I agree with what everyone has said so far. From what I understand, many people who have brain injuries can develop panic attacks.

I think the best thing to do first is to get some kind of medicine to deal with the panic attack when it happens. Then find a good therapist who can work with you on cognitive behavioral therapy.

A pretty thorough book on the subject is "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne.

Something else that can be very helpful is Mindfulness Meditation. If there are any classes offered in your area on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and if that sounds like something you might like to try, it has helped countless people in the US. The originator of the program is Jon Kabat-Zinn. There are many books written about it, and there are tapes you can get to try at home.

But, again, just from what I have read on this website, it is not uncommon to experience what you are experiencing after having a brain injury. You just need to focus on what will help you to deal with the anxiety and panic attacks.

All of what you are going through is so stressful, and stress is an enemy to our healing. I had a lot of stress last month, and I feel like I have totally relapsed. The goal is to learn how to deal with our stress. Seeing a therapist, working on one of the mindfulness-based stress reduction courses, etc. - all those things can help you to learn to deal with your symptoms.

And you always have us to talk to.

Please let us know how you are doing. We care.

ShellyK

Thank you so much for the advice!

I've found ur articles very informing. After this mornings attack my chest hurt for the rest of the day even though the other symptoms lied dormant.

The evening got worse...hubby suspended me from answering the phone so he checked my msgs for me.

Good thing coz there were many calls I shouldn't have taken in my condition today. I got my prescription filled.

Docs got me on Clonazepam.

Any ideas if this med is alright?

Shelly~

Thank you so much. I feel embarrassed by the panic attack but afraid of another.

I'm actually on the waiting list thru the Acquired Brain Injury Clinic for a therapist who specializes in TBI

I'm not sure if the Neurologist can help me on this issue but he may be able to suggest something. I see him next week.

You're lucky to have something to prevent a big anxiety attack. Coz they're awful!

I had to wait until late afternoon before I could start my meds. I was starting another attack.

After it worked I had to make some calls to WSIB, employer and my Union Rep.

I don't want to get into all that now but they are all stressing me out! Even my doctors upset and asked for my contact information of my WSIB worker.

My family has been very supportive through all of this. But, they don't really understand it all. I don't either, really. But, they're trying.

I'm glad to be here and to understand that I'm not alone.

I am glad that you got some medicine for the panic attacks. And I think that it's great that you will see a therapist who specializes in TBI. How long did they say you would have to wait to get an appointment to see someone?

Another thing that is good for relaxing - if you like it - is some gentle yoga. Any kind of gentle exercise that gets you moving could help.

I do hope that they can get you in quickly to see someone.

ShellyK

I was put on Klonopin (clonazepam). It made me very sleepy throughout the day. Benzos (benzodiazepines) like clonazepam are controversial, especially after a brain injury. There are non-benzos that may be easier on you.

They are OK for short term use but should be avoided for routine/long term use.

What changes have you made to help your brain deal with the stress?

It is obvious the work environment is not good for you nor is the incessant pressures put on you by WSIB.

At least you have some evidence to use in your case.

I was told 2 month wait back in June.

Yoga sounds fun but with my chronic neck pain & dizziness I'll have to put a pin in that for a while. I'll re visit that later.

Thanks

Mark,

Panic attacks are new to me and I have no idea how to handle them. All I want to do is sleep but it's impossible when the anxiety sets in.

I also have thought this will help my case. My union rep is going after my employer today for her actions against me. And she was updated in my progression of my condition.

With the prescription ordered for me it is now on paper as well as all conversations with my doctor are recorded in a computer system. Not the voice part. But, the reasons and advice given.

Thank you so much for being supportive and giving excellent advice.
Any chance you're a doctor? You seem to know the ins and outs of everything related to TBI

I had another panic attack today.

Hubby and I went on an errand. I needed to get away from the kids so I said I'd come for the ride.

We drove into Dundas (The city I work in) as soon as we got closer and closer to my work I got butterflies in my stomach, sweat, chest hurt and had trouble breathing. Yep another one.

Had to rush home for my meds as I'm not in therapy yet....

I hate this and I hate taking drugs and I hate that I've been robbed of myself...this isn't how my life was supposed to be

Sounds like PTSD to me. I had a good case of it 13 years ago. I was assaulted by some cops then locked up with handcuffs in the back of a police car for about 2 hours. I am very claustrophobic. The tight handcuffs were driving me nuts. Also, the closed up back of the police car was a bit more than I could handle.

I struggled for the next year or two when I saw a cop. I had to look away when handcuffs were put on a suspect on TV. I had nightmares of the guns locked in my safe coming out after me. People have no idea what PTSD does to the mind. Add a concussion and PTSD is magnified many times.

The therapist wanted me to believe that the cops were within their rights to treat me the way they did. This would supposedly cure my PTSD.

I suggest you see if you can find support to help you be confident that you will never be put in such a risky position again. The potential of being at risk again just makes it worse.

I know the stress of dealing with corruption. The cops had to lie on the witness stand to convict me. God reminded me of my signature verse as I was about to come unglued as I listened to the lies being told. I had to listen to lies for 14 days of trial and then get convicted. Then, the second day working outside the jail, I suffered my life changing concussion.

All this to say, It is possible to get past the trauma of the assault and insult of the way one is mistreated. "Being still" is the key to making it through a day.

You should ask your doctor to write that you are to never be put at such risk again. If you are, you will likely have panic attack issues.

I struggled with panic attacks regularly for about 4 years. Now, I know how to avoid them most of the time. Plus, my wife knows how to recognize when I am at risk. We celebrated 32 years last week.

And No. I am not a doctor. I have a very high IQ so I strive/need to understand what is happening to me and around me. I had to leave college where I was preparing for dental school because I could not tolerate the stress load. That was 28 years ago. I have spent decades learning about stress and concussion.

For those who are wondering, I was arrested for telling some cops they could not enter my father's house without a warrant. They also arrested my father but did not prosecute him because he, as the owner/occupant of the house has the right to tell the cops they can not enter without a warrant. The cops and prosecutor said that I could not aid him in his efforts. They had to bend the law to convince a jury that I did not have the same right.

It was worth the effort because I very likely saved my younger brother's life. But that's another story.