[Neicee99]

Hi
This is my first post but I have been reading the others since January 5. I suffered from a concussion on January 3, 2012 and have been diagnosed with PCS. I have the regular symptoms, fatigue, nausea, brain fog, irritable, concentrating problems, memory issues and others but I cannot remember them at this time. My neurologist started me on Concerta for the cognitive issues and I have seen an improvement in my concentration, less stumbling over my words, confustion, etc.

My question to the group is whether or not others have taken this medication for their pcs and how it has helped them or not helped them. I only have a months worth of the medicine and i am worried that once I am off of it, everything will return to the way it was pre-medication.

Thanks for reading
Neicee99

[Mark in Idaho]

Neicee99,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your concussion.

There is no literature that discusses using Concerta for cognitive issues caused by concussion. It is a stimulant and the common advice for recovery from concussion is to avoid stimulants. The concussed brain needs rest not an increase in effort.

I am concerned that once you stop the Concerta, your brain may need even more rest. Rest is the recommended treatment for the first month or two. By taking the Concerta, your brain is not getting any rest.

How long have you been on the Concerta?

Do you have insomnia, too?

What other treatments has your neuro suggested?

Have you read any of the many posts about using supplemental nutrition, vitamins, etc. to help the brain detoxify and recover?

Personally, I would be more concerned about any negative effects the Concerta may have. It is nice to reduce the concentration problems but your brain needs natural healing.

Plus, at your stage of concussion, the improvements you are seeing may be just spontaneous recovery so I would not necessarily attribute them to the Concerta. Nobody can say whether it is helping or not.

The noted Common Side Effects are:
Addiction
Nervousness including agitation, anxiety and irritability
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Decreased appetite
Headache
Stomach ache
Nausea
Dizziness
Heart palpitations

Add to this list the many less common but more serious side effects and it sound like Concerta can cause PCS like symptoms.

So, your neuro has me totally confused.

And I have likely confused you even more.

My best to you.

[btechcontact]

I have to disagree with the previous person saying to not use concerta for a mild TBI(traumatic brain injury). As a prior personal user of recovery, learner/administrator to my ADHD daughter, the results of the cognitive improvements gained from concerta's use were validated to be beneficial. I was previously non-adhd prior to a severe-TBI and usage post-TBI was documented medically to benefit. Yes I will agree that rest is required to heal the damaged cells (concussion trauma) however after all initial traumas to the body, give the body what it needs to progress to restored functions, including vitamins, minerals AND concerta (which'll act like an electrical system lubricant-better flow & processing).
This is speaking from personal experience & medical research. Take it for whatever it helps you with.