[roadrunner63]

I had a car wreck 4 weeks ago. Blacked out momentarily. Main treatment is chiropractic adjustments for pain (severe enough to cause dizziness/nausea).

1 1/2 weeks ago my doctor diagnosed me with PCS. I have short-term memory loss (can usually recall things when someone mentions them), dizziness (on and off, usually accompanied by nauseau), noise sensitivity (can handle music but being in a room full of people talking is awful), a few episodes of blurred vision, impulsiveness on a few occasions, lack of attention, highly emotional (to the point of crying about things that aren't important at all), unable to concentrate or work (computer work which requires a lot of thinking). The worst was a possible anxiety attack (dizzy, tingling down to fingers on both hands, hard to talk/tongue felt weird, very shaky - kids called 911 and assessment was done with blood pressure and pulse a little high; they thought I hyperventilated. Worst was over within 2 minutes.). Went back to doctor the next morning and now I am scheduled for CT Scan today.

I am taking Soma (muscle relaxer 350mg 1/2 at morning; 1/2 at night) for ongoing muscle spasms. Other than that over the counter ibuprofen or tylenol for pain. Icing neck after chiropractic adjustments.

Haven't been able to work this whole time - just can't concentrate or think to do what needs to be done. I keep thinking when will this all go away and my life go back to normal.

Since the panic attack? 2 days ago I'm worried it or something worse will happen. I'm trying to relax but it's not so easy to do.

[Kimmyann 1669]

Originally Posted by roadrunner63

I had a car wreck 4 weeks ago. Blacked out momentarily. Main treatment is chiropractic adjustments for pain (severe enough to cause dizziness/nausea).

1 1/2 weeks ago my doctor diagnosed me with PCS. I have short-term memory loss (can usually recall things when someone mentions them), dizziness (on and off, usually accompanied by nauseau), noise sensitivity (can handle music but being in a room full of people talking is awful), a few episodes of blurred vision, impulsiveness on a few occasions, lack of attention, highly emotional (to the point of crying about things that aren't important at all), unable to concentrate or work (computer work which requires a lot of thinking). The worst was a possible anxiety attack (dizzy, tingling down to fingers on both hands, hard to talk/tongue felt weird, very shaky - kids called 911 and assessment was done with blood pressure and pulse a little high; they thought I hyperventilated. Worst was over within 2 minutes.). Went back to doctor the next morning and now I am scheduled for CT Scan today.

I am taking Soma (muscle relaxer 350mg 1/2 at morning; 1/2 at night) for ongoing muscle spasms. Other than that over the counter ibuprofen or tylenol for pain. Icing neck after chiropractic adjustments.

Haven't been able to work this whole time - just can't concentrate or think to do what needs to be done. I keep thinking when will this all go away and my life go back to normal.

Since the panic attack? 2 days ago I'm worried it or something worse will happen. I'm trying to relax but it's not so easy to do.

HELLO My car accident was in 2008 just after the accident I had all the symptoms you stated. I went through a battery of tests but like most TBI's things didn't show up on the tests. I rehabilitated my self as far as walking and speech difficulties. It takes time. The dizziness, balance, sensitivity to light and noise all went away.I still can't handle a lot of things going on at once. Major issues with implusiveness, lack of concentration, cognative difficulties some days better then others. I get emotional mood swings, anxiety and panic attacks, tinging and numbness, muscle spasms and twiching when off my meds. The worst is my irritablity, anger and rages. I understand where you are coming from. It's hard but we have to try to except what we can't change and know that it is not known what will be regained or what won't be. Try to take one step at a time and be careful of overloading. I hope it helps to know that someone has and is going through things like you are. Add me to chat.

[roadrunner63]

It does help knowing others are or have been in similar situations. I was glad to find this message board. Made me feel not quite so like an odd ball.

[vini]

Originally Posted by roadrunner63

It does help knowing others are or have been in similar situations. I was glad to find this message board. Made me feel not quite so like an odd ball.

hi roadrunner

its very early days for you, rest rest and more rest I know its not always easy , but a no stress period of rest can help in the long run you may well be back to normal in a couple of months try to keep your brain active but in a way that you can stop if you have too, omega 3 supplements and normal fluid intake helps

keep us posted

[roadrunner63]

Thanks. The first two weeks I couldn't even play Mahjong (tile games) but now I can. I figured it would be good to do something I had to think about but that wouldn't matter if I didn't get it right.

Another thing is that it's hard to sleep. Seems like my brain is hardwired in the on position so even if I sleep I'm tired. My body rests but not my brain.

Originally Posted by vini

hi roadrunner

its very early days for you, rest rest and more rest I know its not always easy , but a no stress period of rest can help in the long run you may well be back to normal in a couple of months try to keep your brain active but in a way that you can stop if you have too, omega 3 supplements and normal fluid intake helps

keep us posted

[oneid1hrn]

Originally Posted by roadrunner63

Thanks. The first two weeks I couldn't even play Mahjong (tile games) but now I can. I figured it would be good to do something I had to think about but that wouldn't matter if I didn't get it right.

Another thing is that it's hard to sleep. Seems like my brain is hardwired in the on position so even if I sleep I'm tired. My body rests but not my brain.

I have been successful with melatonin in the past to help me readjust my sleep cycle. Take a look, give it a try, talk to your doc, see if it helps.

[vini]

Originally Posted by roadrunner63

Thanks. The first two weeks I couldn't even play Mahjong (tile games) but now I can. I figured it would be good to do something I had to think about but that wouldn't matter if I didn't get it right.

Another thing is that it's hard to sleep. Seems like my brain is hardwired in the on position so even if I sleep I'm tired. My body rests but not my brain.

hi yes thats the kind of thing Mahjong to just keep your brain ticking over but not burning out, talk with your doc about sleeping issues brain chemistry can be effected so over the counter med may be not the best thing

[roadrunner63]

I've been able to go 48 hours without any dizziness. That sounds silly to most people but I'm sure those of you will understand.

Saturday I did some thinking required stuff for almost 2 hours. Felt like my brain was exhausted. Took an hour nap and felt much better. I've learned that if my brain gets tired I can sleep for an hour and have less symptoms.

I appreciate all the comments, suggestions, etc.

[Theta Z]

That's indeed good news to share with us here, roadrunner. And that good news does not sound at all silly. I'm sure that everyone herein understands and appreciates these shifts, progressions in our wellbeing along the PCS road; no matter how small.

Glad to hear that you 'got' it that your brain felt overtaxed *and* that you responded appropriately and self-supportively by taking a nap and feeling better.