I had a normal CAT scan a week ago. I started feeling better two days ago. However, I then engaged in activity that might consider a bit ... physical. I had sex and as much as I had the intent to take it easy, I did end up maybe pushing myself more than I had hoped.

I couldn't walk afterwards without feeling very strange, like my legs were weak and going to give out. However, I'm not sure how much of that is concussion related and how much is normal "good job, well done" related. (Sorry for the TMI!)

Anyway, I had a minor headache afterwards but felt alright the next day. This morning, I felt fine again and took a walk to the corner grocery. I bought four sort of heavy bags, more than I had intended, and walked the mile or so back.

I then was very sleepy and took a much needed nap.

I woke up with the worst headaches. Not incredibly severe, but way worse than what I've been used to and worse than I normally have ever had. I feel like I have a hangover.

So what do you think? Should I be concerned? Is it possible that I overdid it and gave myself a subconcussion from normal up and down sex... movements (God this is so embarrassing!), or raised my blood pressure too much, or would I have noticed that right away? I really, really would prefer to not have another CAT scan. Too much radiation!:

mirandamir,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I think you have figured out your own answer. The physical movement and blood pressure rise can both cause a relapse of concussion symptoms.

You do not need a CT Scan unless you have sudden changes like extreme head ache, loss of muscle control, asymmetrical muscle control, stumbling and slurring speech (not the common struggles to find and say the right words) and other extreme symptoms. There was likely no reason to have the CT Scan last week. Doctors often request them for liability reasons or to try to settle an anxious patient.

It sounds like you may have some anxiety issues. They are common after a concussion but are counter to recovery. Try to avoid physical and emotional stressors.

Read the Vitamins thread in the stickies at the top. It has the basics for recovery. Be sure to read the bottom links and about icing your upper neck. Your activities may have aggravated an upper neck whiplash like injury.

Feel free to tell us anything. We have heard it all. Even the TMI stuff.

My best to you.

Mirandamir,

Sorry to hear about your concussion, it is excellent news that your CAT scan is clear.

I would say it's most likely your brain and body are still in a very fatigued state following your concussion.

Therefore you are having fatigue symptoms from physical activity such as sex and from carrying four shopping bags for a mile.

Headaches in some cases are an indication that you are doing to much, I used to get them all the time. So try and slow down and get as much quiet rest as possible until you feel better.

Thank you for your responses. Headaches have gotten a bit better since. I got a bit emotionally stressed today and it returned. Trying to take it easy now. I hope a few more days and I'll be okay! I hope!

By the way, my eyes are a bit reddish yellow looking right now. I have no idea if this is related to the concussion. Thoughts?

Yellow eyes can be a symptom of liver problems. If they do not resolve, you should call your doctor.

oh, definitely not my liver. not that yellow.

it's gone away. thank you.

I do have another question while I'm at it. I keep hearing weird fizzy crackling sounds now, especially today while I had a headache. (My headache doesn't seem to want to clear up now. It comes and goes throughout the day.)

Is this CSF fluid? Is it normal? Should I be worried?

Oh God, I just got a weird sensation of dizziness like I was going to fall forward but only in my brain. This needs to stop! It's almost been a month.

Hi there,

The crackling might be tinitis or the fluid, I don't know. The dizziness is probably vertigo.

I had help via vestibular therapy for my dizziness.

Basically, really work to rest and reduce stress. Look over your diet and see if you have a lot of caffeine, or any caffeine is not so good for me.

What can you do to take your mind off your stressors? Relaxing, gentle music? Audio books?

Hang in there and heal.

Take care,

pm