Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).


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Old 10-22-2012, 11:33 AM #1
Dazed Dazed is offline
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Default Advice? Input? MRI?

Good Morning. I have been following along this forum for a few months and have finally decided to post and register. I have learned a lot from what I have read on here. I appreciate everyones insight on here and am looking for some advice beyond the basics that apply to everyones situation that I have probably already read on here.

Let me start by explaining my situation. I sustained a really bad concussion in 2001 (high school), I was playing roller hockey and hit the back of my head on concrete going at a pretty high speed. I cant answer the question on why that particular time I did not have a helmet on. I was unconcious for a few minutes and went to the hospital. I bounced back rather quickly, no symptoms ever (beyond 12 hours) after taking some time off.

In the next, couple years I played contact sports and took some hard hits but never had anything that seemed out of the norm. Around the year, 2009 I suffered a collision that I went to the doctor (possibly out of parnoia from previous incident) for but there were no signs of concusion and got a sheet that it was being labeled as mild concussion (no mild concussions) based on my story.

This past April, I got cross checked (stick to the back of the head), never lost consciousness, but knew I sustained a concussion. I did not have health insurance and at this point did not go to the doctor. I think part of this is the fact that I was concussed and not thinking rationally.

Over the last few months, I have had severe headaches non stop. My symptoms are sound sensitivity and headaches. Mainly headaches. I took a week off work then went back to work and my conditon seemed to be improving over next couple months very very slowly but then started to get a little worse so I decided to see a doctor.

He put me on two doses of depo---- (i dont have the prescription with me) per day after ibprofin was not helping. Neither medicines seem to be helping and he is suggesting an MRI. Im worried about this MRI as I dont have insurance and from what Ive read it seems like most people that have PCS, 7 months later it will not show anything and be a waste of money for someone who is barely getting by. Should I get one?

FWIW, doctor has said I have PCS and I passed all conccussion cognitive tests. I did not see a doctor until month 6 and the doctor is saying I have PCS and basically they are just migraines I am having everyday. He seems to think if those are treated the rest of my sympotoms will dissappear.

The doctor has suggested 3 weeks off from work, which may cause me to lose my job because I am a temp employee. My health is more important though, eventhough I do not know what Id do for money with no chance of disability or unemployment. I currently have a new job with a lot of screen time on the computer that I got in july after I got fired from my last job.

I find myself coming to this site on my bad days. Sometimes reading through this site makes my symptoms get worse as it is depressing to read the bleak outlooks on possibly getting to the point where I can maybe go for a jog or a walk and feel okay about it. It is important to stay positive though and concentrate on things I can do and control.


At this point, I know my limitations and dont plan on playing any sport or doing anything were a higher risk of a hit to the head is present. I am an avid lifter and my doctor has said that light to moderate exercise is okay. I know my limitations and dont push them and often feel better after going to gym for a half hour a couple times a week. I have not been able to do cardio since my injury without major headaches.

I eat EXTREMELY healthy as I used to body build. I take b-12, daily vitamin, whey protein. I take a brain circulation supplement that I cant think of the name. I eat a lot "brain foods". Will fish oil really help?

I know acupuncture has not been succesful for some, has it been very helpful for anyone at all out there? I know it is probably extremely expensive.

Is there any success stories at all out there? I know you wont recover fully, but I just want to learn my limitations and be able to go a day without feeling like something is terribly wrong all the time.

Any input or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks for reading and sorry for the length.
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Old 10-22-2012, 12:03 PM #2
ginnie ginnie is offline
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ginnie ginnie is offline
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Default Hello Dazed

Hello to you too, and welcome to Neuro Talk. I know just a littlebit about PCS. Others will jump in too, with information and comfort.
Your youth will do alot to help you heal. Never say you won't completely recover. Many people do, and go on to lead normal lives.
I also understand about the no health insurance and the cost of the MRI. I had no health insurance when the ____T hit the fan for me. I went to the local hospital, and applied for some aid through my local hospital so I could receive the help I needed to find out what was wrong. Perhaps this would be an avenue to persue. Sometimes the local community hot line, has guidance on where to go, so you don't go broke trying to get well. Advocacy programs exist, but it takes some digging, and alot of work on your part with phone calls etc. Consider calling your congressman.
I can't tell you to have the MRI or not. I know how a big medical hit can set a person back, whos job is in danger. Also your doctor, may have some Idea of where to go for help. A second opinion would be worth the money to see if this MRI is truely needed.
I hope others will come by and give you some support and a few more ideas. Just believe too, that in time, you will heal and be OK. It is great that you are excersing. The PC job sounds good. I will pray that you can hang on to it. Take care of yourself. ginnie
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Old 10-22-2012, 06:42 PM #3
rmschaver rmschaver is offline
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Default Dazed

Where do you live? Hospitals frequently can help with assistance financially. You will have to inquire. It is not unusual for a larger hospital to have a fund for just such a situation. Be patient and kind in your inquires. Be upfront with your doctor about your finances also. Yes Omega 3,6,9 will help. Search this forum i the advanced search function. Search for vitamins and supplements.
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Old 10-22-2012, 06:54 PM #4
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
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Dazed,

Are you still doing body building workouts? They are designed to cause muscle breakdown. That can put an extra load on the body. You will do best to not tax your system.

It would help if you would list the other supplements you take. Some may be rough on a healing brain.

btw, Thanks for the spacing in your post. It makes it so much easier to read.

My best to you.
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Old 10-23-2012, 08:00 AM #5
Dazed Dazed is offline
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Default

Thank you for the feedback with regards to my post.

Mark,
The supplements Im taking are B-12 500mg, Branch chain amino acids, universal whey protein, mens 1 a day, fish oil containing omega 3-6-9, Gingko Biloba.

I have a perscription for Depakote that I take twice/day.

I do lift weights, not as heavy as I once did. Mostly 10-15 rep type stuff. Just to try to do something then sitting around all day.

ginnie and rms,
Thank you for your replys and suggestions, I will look further into the financial aid.

I do worry about starring at a computer all day being bad for my headaches and wonder if time off really would do me some good.

I guess Im not looking for people to judge my situation because obviously most people on here arent doctors, but I'm wondering what there is to gain by getting an MRI 7-8 months down the road. Obviously there is a reason my doctor is requesting it, but I just feel with my main problems being headaches its going to come up negative for anything.
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Old 10-23-2012, 01:13 PM #6
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Default

We all have better days than others. Don't get discouraged by not enough success stories, i usually only post when I'm having an issue. It really does get better and the people on here have been a lifesaver for me if for no other reason than understanding.

The stronger your support system the better you will do. I have very little support and make very little money so I tend to struggle (also no insurance - I go to a clinic with a sliding scale, if there is one you will have to search it out, there will probably be a wait list so get on it ASAP - I don't get everything I need - they have no neurologist - they do however have a social worker i see for $15 for 45 minutes it has been very helpful).

Take it easy on yourself (I should take my own advise) and come here as often as you need to. It has been the greatest to me in the last 2+ years.

Andi~
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