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Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS). |
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01-18-2013, 12:37 PM | #1 | ||
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One of the meds that is recommended to help treat the vertigo due to my vestibular dysfunction is Klonopin. I have such mixed feelings about this, mainly due to concerns that it will aggravate my PCS fogginess/lethargy. It's a catch 22 in a sense that if it helps the vertigo, that is definitely a plus. Anyone have experience with this med being used during PCS?
Many thanks
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Musiclover . PCS "survivor" - first concussion 10/2010 with PCS for nearly a year. Hit back of head on a shelf. Symptoms were head and neck pain, vertigo, nausea, lethargy, anxiety & depression. Experienced greatest amount of recovery between 9-12 months, with the following year being much, much better . 2nd concussion 12/2012 - hit front left forehead on wooden edge of couch. Currently dealing with a return of PCS symptoms including headache, nausea, vertigo, brain fog, and lethargy. . ~ just trying to take it one day at a time . ~ |
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01-18-2013, 02:23 PM | #2 | ||
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Well, first off meds effect people differently, so I would give it a try and see how you react.
I was prescribed it for anxiety pretty soon after my accident. However it made me really groggy and I slept even more than usual. They ended up switching it to ativan, (because I needed something to control the panic attacks, I wasn't using it for vestibular). However, when my sleep disturbance got worse, they added it to my medication to take before bed and it helped me sleep better. So probably not what you are wanting to hear, but I would try it to see how it effects you. Only then will you know whether it is going to make you groggy, or if it makes life better because your vertigo is better. Have you tried vestibular therapy or vision therapy for the vertigo?
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What Happened: On 3/8/11 I was stopped waiting to merge into traffic when I was rear ended by someone doing 45 mph. I walked away from the accident, to fall into the pit of PCS 5 days later... (I have had 2 previous concussions, but neither developed into PCS.) Symptoms 3 Years Post: Physical: migraines, infrequent vertigo, neck and back pain (from accident), tinnitus, visual field deficits in left eye, problematic light sensitivity, (including visual seizure activity), noise sensitivity, EXTREME fatigue, semi-frequent disrupted sleep cycles, Cognitive: semi-frequent Brain fog after cognitive strain, limited bouts of impulsivity, unable to concentrate for more than short periods of time without fatigue, word finding problems, slowed processing speeds, impaired visual memory; Emotional: easily overstimulated, depression, anxiety; Treatment so far: Vestibular therapy; Physical Therapy; Vision Therapy; Vitamin Schedule; Limited caffeine; Medications; attempting to limit stress and overstimulation; Yoga; Cognitive Therapy |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | musiclover (01-19-2013) |
01-18-2013, 02:35 PM | #3 | |||
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Music I am on a Benzo as well. My neuro said that while I am in vestibular therapy since I get very woozy,vertigo,nausea after therapy to break the pills down and only take if needed* In general the Benzos can slow recovery in vestibular therapy.....But if you are still getting sick while taking Benzos & therapy then the therapy is still working...but eventually after sometime in vestibular therapy I will get wean off benzo....so ya catch22! I do not know if you are in vestibular therapy now....Wish you well
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What Happened: In 2011 I was in a MVA . Symptoms: Physical: I am always cold in any season!!I cannot tolerate anything pressure on my head(sun glasses,hats)longer then a hour,Lock jaw/Displaced TMJ, Dropsey, Hands go numb, Arms go numb, back of head numb (when asleep),Muscle spasms in face & upper body,migraines, concentration headaches, dizziness, nausea, neck and back trauma (from accident), tinnitus, extreme light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, EXTREME fatigue, impaired vestibular system, balance off, Pupils NEVER equal, disrupted sleep cycles,speech problems. Cognitive: Cognitive Behavior, Brain fog, impulsivity, speech problems, word finding problems, slowed processing speeds, impaired visual memory, impaired complex attention Emotional: Unable to handle stress or overstimulation without getting extremely irritable or angry, easily overstimulated, MAJOR depression, major anxiety, Panic attacks Treatment so far: Treatment for PCS,PTSD,Depression & panic,Vestibular therapy, Physical therapy, Vitamin Schedule,Walking,No Dairy, No eggs, No caffeine, No artificial coloring, Sleep with 2 pillows, Very little sugars consumed, Eat healthy,No alcohol, Medications, limit stress and overstimulation. ~*~Learn to treasure yourself and your Divinity. Be willing to accept yourself completely. Be yourself, be graceful, be kind, be wild, be weird ... be true to yourself~*~ |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | musiclover (01-19-2013) |
01-18-2013, 03:06 PM | #4 | ||
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Thanks Mia and Smilin for your input . I'm starting vestibular therapy in a couple of weeks. The idea is to get things "calmed down" with the klonopin first before beginning therapy. As you said, and from what I've read, the Meds suppress the vestibular system but don't necessarily help it to adjust. I will be mindful of all of this while I make a decision. And you are right about everyone reacting differently to Meds. The human body is mighty complex!
Thanks again
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Musiclover . PCS "survivor" - first concussion 10/2010 with PCS for nearly a year. Hit back of head on a shelf. Symptoms were head and neck pain, vertigo, nausea, lethargy, anxiety & depression. Experienced greatest amount of recovery between 9-12 months, with the following year being much, much better . 2nd concussion 12/2012 - hit front left forehead on wooden edge of couch. Currently dealing with a return of PCS symptoms including headache, nausea, vertigo, brain fog, and lethargy. . ~ just trying to take it one day at a time . ~ |
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01-18-2013, 07:35 PM | #5 | ||
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I was on Klonopin for almost a year. It made me very foggy with difficulty with cognitive functions. It was replaced with Neurontin/gabapentin. I do much better with the gabapentin.
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Mark in Idaho "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10 |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | musiclover (01-19-2013) |
01-19-2013, 02:02 PM | #6 | ||
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Thanks Mark - I will keep the neurontin in mind
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Musiclover . PCS "survivor" - first concussion 10/2010 with PCS for nearly a year. Hit back of head on a shelf. Symptoms were head and neck pain, vertigo, nausea, lethargy, anxiety & depression. Experienced greatest amount of recovery between 9-12 months, with the following year being much, much better . 2nd concussion 12/2012 - hit front left forehead on wooden edge of couch. Currently dealing with a return of PCS symptoms including headache, nausea, vertigo, brain fog, and lethargy. . ~ just trying to take it one day at a time . ~ |
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