Hi all,

Has anyone found that their post concussion syndrome symptoms are aggravated by not just exercise, but also going to the loo (i.e. defacation)?

If yes, how did you get around this issue? A low fibre diet?

I'm a 26 year old male and in September 2011 I banged my head against a cement wall at the top of my bed whilst having a bad dream. The hit knocked me out completely and, since I was alone, I do not know how long I was unconscious for, nor do I remember anything else apart from the hit itself. I just had a bump on my head for the next week and struggled with typical concussion symptoms.

It has been over a year since the accident and I am experiencing post concussion syndrome symptoms. i.e. fuzziness/tingling on left side of head, blurriness in left eye, difficulty with speech and reading, brain fog and difficulty problem solving, but NO headaches per se.

Interestingly, the symptoms go away almost completely if I avoid all forms of exertion for 24-48 hours. However, the symptoms recur at the slightest exertion and unfortunately this also includes defecation...

I have given my symptoms over 12 months to subside with reduced exercise but I am at my wits end. In an act of desperation, I have recently started a low fibre diet to reduce the frequency of times I will need to go to the bathroom in the hopes this will speed up my recovery. I have also ceased all exertional activity e.g. exercise, weight lifting, sexual activity etc. Difficult!!

This might sound desperate but I don't know what else to do.

Any advice from people who have experienced similar issues wouldbe appreciated.

Many thanks,

Halfnelson

Have you seen a dr/specialist/neuro?

I'm no expert, but I would think switching to a low-fibre diet wouldn't be very healthy in the long run and may cause its own problems.

Have you tried taking something that would make it easier to go? Like some of the natural remedies you find in health stores? I hear they actually work. Or adjusting your diet to include more natural laxatives? I know you want to go less but would the problem persist if it were easier?

I find my pcs is aggravated just by walking about. It's like anything that causes my head to move makes my head spin, hurt and I need to lie down afterwards. But I can't not walk places

Thanks for the reply.

I have seen two neurologists both of whom agree that I may have PCS (can never be 100% sure) but simply recommend "time and rest". But it's been over a year.

I have not tried taking natural laxatives but will definitely give this a try next time I need to go.

Not being able to walk places sounds like a rotten deal. Maybe try some roller blades?.. Bad joke

I was resisting the urge to say something about "things that go bump in the night" ! Do you remember what you were dreaming about?

Nope. Probably that I was a dog trying to go run through a door flap..

If anyone else has advice/answers around the bathroom issue please let me know!

I would think that more fiber would make it easier to go so you would not strain. Straining can put a pressure to the blood and effect the brain. I have frequent constipation due to a neck injury and know that straining causes blood pressure to rise momentarily.

Regarding your PCS, have you been doing anything to help your brain recover?

I have ceased all exercise, weight lifting, sexual activity, and anything that aggravates my symptoms.

I'm trying to get as much sleep as possible (average 8 hours per night) and am taking strong multivitamins and fish oil.

Is there anything else I should be doing that is proven to help?

Do you strain when you go. If so you need more fiber and or water in your diet. Staying hydrated is very important. As embarrasing as it is talk to your doc. When I did I got a funny look. Kind of like, Duh it does not really matter. However damage to the autonomic nerveous sytem can wreak havoc. I also suffer bladder issues, leaking after I go. What a pain it is.

There's no straining as I drink plenty of water but the simple muscular contraction (peristalsis) causes an increase in blood pressure (similar to during exercise) which aggravates my symptoms.

I don't think there is much I can do about it. Hopefully over time (hate that word) daily activites like going to the bathroom will no longer worsen matters..

I think you may be doing a valsalva maneuver without realizing. This is common. Maybe your PCS has just aggravated the problem.

http://www.ems1.com/ems-products/edu...alva-Maneuver/

The person will inhale, close the glottis, and tighten the chest and abdominal muscles. This increases not only the intra-abdominal pressure to assist with colon evacuation, but it also increases intrathoracic pressure and produces the Valsalva effect.

The end result may cause the patient to experience a syncopal episode due to a decrease in cerebral blood flow and cerebral perfusion, especially if they have cardiovascular disease. While the Valsalva effect may occur during bowel movement, it may also be experienced if the breath is held while lifting heavy weights or while straining when moving heavy objects.

Also, do you take tylenol / narocotics or any meds that cause constipation? You can take a stool softner/ colace or try senna tea.
I used this when I was taking narcotics for the pain.http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/smoothmove/
Happy to hear of your lack of headaches.