head, forward or hunched shoulders - look for upper body posture work

Brainfog123,

Do not try to project what you may or may not be able to do in the future. You will be surprised to see how resilient the brain is at adapting to the various changes. Your anxiety about 'oooh brain damage' will only make anything that does manifest much worse.

I've lived with brain damage that effected my memory and cognitive skills since I was 10 years old. (57 years ago) As my neuro said, I have used my intelligence to overcome the limits my damaged brain would normally cause.

I've had 4 different experts tell me how screwed up my brain is based on testing. Two claimed I must have faked the testing some way because I function at a much higher level that the testing indicates I should function.

The other two are just amazed at how I have been able to function at a high level despite my damaged brain. They both recognize that I have used my intelligence to develop work-arounds to get past my brain's limitations.

So, get on with your life. You don't need to rest. You need to learn how to moderate your efforts. Switching tasks when you start to sense brain fatigue can work. A 10 minute change of task can be all it takes to get back on track.

If you have struggles, post them and I will tell you what I do when I encounter those same or similar struggles. I've got a lifetime of experience with additional brain trauma along the way. A very serious event in 2001 caused me to really need to learn work-arounds.

Don't let worry predict failure.

Thank you all for the responses. Quick update: I visited a chiropractor today to get my upper neck realigned. It definitely helped, although the violent jarring of my head seemed almost counterproductive. I definitely recommend this treatment, and I will be returning for the next two weeks. @Jomar, I will mention TOS to her. @Mark, understood, I am starting to see this whole concussion thing in a different light.