[strawberryfields]

Hello Everyone!

I suppose I'll begin by introducing myself and telling my story. I'm 22 years old (turning 23 on Monday), was a pretty healthy girl previously aside from some anxiety issues. On April 21st I had just landed a really great job, and was going to start the next morning. Instead, my boyfriend at the time pressured me into going out to a show at a bar, and I made the mistake of agreeing to go. I wasn't planning on drinking much, but I did have three drinks and I now believe that one of those drinks was messed with, because I did not remember anything after that. I woke up in a hotel room with someone who is not quite a friend and learned that my boyfriend had gotten a DUI and went to jail. I did not know that I had been injured until my friend told me a couple of days later that I had fallen and hit my head on concrete. I do not know if I fell more times after that, but I did have a bruise on my face near my left eye. I didn't have any major symptoms until the next day, went to the ER and my CT was fine. a week after, my symptoms were much worse and I was so dizzy that I couldn't walk, so I went back to the ER. I've pretty much been told to deal with it, as i'm sure all of you have. I had an MRI done a couple of weeks ago which came back fine, but they did find "an incidental cyst" in my right sinus.

Anyway, throughout all of this I have noticed my sinuses draining a lot more than usual. When I tell anyone about this concerning me, they immediately write it off as allergies, even though I didn't have any allergies or sinus irritation before I hit my head. In the past couple of days I've noticed a lot of pressure in the right side of my face, it sometimes goes numb and my ear has been hurting. My nose has stopped draining and I can breathe through it but I can feel a lot of pressure in it. My back teeth/jaw area has been hurting as well, so bad that I thought my wisdom teeth were coming in.. but I went to the dentist today, and they aren't anywhere near coming in. Last night I went to an urgent care center where a doctor looked into my nose and ears for the first time in a while (can't believe my PCP and neurologist hadn't done this), and he said the right side was completely swollen but also guessed it was allergies or a sinus infection and completely unrelated to my TBI even though I told him about the MRI/cyst.

i'm wondering if anyone has any information or experience with this. it would be really helpful to me because I often panic, and this has basically turned me into a hypochondriac. I go to bed every night in an outfit in case I have to go to the ER.. I see a doctor almost every day. (I feel terrible for my parents and wish I wasn't such a burden on them.. I'm on their insurance plan, and it would be impossible for me to pay these expenses myself.)

Also, does anyone else have random sore spots on their scalp? Is this normal?
And can I just throw in one crazy question (so I can sleep tonight without panicking) at this stage, I really don't need to worry about anything progressing to something serious i.e. a bleed? I am afraid to ask my doctors this question because I don't want them thinking I'm nuts. Although I do feel like quite the lunatic these days. But a good answer to this question would help with my anxiety.

Other symptoms I'm having:
Intense nausea from time to time
Dizziness and headaches (of course)
Chest pain, stabbing pains all over my body in random places, random muscle soreness and spasms
Indigestion, heartburn
(but I've been panicking so much that it's possible I am causing all of my stomach issues)
Mixing up words

I eat really healthy and since my injury I completely quit all of my vices like smoking, alcohol and caffeine. I feel mostly okay during the day and have a panic attack almost every evening. I take 1mg of Ativan regularly now, it helps a little but it is beginning to be less effective.

Thanks for reading.

[SmilinEyesMs305]

Strawberry-

First and foremost, I'm sooo sorry you are joining us, especially under such circumstances! It's really great that your friend made you aware of your fall.

As for your sinuses troubles, I guess all I can say is it could be related? I have suffered with sinus problems all my life, (many times it triggers a migraine if weather conditions are right). And believe me, when sinus problems and PCS team up, I honestly feel like I can't take it anymore. Its extremely painful, and can include things like ear pain, jaw pain etc. Did the urgent care provide an antibiotic for a potential infection? If so, that should help if that's what's causing it. I have polyps in my sinuses and was told that infection can get entrenched around and under them, so I may need a few rounds of antibiotics if I get an infection. (However, ENT told me surgery to remove them was not the best answer either). Perhaps see an ENT (ear/nose/throat)?

As for your anxiety, I also have been suffering from panic disorder since age 14, (I'm 25 now). After a few years of random meds, I finally found one that worked for me and helped reduce my panic symptoms and minor depressive episodes. When I had my accident in March, my boyfriend noticed that I was extremely agitated most of the time, so my psychiatrist upped the dosage, which has seemed to help. You say you are taking ativan, as a rescue drug. Are you taking anything preventative, like an SSRI? If not, I suggest looking into it. It took me from a very dark place, to somewhere were I was able to enjoy my life again and not feel completely panicked 24/7.

As for your parents, that's what they are there for

As for the progression of a bleed, if there was nothing on the MRI you didn't sustain one during your fall. I'm not an MD, but I would think provided you do not experience trauma again (e.g. hit your head), your brain will not bleed.

In regards to your symptoms: Nausea, headaches, dizziness and mixing up words are all VERY normal symptoms of PCS. Rest should help your brain heal, and hopefully ease these symptoms with time. Random pain can be a symptom of PCS. As for muscle soreness, have you been resting, (as you should be), most of the day? If so, your body may be reacting to being suddenly still most of the time, (mine did for almost a month). As for spasms, I experience this. It's like the spasms your body has when you sleep? My doctor explained it as my body is focused on healing my brain, and is in a constant state of rest, so it triggers these spasms, like the ones you experience sometimes when you are asleep. This has gotten a lot better as I've made some recovery. Indigestion/Heart burn... sounds like this is your bodies reaction to the panic, (I experience this at times.) Do you think this relates to your chest pains as well?

I hope I've helped and have answered all your questions. Feel free to keep posting... it helps to know you are not alone and you and I seem to be experiencing a ton of the same things. I'd suggest an ENT if you are really worried about your sinuses and definitely looking into something to prevent the anxiety, like an SSRI.

Again, so sorry you are joining us... but wishes to a speedy, less scary, recovery.

[freezerdoor]

I'm not a doctor but I think you should continue to see one. Seems there is something else or more (possibly not serious) going on, could just be a sinus infection or that cyst ( I don't know much about the sinuses) and something to do with medications you are on, etc. No idea. Sounds all accross the board. Try to see someone who will help you through the symptoms. You could go to a neurologist to rule out that it is due to concussion/PCS.

[strawberryfields]

Originally Posted by SmilinEyesMs305

Strawberry-

First and foremost, I'm sooo sorry you are joining us, especially under such circumstances! It's really great that your friend made you aware of your fall.

As for your sinuses troubles, I guess all I can say is it could be related? I have suffered with sinus problems all my life, (many times it triggers a migraine if weather conditions are right). And believe me, when sinus problems and PCS team up, I honestly feel like I can't take it anymore. Its extremely painful, and can include things like ear pain, jaw pain etc. Did the urgent care provide an antibiotic for a potential infection? If so, that should help if that's what's causing it. I have polyps in my sinuses and was told that infection can get entrenched around and under them, so I may need a few rounds of antibiotics if I get an infection. (However, ENT told me surgery to remove them was not the best answer either). Perhaps see an ENT (ear/nose/throat)?

As for your anxiety, I also have been suffering from panic disorder since age 14, (I'm 25 now). After a few years of random meds, I finally found one that worked for me and helped reduce my panic symptoms and minor depressive episodes. When I had my accident in March, my boyfriend noticed that I was extremely agitated most of the time, so my psychiatrist upped the dosage, which has seemed to help. You say you are taking ativan, as a rescue drug. Are you taking anything preventative, like an SSRI? If not, I suggest looking into it. It took me from a very dark place, to somewhere were I was able to enjoy my life again and not feel completely panicked 24/7.

As for your parents, that's what they are there for

As for the progression of a bleed, if there was nothing on the MRI you didn't sustain one during your fall. I'm not an MD, but I would think provided you do not experience trauma again (e.g. hit your head), your brain will not bleed.

In regards to your symptoms: Nausea, headaches, dizziness and mixing up words are all VERY normal symptoms of PCS. Rest should help your brain heal, and hopefully ease these symptoms with time. Random pain can be a symptom of PCS. As for muscle soreness, have you been resting, (as you should be), most of the day? If so, your body may be reacting to being suddenly still most of the time, (mine did for almost a month). As for spasms, I experience this. It's like the spasms your body has when you sleep? My doctor explained it as my body is focused on healing my brain, and is in a constant state of rest, so it triggers these spasms, like the ones you experience sometimes when you are asleep. This has gotten a lot better as I've made some recovery. Indigestion/Heart burn... sounds like this is your bodies reaction to the panic, (I experience this at times.) Do you think this relates to your chest pains as well?

I hope I've helped and have answered all your questions. Feel free to keep posting... it helps to know you are not alone and you and I seem to be experiencing a ton of the same things. I'd suggest an ENT if you are really worried about your sinuses and definitely looking into something to prevent the anxiety, like an SSRI.

Again, so sorry you are joining us... but wishes to a speedy, less scary, recovery.

Thank you so much for the kind and insightful reply. It really helped make me feel better.
It's my birthday tomorrow and I'm feeling so nauseous and bad overall. Spent the day in a panic, went to the local urgent care center. Was examined by a doctor who looked at me as if I were a joke and was basically told to keep taking my anxiety medication. My right nasal passage is almost swollen shut without any mucus. I want to cry but I can't because it'll make everything worse. I don't mean to sound like I'm feeling sorry for myself, but I'm so frustrated. My headaches are coming and going today, but are pretty sharp and painful.

It REALLY helps to read all of your posts and know more about all of you. It makes me feel like we are going through this healing together, and it makes us stronger. SO much love to all of you!! xoxo

[SmilinEyesMs305]

Strawberry,

So glad I could help!! Dealing with PCS when you already have a pre-existing anxiety disorder like panic, can be extremely overwhelming. I know exactly where you are coming from!

As for your nasal passages swelling, I experienced something similar a few years back and continue to off and on. I also do not get a lot of mucus, but tend to have swelling of the passages that are extremely painful and trigger headaches. A quick clinic prescribed a steriod nasal spray that took down the swelling. I wish I still had it, so I could tell you what it is called. It worked wonders! Perhaps look into over the counter stuff like Afrin?

Don't get upset about your treatment at MedExpress.... I ended up in the ER last weekend due to a severe migraine and new symptoms, double vision, extreme confusion etc. My boyfriend told them I have PCS and that he was concerned that something serious was going on. They said, oh she just has a migraine, we'll put her on an IV of Ibprofen, anti-nausea meds and liquids.... Really? Thanks for all the help. I already tried all that a home by myself... Needless to say I left there feeling the same way.

I've learned from being on these boards that not many people, even in the medical field, understand concussion/PCS. Its really sad, because we end up in their care feeling like we're crazy or it's "all in our heads" as a neurologist implied to me. Even with the runaway train of panic, don't second guess your symptoms. If you are feeling them, they are real. Just because someone can't prove it, doesn't mean you aren't in pain or suffering.

Keep healin

[strawberryfields]

Just wanted to post an update on my situation.. it's been nearly 3 months and I'm almost completely healed (I'd say I have 5 good days per week and 2 headache/dizzy/brainfog days).

As you can see from my previous posts, my anxiety was absolutely out of control during my peak healing time and nothing seemed to be helping. Doctors and my neurologist were not giving me much information regarding my injury, and no one told me what to expect. This forum was, at times, my only source of information about what was actually going on (thank you!).

I want to let you all know when I finally experienced my first real turn in the right direction.. when I completely quit taking Ativan, surprisingly enough. I know a lot of you have also been taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications after your TBI.. I am wondering if these have any effects on the brain's healing process? I didn't take any medications prior to my injury; it was only when my doctor suggested that I take Ativan each time I "feel bad" and worry about my symptoms (which, of course, was every day) that I began taking them.

It was difficult at first, but I haven't taken Ativan in 3 weeks. I feel great most of the time, AND my anxiety has disappeared!

I do have some remaining symptoms that occur once or twice a week:

muscle twitches (left eye, right hand, other random muscles)
tingling feeling in head
mild headaches

I still constantly have several widespread "sore spots" on my scalp.

Not sure what's going on with my sinuses/new allergies but they seem to be slowly getting better. I was diagnosed with TMJ related to hitting my head, so those symptoms are still lingering as well (pain/pressure/popping in ears, tooth/jaw pain)

Wishing all of you the best of luck

[vini]

welcome strawberry

please try not to worry it is not unusual to feel anxiousness the lost of memory may be something to do with the concussion or if your drink was spiked it may have made things worse.( I think people should go to jail for a very long time for spiking drinks for attempted rape or murder ) grrrrrr is the discharge thin & clear and out of just one nostril with a salty sweet taste dose it get worst when you stain or cough if so, and it can be collected your doctor should arrange a beta 2 transferring test or tua test for CSF leakage

Now listen carefully THIS CONDITION IS VERY RARE and it is much more likely to be something else, so the advice is rest rest and more rest, drink a normal intake of fluid and a good diet, we are not doctors I speak form personal experience of a CSF leak but if you have the above symptoms please talk to your doctor

best wishes

[Jinxicat9]

Strawberry, You mentioned indigestion and heartburn...Acid reflux, gerd and heartburn can worsen sinus problems. If the indigestion is subsiding also, it may have been one of the causes of your sinus problems.

I don't know if there's any "official" symptoms being sinus or nasal related, I'm just saying from my experince that I have some whacked out sinus days. Although I took a pretty good punch to the nose from the air bag, I still definately think any head injury affects the nasal and sinus areas, with or without medical evidence.

Glad that you're doing better and feeling good. I hope you continue to improve.

[strawberryfields]

Originally Posted by vini

welcome strawberry

please try not to worry it is not unusual to feel anxiousness the lost of memory may be something to do with the concussion or if your drink was spiked it may have made things worse.( I think people should go to jail for a very long time for spiking drinks for attempted rape or murder ) grrrrrr is the discharge thin & clear and out of just one nostril with a salty sweet taste dose it get worst when you stain or cough if so, and it can be collected your doctor should arrange a beta 2 transferring test or tua test for CSF leakage

Now listen carefully THIS CONDITION IS VERY RARE and it is much more likely to be something else, so the advice is rest rest and more rest, drink a normal intake of fluid and a good diet, we are not doctors I speak form personal experience of a CSF leak but if you have the above symptoms please talk to your doctor

best wishes

vini,

thank you for the information.
actually, the drainage from my nose has always been thin, clear and salty. it was pretty constant too, and was made worse by headaches. nothing like i've ever experienced before from a cold. I was especially worried in the days after my injury when I had a metallic and almost blood-like taste in my mouth (gross, sorry!). I tried to tell this to my doctor in the ER, but he nearly laughed and said "EVERYONE gets allergies this time of year"! I've never had allergies, and it was April when I had my injury.. I had absolutely NO allergy symptoms prior (for some reason no doctor wants to listen to this fact?)

would a CSF leakage show up on my CT or MRI? it's been quite a while since my injury.. my headaches are really mild, and I can feel a bit of liquid in my right nostril now but no serious drainage.
should I see a doctor again, and if so, should I go to a neurologist or my primary?

[midwestmomm]

Originally Posted by strawberryfields

I still constantly have several widespread "sore spots" on my scalp.

I have the spots on my scalp too! I went to the doctor again today and he blew it off but I've never had this before. I am 3 weeks out from my concussion and still a little uneasy. I'm glad I'm not the only one with this symptom though, I thought I was going nuts.