PCS in past, re-emergence?
 

Hi All,

I've read this site a few times before but have never posted.

In 2005 I crashed on my bicycle on a wet corner, broke two ribs, herniated two discs, and got a concussion. I can't remember what happened for a few minutes after the crash. For six weeks, I had nearly constant headaches, nausea, dizziness, and just felt strange. But between then and a week ago, I've pretty much been the picture of health.

On Monday 12/31, I went go-karting with some friends at one of those high-speed indoor tracks and took a couple hard hits from another car that ran into me from behind and from the side when I had slowed down. The hits were hard but not severe and I didn't hit my head on anything though I did ram my ribs into the side of the seat. Right after leaving the go kart place though, I had some nausea and a bit of a headache for the rest of the evening. Tues, Wed, Thurs, I felt 100% fine.

But then friday morning I started getting nausea and have had headaches, nausea, and dizziness ever since and I just can't seem to shake it. I never get headaches or dizziness ever, and the only time I ever get nausea is with a stomach flu or food poisoning and I'm not vomiting.

So.. I'm wondering whether or not these symptoms are related to my rough go kart experience and whether anyone here has had PCS symptoms and/or a concussion from a jolt or impact that wasn't directly to your head. I wonder too if my brain is more sensitive to jolts and such since I had the fairly severe head injury in 2005. I always worry that I have something more serious when I have symptoms like this and will probably see a doctor this week but I wanted to ask the real PCS experts out there - the ones who have dealt with it :).

Hi there Scottz.

when you were hit go karting - you would have received whip lash - you can get concussion from whip lash as your brain shakes inside your skull and yes unfortunately your brain can be more susceptible - some lucky people don't appear to be but I know for certain that I am and it takes less and less of a knock or a shake to have a worse effect.

I think that you should rest totally - definitely don't over exert yourself and see how things go. - Avoid stimulating your brain too much - avoid noise etc.

Read the post of PCS McGee I think he was responding to a new thread from Jinxi. - I don't have the energy now to say anything else as I have been on here for a while and my brain has "run out".

In the meantime don't bang your head again!!!

Lynlee

Scottz,
Yes, Lucy is right, whiplash injuries like you had, can cause a concussion and the PCS symptoms. You need to rest, rest! I cannot stress enough how initially important this can be. Just quiet things down for a few days or weeks and see how things go. Have confidence that you will get better and stay positive. Most people respond well to rest. Your instincts on this are right. Alot of medical intervention is not that neccessary but it will be if you need documented support that rest is needed for you, to get out of work or school. Hope you heal up fast