[SkepticalJay]

Hello.

Approximately 7 weeks ago I had a gym accident and basically lowered a 70lb barbell onto the top of my head extremely fast. I didn't go unconscious, didn't even get a headache. In fact, I kept on with the workout and felt fine for most of the day. It wasn't until the next day that concussion symptoms hit: extreme fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, that horrible foggy feeling, anxiety, mood swings.

At first I didn't even draw a connection between bumping my head; concussions, in my view, only happen when you hit your head extremely hard. It wasn't until I visited the ER four days later with these symptoms that I was told I probably had Post Concussion Syndrome after someone asked me point blank "did you bump your head recently".

After reading this forum I can confidently say that my symptoms are far milder than many other people's. Most notably, I rarely ever have a headache and when I do it's very dull behind my eyes. Mostly, I feel extremely "zoned-out/spaced-out", especially after looking at a computer screen for hours (required due to my profession). My fatigue got better after a few weeks and I sometimes think I feel less foggy, but for the past 3 weeks, I really feel like I have plateaued and the past week I feel worse than the 2 weeks prior. I do have mood swings and get slightly depressed sometimes, but it's not as debilitating as some people's I've read on these forums.

I honestly feel like work is killing me, after staring at a computer screen for 8 hours, I feel like a zombie, totally burnt out. I might have to take medical leave to recover which sucks as it puts a huge financial burden on my wife.

Like many other people have said neurologists have been absolutely useless. I'm not looking for a cure, I realize there isn't one, just a little friggin guidance. I want a doctor to tell me what I should eat, what activities I should/should not do (beyond the obvious), etc. Even if their plan doesn't work, I just need SOMETHING to do so that I feel like I am proactively tackling this problem. If what I try doesn't work, **** it, I'll try something else. Why don't doctors get this?

Anyway, anyone have any nutrition advice, treatment advice, etc. Please provide links if you cite a specific routine or diet plan you've researched.

And does anyone else think it's unusual that I don't have a headache? Should I consider whether I may have something else or does this sound like pretty standard PCS?

[xanadu00]

Welcome to Neurotalk.

I have had persistent problems with photophobia (light sensitivity) and started some threads awhile back discussing some of the strategies I'm using at the computer. Even though you didn't mention light sensitivity, if you're feeling spaced out from looking at the computer too long, it's possible that part of the problem is that the light is overstimulating and fatiguing your brain.

There are a number of simple things you can do to modify your computer to reduce the amount of light you get from the screen. They're easy enough that I think they're at least worth a try in your case. See here:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread163832.html

This other thread is probably only helpful if you have visual problems and eye strain, but it might be worth checking:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread166767.html

As for nutrition, there are a lot of dos and don'ts. Here is a thread that greenfrog started on "brain friendly nutrition":

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread165807.html

These are good places to start. If you have more specific questions, please share them.

[Mark in Idaho]

Jay,

It sounds like you have not taken time off to rest. That should be your main goal. Visual and auditory rest and cognitive rest will help your brain.

And, avoid caffeine, alcohol, MSG, artificial sweeteners (aspartame/Equal/Nutrasweet is the worst) and follow the nutritional information posted in many threads. Use the search button in the blue bar for B-12 or magnesium or such. You will find lots of information.

You may also have an upper neck that has been traumatized. Try icing your upper neck. It can reduce inflammation around the vertebral arteries and improve circulation to the back of the brain.

[Eowyn]

Your injury sounds similar to mine in the respect that I had no symptoms until the next day and didn't connect it to the head bump at first.

It's great that you aren't having really severe symptoms. I would hope that could indicate that if you take some time off to really REST that you could recover completely. I agree that the visual and mental strain are probably prolonging whatever damage you have.

If you can arrange to take a couple weeks of sick leave and really rest, get good nutrition, and get your vision evaluated, I think it would be very helpful to alleviating the symptoms you are still experiencing.

[Dolfinwolf]

I also experienced the same as far as not experiencing any major symptoms until the next day. Absolutely, rest has proven to be the best as far as the road to recovery.

Although your injury did not happen at work, does your employer provide short term disability? I was lucky that mine did and received pay while I was off. (I have been very fortunate that I have not had struggles with my employer in regards to the PCS)

If you can, perhaps look into Velvatint for your glasses (if you wear them) or even consider going to an optometrist for tinted lenses in frames. The lenses are slightly pink in color (virtually unnoticable against the skin) and help lessen the effect of flourescent lights. They are not a cure-all but certainly have helped me while I work (I stare at a computer all day too).

If you are able, take breaks while working at the computer, even if it is to shut your eyes for 5 minutes. I call them NonSmoking breaks. I figure if people can take smoke breaks, it should be okay for me to use my time in a different way!

Welcome, and I hope this helps