[todayistomorrow]

Like title says, wondering if anyone overcame this common symptom of PCS. It's been almost 2 yrs and I've seen big improvements using tinted glasses as far as less headaches and being able to concentrate better.

Unfortunately one of the jobs I could get hired for is working on the trading floor where it is very loud. I don't do well with multiple conversations going at once. Why is this and is it likely to be like this my whole life??

[NormaW]

Before my accident, I use to multi task quite efficiently. Since the accident I can only deal with one thing at a time. I forget, get confused and get a headache if I try to do a couple of things at a time.

It is the same with conversations, I can speak with one or two people which seems to be manageable, but once there is a small crowd, I get tired and trying to follow the conversation is too hard.

I have not been able to return to work and they have ask me to consider another profession (I am an accountant). Due to my post traumatic vision syndrome, reading, working on the computer etc. may always be limited (no one knows).

Someone suggested me becoming an event coordinator, but I realize I could not do that as there are too many details and too much pressure. I am considering expanding my management business to include something where I can hire people to work and I just manage and be able to work around my pcs symptoms.

It important to realize what is hard for you and what you can manage and try to find employment that will fit.

One of the first pieces of advice that was given to me was not to go back to work until you are ready. A lot of people try going back to work because they need the money/work etc and end up being fired because they really can't handle it.

Good luck.

[Mark in Idaho]

The struggle with multiple voices is related to your brain's ability to filter and organize/prioritize sounds. I have never heard of a therapy that helps reduce this problem. An Audio Evoked Potential test can help a skilled neuro understand how much struggle your brain is having with audio precessing.

When I had my AEP done, the neuro looked at the results and commented. You hear everything. How do you handle that ?
To which my wife answered he doesn't. That is the problem.

Over the past 12 years, I do a bit better but not enough to not have to carry ear plugs in case I am in a situation where the sounds overwhelm me.

I wish I had a suggestion for you. Understanding how your brain struggles can be helpful as you try to avoid sounds that trigger your response.

[berkeleybrain]

I have heard that the failure of the brain to filter out unnecessary noise, light, visual stimuli, information is what provokes many headaches and brain shutdowns after mtbi.

There are some new studies on "noise therapies" to help with hyperacusis, but with pcs, it seems a bit different. i think the idea is to "reboot" the brain through exposure therapies (vision, vestibular, hearing, etc.)

I am now coming into my one year mark, and I wonder how much of this is permanent?

My therapists (vision and vestibular) are all very positive about the brain's ability to compensate, but after a year, I am feeling a bit skeptical.

[mouse1]

Yes, apart from fatigue as things stand I have overcome all symptoms with the help of medication. I have recently overcome headaches as well with the help of medication.

I have no issues with sound now, I used to struggle with severe noise sensitivity, hypercusis, struggling with louder noise and multiple conversations. I used to have to lie down with severe fatigue after experiencing noise or being overloaded during the acute phase.

It can be overcome but it took a long time, personally I used earplugs when outside, but restricted noise. I really got better when I cocooned myself from other people and my family, taking quiet rest and spending time alone. Then I got back to working in a stressful job with a phased return to work. Good luck with overcoming your symptoms, it can be done!

[postconcussion]

Hi!
I noticed that this symptom took forever for me to get better b/c of severe headaches. But just wanted to say don't get discouraged because this is one of the 'over (long) time' ones.

You won't always have this but because you have to work in such an environment I would have mandatory quite dark times every day. Even if you don't feel like you need it. Just like 5 mins. If you close your eyes and place your ring fingers on each eyelid it helps relax you. The reason the ring finger is because it has the lightest touch, like when you apply eye cream.

Give your brain a rest before it gets overtaxed. I am still seeing improvements with multitasking, loud nosies, radio plus conversations, etc.

[poetrymom]

I don't know why but acupuncture has helped me with noise sensitivity. It also helped with the pain on my skull where I had the impact from the accident.

I still have a little tinitis in my left ear, but it's so much better, and so is my energy.

I've been going to acupuncture for a month, and that is what has really helped me a lot.

pm