Does anyone know how to prevent it? Is it down to exercise or a multitude of things? Today I rested all morning and then went for a walk (which I have previously managed without symptoms) but now I have pressure on left side of my head. I have given up gentle swimming, as I even got pressure doing one length. Maybe I should be avoiding exercise altogether, but my GP requests I build up my stamina.

mouse1,

Try using a chair exercise pedal system. It may help to have less body movement while you are exercising. Here is a link showing what I am referring to. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Carex-Pedal-Exerciser/6537516

I use to walk in a pool. It is less jarring than walking on hard surfaces. I'd walk for 50 minutes and go almost a mile. I also did a breast stroke through the water to get some upper body exercise.

You can also try walking with ear plugs in. This helps you hear your foot plant. It will surprise you at how much jarring travels to your head. You can use this to learn a softer foot plant so your head is not jarred.

My best to you.

Mouse1, for me, any overexertion, whether it be exercise, lifting, or doing too much around the house, brings on the full feeling, or torqued-brain feeling, or pressure in my head. Even stress or anxiety can trigger it. My main form of exercise is walking. I walk at a moderate pace. Over time, I've been able to pick up the pace some.. But listen to your body, or perhaps your brain ! And use that as your guide.

I know there's been other threads, where people say they try to push through their symptoms. But with me, once I start getting the head pressure, it's best to stop.. And not make it worse. It will only prolong the symptoms.. Ice afterwards and rest usually helps.

I also have an upper cervical, atlas injury, so it further complicates things.

Hang in there, and take it a day at a time..

Keep the faith,

Thanks very much, it sounds like we have similar problems, at the moment though the pressure isn't going to the next level anymore (severe post concussion migraine) because Cymbalta is easing these symptoms. I just do walking now, tried swimming but it really provoked things. Stress is another factor like you said, but Cymbalta is helping with this too. I wish you well and I know how you feel!

mouse1~

I too am in the same boat with regards to exercising and getting screaming headaches. I can walk and have been able to but it's terribly hard to shift gears mentally and physically from a dedicated swim, bike, run lifestyle to one of only walking.

Swimming laps even at 50 yd intervals will generate a "exercise induced migraine" as my neurologist calls them. They suck. Cycling will cause them to last for 5 days, and will resort to my stock of Naratriptan, which will take the pain away but it still leaves me off-kilter cognitive wise.

I'm meeting with a physiatrist this next week with my cervical MRI films, maybe he can see something which may have been overlooked initially.

If you can walk, indeed try to keep that up regardless of pace, it will keep the brain fresh with oxygen.

Mike

PCS Mikey,

It sounds like you are in the same boat as me, its already frustrating as I used to go the gym two or three times a week. I can walk a fair distance now, about a mile, but I may or may not get symptoms. I couldn't have managed this three weeks ago. As soon as I feel pressure I stop, as I now know the consequences. Its all about doing the things that suit you best, I might try 3 mins on a stationary bike, I did five minutes on a crosstrainer and that made me ill. Take it steady and good luck to you!

I haven't exercised for three weeks because I was concentrating on my return to work. So because I have been improving since my dental work (ie. No headaches or neuralgia) I did a three mile walk up and down a very steep hill as soon as I got up and have no reaction, headache or anything, I don't even feel tired. It seems ever so strange not having any head pressure at all! I just wonder if the tide in now turning! I think I will stick with long walks for a while and then maybe go to the gym for bike, crosstrainer and walking on the treadmill in future. I don't want to do too much though in case I set myself back with starting back at work as well, and the Cymbalta has reduced my symptoms so this could be giving a false impression. Only time will tell, when and how much exercise I can do in the gym again.

That's great news! Be careful you don't over do it though! Work is going to get tougher. Might be better to focus on increasing one thing at a time. Walking is always good though!

I agree that the medication might be masking some of the symptoms, I believe mine is doing the same thing, but isn't it wonderful!

Take care,
CC

I agree...so slow! I went to the gym to do treadmill (walk) and a few weights. Was SO happy...and crashed dir the past two weeks. Massive headqches again, etc. don't know why but maybe it was the gym.

Baby steps are only fun for babies!!!! So difficult to give up our former speedy selves.

Your both right, about 30 mins after I got ear pressure/pain and needed to take nurofen, this is still an improvement on the head pressure I used to get. I have been busy enough today and still feel ok. Work is going to get tougher, I have three long days next week. I am still encouraged that I can walk this far, and perhaps it will build up my stamina.
Cyclecash SNRI's appear to be a great help in reducing PCS symptoms, I feel near normal all the time now as a result when at home. Work is more difficult though, but hopefully this will improve as well.