[mrsmith]

Hey everyone, I am back again. Now about 9-10 months ago I was testing water samples, stood up too fast, fainted onto some rocks and hit my head. I felt normal for the rest of the day, and the next morning woke up with a severe headache and ear ringing. At this time I simply went to a walk-in clinic and was told I had a concussion, and to rest, so that is what I did. I rested for about 2 weeks in a dark room doing absolutely nothing, and my symptoms got pretty much better. For the next 4ish months I still had these minor very persistent symptoms, (headaches and ear ringing), I was back at school and was academically functioning very well. Then I fell down the stairs and had severe headaches for 4 or 5 days which went away, then I was back to my minor symptoms. Now I am at 9 months, and I feel exactly the same.

Im just not quite sure what to do, my whole life I have had chronic headaches, especially with excessive cognitive stimulation, so I don't know if the headaches are from PCS or this. I also have been told that the ear ringing can quite possible be a permanent thing. The strange thing is when I walk or physically exert myself it feels like my brain is being squeezed and I feel like I can't concentrate at all afterwards.

Im just very confused if I actually have PCS or not, . Also I am a very poor writer so sorry for my unorganized ranting.

Also out of curiosity how much of an impact would it take to get a second concussion? The reason I ask this is because this morning someone lit a firework right outside my house and I flinched extremely badly in bed, I don't have an increase in symptoms so I should logically not have hurt my brain anymore correct?

Also you should know I am quite paranoid about my brain now...thanks for any feedback.

[Mark in Idaho]

Nobody can say how much impact force or jarring it takes to cause another concussion. In fact, sub-concussive impacts can be very damaging to a concussed brain. Try to not be paranoid about your head. Instead, try to practice safer movements. I do not turn my head quickly but instead turn at the shoulders. This slows the movement. I also do not shake my head NO.

Startle movements can cause problems from both the quick movement and also from the spike in blood pressure and rise in adrenaline.

Somebody wrote about how their daughter use Neuro Optimization, I think, to help with head aches. I am not vouching for it but it helped her.

My best to you.

[mrsmith]

I see, thank you.

From what I have said to you does it sound like I still have post concussion syndrome, or something else?

Also cognitive thing do not give me any symptoms, like I could spend 5 or 6 hours reading and I would feel completely fine, i'm just not sure.

[anon1028]

I am in the same boat. can read for hours but head feels swollen and irritated all the time. and have the other symptoms you mentioned.

[mrsmith]

I see. I have had a few big bumps in the car, and whatever and it does not irritate me even in the slightest. Im very confused.

[Mark in Idaho]

mrsmith,

Don't worry about putting a diagnostic term to your symptoms. You want to treat the symptoms not a general diagnosis. Regarding your confusion over bumps not increasing symptoms, again, just treat the symptoms.

I have had tinnitus for over a decade. I get recurring head aches that will be chronic for months at a time (not one head ache).

This is life after a concussion. We learn to tolerate what we can not recover from.

[anon1028]

Mark, you seem to really deal with a lot. I have to hand it to you, I have so much trouble dealing with my symptoms but you just seem to accept it and move forward. I bet religion helps a lot with that.

[mrsmith]

Thanks again Mark.

2 more questions.

One, since I am young and my brain is..well younger does this mean I have a better chance at a more full recovery?

And for some reason when I rest I start to get anxious and develop a nervous twitch where my head quickly turns to one side every few minutes, and the only way I can avoid this is occupying myself with something, have you ever experienced this? It is extremely annoying.

[mrsmith]

Also I have had pretty severe chronic headaches since I was a child, which adds even more confusion. I really want to get back to playing sports, but because of my previous headache problem when I exercise i dont know if the headaches are from that or my PCS. Sorry for the ranting again guys lol