Post Concussion Syndrome - The "unknown" Condition ??
 

I know that PCS exists - I've had it for 20 months, thankfully I met someone who had this condition 10 years ago who directed me to a neuropsychologist.
I am presently seeing a psychologist who tells me that this is still not a 'recognised' condition in the reference used to describe conditions (forgot the name/term for this reference - memories not good today!!) - this means that although I have been correctly diagnosed by 4 medicos (and mis-diagnosed by a dozen more!!) - this leaves insurance co's (and medics) etc. to translate the diagnosis to their advantage....... So far, it seems that I suffer from PTSD, mental illness, potential stroke &/or nervous disorder etc. etc. etc. !!! LOL - All because I chose to hit my head against the back of a car that ran a stop sign !!
Humour aside (one of the few things I have going for me!!)
Isn't it time that PCS received more attention, and not treated as a subjunct to PTSD ???.

Yep. You got that one right.

Dx of PCS
 

Your psychologist is correct in that PCS is not a recognized diagnosis under the DSM-IV, which is the diagnostic manual for PSYCHIATRIC conditions. An alternative diagnosis that he/she can use is 294.9 under the ICD-9 classification system which most insurance companies prefer. 294.9 refers to unspecified brain dysfunction.

To BrainDoc - Thanks for the info - but this just confirms what I've mentioned, the generic code 294.9 has been used - and that has been translated by others into the various (and inappropriate) conclusions which suit their particular positions - among which was PTSD, with no viable proof that it exists.

To McGee - I know you are a fighter - (nice to know there is someone as cantakerous as me out there!!) And it sounds like you are getting the same runaround as me, so don't give up - and question what you are told - PTSD was also diagnosed, as a useful pigeonhole - treatment didn't help and they would not accept that the only trauma I couldn't handle was 10 months of mis-diagnosis and another 10 of mis-treatment!!! Thankfully the psychologist I was coerced into visiting is a specialist in PTSD and is very certain that this does not exist - but local politics with the med society will not allow this to be made public - -
Are we having fun yet ????

I'm not quite sure what you meant there, but thanks for the encouragement anyway.

I do in fact have PTSD though. It's not on record anywhere, but the existence of the condition in me could not be more plainly obvious.

I am very interested in the other diagnosis of pcs.

I too have pcs. And I also have abnormalities of the brain that my neurologist diagnosised just in April after many years of problems.

But it technically has nothing to do with my pcs. I've always had
this.

Its something that finally hopefully I'm getting help for.

Donna

I have not gone to the neuropsyc(aww can't remember how to spell it) due to not wanting to be labeled for the rest of my life as a mental case...just because I have PCS! My neuro says it won't help the condition anyway...only let me know about how long it might be going on? Gaye

Hi, what you don't need with PCS is additional stress. However that is all you get for about the first year - as all the insurers do is repeatedly have you assessed and you are constantly in a stressed state fighting for recognition of the PCS. - if you know what I mean and I seriously believe that this "treatment" (joke) exagerates the condition and delays recovery. I have been through 6 years of assessment rubbish and the only positive help I have had has been when I have gone private (not at the expense of any insurer whether govt or my private medical insurance) Sure our govt insurer pays weekly compensation but on their conditions i.e. you have to see their specialists who would really prefer to make out that you are a malingering depressed person who has been molested in their infanthood - honestly - that is what one of them asked me!!!!!!!!! I firmly believe that I am worse that I need have been because of this. I have wasted so much energy on this nonsense! Lynlee

Actually it probably would be more cost effective if it was a straight diagnosis, because of all the waste that goes on in the diagnostic path. All your anger is very understandable because of the frustration you had on a very unguided path. I do believe this will change in time. Alot of attention is being paid in this area and the symptomotology is so classic. More research needs to be done and of coarse funding. Hey, it was only a few months ago that this site got it's own forum. I have hope that progress will happen.

PCS and PTSD
 

Most of my PCS symptoms have nothing to do with PTSD, but like McGee, I can see a very clear relation.

Prior to bonking my head, I was always someone with a heightened startle reflex due to PTSD. My PTSD comes from years of sexual and physical abuse (there- now it's out there). So, the element of surprise is what usually 'set me off'. Even things like seeing something out of the corner of my eye that I wasn't expecting would bring on a 'startle'. (kind of scream, jump, arms fly up in the air- is the best way to describe it)

Now after bonking my head, it's so much worse. Instead of being simply jumpy and startled, I go into myoclonic jerking. I look like I'm having seizures. And the things that cause it are more than just the element of surprise. Now it's flashing lights, loud noises and being touched. Not very much fun for my husband sometimes.

PTSD has certainly made this a lot worse, in my opinion. My neurologist also understands that, which is why she has me on klonopin- something I never took before this.

I've already had the years of counseling and am truly past all of that 'stuff'. Unfortunately, my body isn't.