[ptcabe]

Monty is doing better in the mornings now and eating well, but he's dealing with a new series of events. They have occured 3 times in the past week.
Usually in the morning he's wobbly and uses the walker. He'll sit down and report a fullness in his head. Then he experiences an onslaught of very deep depression and has told me "here it comes". He then begins sobbing that lasts anywhere from 5 minutes to 20. After I comfort him and just let him cry his mood lifts. Within minutes of the end of crying his mood is very good and his balance is strong and stable. The generalized level of depression has been a problem since the fall, but this is the first time that the overall depression and balance problems have resolved after crying.

What do you think might be causing this?

[Eowyn]

My wild guess is that crying releases some neurotransmitter in the brain that helps counteract whatever is causing the depression and balance problems. It would be interesting to know more about that mechanism.

He is very fortunate to have you there for him during those moments of deep dark depression so that he can get through to the bright moment on the other side.

[Lightrail11]

Hi, all of this sound like progress to me, especially the ability to recognize (the "here it comes") the onset of the depressive episode, and the fact that it resolves. Early in my recovery I experienced the same thing, I would start crying for no particular reason, than later it would self-resolve.

I can’t answer what’s causing it, other than the general statement that the neuro pathways are altered by brain trauma. For the symptoms you describe, I have found mindfulness practice and meditation helpful. By recognizing “here it comes’, he is already aware at some level. Mindfulness teaches to recognize and accept our feeling and emotions in a non-judgmental way. I say to myself “I’m having feelings of anxiety right now” or “feeling of depression right now”. When I accept these feelings in a non-judgmental way, they resolve more quickly and reoccur less.

Here is a link I found if you are interested.

http://www.mindfulnessinfo.com/

Best to you both.

[MsRriO]

I did some reading on "partial seizures" after TBI because of my episode with smelling something burning, and also I had another one with heat spreading over my skin... anyway long story short, bursting into tears was one of the types listed.

Debate exists whether there even IS such a thing as partial seizures (which was mentioned in the article) but worth mentioning to the doctor I'd think. No significant link established to any worse seizures, so it's just kind of like a different label on what you already know. Not sure I buy it either.

[postconcussion]

When I started to walk through the fog and symptoms (headache, dizziness, and fullness in my head) I would get so frustrated. Occasionally I would have a good cry. After crying for a bit I would feel some stress resolved.

A lot of what is so hard about PCS is the burden of trying to get through day after day with no reprieve. I can imagine your husband feels the same way. As long as these moments don't get worse, I would not worry. Your encouragement and kindness is priceless!

I believe that getting out frustration is healthy and shows that he is trying to improve, it is when we give up completely that the depression becomes a problem. I think that everyone with PCS goes through some type of grieving period. To not be able to do what you once could is heartbreaking.

Thank you very much for being a considerate caregiver to someone with PCS. Best wishes.

[ptcabe]

Heartfelt thanks to all of you for your kind words and support. Monty continues to slowly improve but still has the head fullness, usually at night, accompanied by a headache. Last night Acetominaphen took care of the headache ( or perhaps it resolved on its own). When this happens his balance is poor and he doesn't remember where things are like the walker that was right next to the bed. Fortunately he made so much noise that I woke up and was able to get him back into bed. We are sleeping in separate bedrooms because of his light and noise sensitivity.

Now I am in a terrible dilemma. My father, 85, is failing fast from Congestive Heart Failure in Oregon. He will be admitted today and his Cardiologist is on call. I must fly out on 1/23 and help my mother for an unknown length of time. I am unhappy and stressed that I must leave Monty. We see the Neuro tomorrow and hope to get help and advice. Then I must leave him. Thankfully we have wonderful friends and neighbors who can check on him and who are retired. The Dr may be able to help with home nursing care or in-pt rehab while I am in Portland, ( and perhaps in Minneapolis if we lose Dad and I need to manage the funeral.) I also have a wonderful brother in the Portland area who can help with Dad and Mom, but I know I need a professional support system if we can get one for Monty.
I ask for your prayers. The Mindfullness meditation has been wonderful. We follow Maritza's Meditation for Beginners several times a day.
Peggy

[rmschaver]

In the time when my symptoms were the worst I would feel like my brain stem was swollen. A very stiff and thick feeling. It worried me but I did not associate it with pain. Eventually it went away. Hopefully it will for Monty to.

[Mokey]

Sounds like you have a lot to deal with. My social worker told me that we have the strengtj inside us that we need. Hang in there. Sorry to hear about your father. Courage.