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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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03-03-2013, 01:35 AM
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I am wondering if anyone has found that antidepressants have helped them?
As I have begun to recover, I have become more aware of my trigger symptoms. Over the weekend additional stressors have been added and this resulted in a postcussion headache and I needed migraine meds. The last time I took them was 8th Feb. I have insominia, fatigue, tension waves through body, head pressure, light/noise sensitivity and my mood is flat. The headaches and other symptoms have without doubt reduced. I am wondering if tension/stress is a trigger, do I need to try antidepressants or other meds, and have others found that this helps recovery? |
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03-03-2013, 06:09 PM
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For me, heck yes. I was really having a difficult time with headaches, then the brain fog, dizziness set it, then the anxiety, my doc had me try a low dose of Nortiptyline, and we adjusted it till I was able to keep calm consistently. I figured that if my brain had to heal, I'd rather it heal in a calm state, than trying to fight pain, anxiety. We are all experiements of one, so you have to discuss with your doctor who listens to you and find the best med to help you heal. Good luck! Mike
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May 31, 2009: Concussion from syncope due to low blood volume resulting from severe dehydration. Occurred after finishing my 9th marathon. 100% of symptoms cleared by August 2009. December 15, 2009: Major surgery due to diverticulitis. 6 weeks after surgery, dizziness, fog, cognitive difficulty, anxiety, some panic, lots of headache. These symptoms largely gone, but still cannot exercise above a very low threshold otherwise resulting in severe headache and cognitive fog. Same for overwhelming odors. Meds: Nortriptyline and Naratriptan as needed to rid severe headaches (exertional migraines). |
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03-03-2013, 06:57 PM
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Hey Mike,
How are you doing ? Have you tried Melatonin for the ice pick head aches ? I have been having momentary bouts with 'primary spiking head aches' as Mayo defines them. The web site suggests Melatonin as helpful for some. I get my spiking head aches in the same right temple spot, never anywhere else.
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Mark in Idaho "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10 |
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03-03-2013, 10:40 PM
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Antidepressants have saved my life since I suffer from PCS & PTSD.But they have also helped me with all my symptoms even cognitive!!!I greatly recommend if your emotions are on a roller coaster
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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: | Brain patch (03-04-2013) |
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03-03-2013, 11:46 PM
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Paxil so far, is helping me a bit even on my low dose. The side effects were mild compared to anything I have tried. It's been only 2 weeks, but so far its helping just a bit. It definitely helps calm down the anxiety. Its definitely an improvement from having constant anxiety with horrible symptoms. I am hoping that it kicks in fully soon, psych said 4-6 weeks. Just waiting it out patiently.
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College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012. Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia. 2 MRI's and CT normal. Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now. Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy. Was experiencing: Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit. Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm. Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside! |
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03-04-2013, 03:54 AM
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Thanks for this. I have been told that people with PCS have raised tension and arousal levels, it seems therefore that coping with stress is going to be more difficult. Especially if you have insomnia and noise/light sensitivity, not to mention all the worry about what the future holds. The stress of the weekend provoked my symptoms (all be it to a lesser extent than previously) and with it the migraine headaches. I thought it was just physical exercise and over exerting myself which caused this, but clearly too much stress is a factor also. Therefore have seen my GP today and got an antidepressant called Cymbalta 30mg, it also helps with neurological pain also. Has anyone used Cymbalta and found it helpful?
Last edited by mouse1; 03-04-2013 at 08:20 AM. |
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03-04-2013, 09:36 AM
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I didn't like Cymbalta, I gave it two chances. The start up effects were horrid. I was an emotional roller coaster that week and was begging my psych to get me off. But, everyone is different, so it may not be as bad for you. A lot of people though really like Cymbalta once you get past the side effects. I just couldn't, and I was very disappointed because I loved how the pain went away from the Occipital Neuralgia. But the nausea, oh dear god, was something to be desired. I hope it works better for you though. So don't let me scare you, it may help you better than me, we are all different.
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College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012. Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia. 2 MRI's and CT normal. Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now. Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy. Was experiencing: Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit. Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm. Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside! |
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03-04-2013, 01:33 PM
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Early days, but so far so good, feel a bit spaced out on it, but it has definately taken my mind away/distracted me away from my symptoms and has also nulled my headache a bit, this can all only help, and will also hopefully help me sleep. The longer PCS goes on the more you worry about outcomes, so perhaps this will help me deal with my situation better.
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03-04-2013, 01:51 PM
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Glad to hear so far its working out for ya!
__________________
College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012. Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia. 2 MRI's and CT normal. Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now. Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy. Was experiencing: Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit. Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm. Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside! |
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| "Thanks for this!" says: | mouse1 (03-04-2013) |
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03-04-2013, 07:24 PM
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I take Pristiq 100mg cymbata was not good for me either.
 Quote:
__________________
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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PCS folks - do antidepressants help?
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