Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).


advertisement
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-24-2014, 05:29 PM #1
Socks Socks is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 95
10 yr Member
Socks Socks is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 95
10 yr Member
Default What say thee, fellow TBI sufferers?

Ok so as I've mentioned previously I've had a recent resurgence of my headaches. Coupled with that is severe neck stiffness/soreness that is a brutal and debilitating at times. Feels like my trachea, spine, whatever is pushing from the back of my neck to the front; almost like everything is swelling. I can't make it through the day without a 3-4 hour nap and if I don't get one I'm a mess the next day. I have to be able to function at work and that's proving difficult. My GP suggested that if it keeps up I consultant my neurologist. I don't know if this is concussion related or not. I have a history of migraines. My pain management regime seems not to be working anymore.

I don't know what to do. My doctor seems to think I should be beyond the system of the concussions. The neurologist was pleased with my progress. I honestly don't know what would have caused any of this. Suggestions?
__________________
What Happened: 3/6/14 I was leaning in to pick my phone off the floor of my car and hit my head on the door frame. No immediate problems but I woke up the following day with blurred vision, nausea, fogginess and memory issues. Headaches came the next day along with speech problems. CT scan was clear. Took a few weeks off work. Went back for half days for two weeks.
Then: 4/14/14 While still recovering from the first concussion I hit my head on the edge of my desk. Immediate headache, nausea and blurred vision. Doctor referred me to a neurologist who prescribed physical therapy for my neck, as I get incredibly stiff/sore necks daily which helps to bring on the headaches. Doctor also referred me to a counselor, who is helping me to cope with the anxiety and panic that has come up in my post concussion world. I deal with severe sensory problems and the frequent bout of aphasia.
And Then : 10/6/14 I was cleaning something (ok cat puke) up from underneath my new glass table when I stood up too fast right into it and voila, trauma #3. I was out of work for a month and a half this time. Noise problems, aphasia, etc.
Socks is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
Old 06-24-2014, 06:08 PM #2
russiarulez russiarulez is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 173
10 yr Member
russiarulez russiarulez is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 173
10 yr Member
Default

I used to have bad neck pain/stiffness and headaches that seem to propagate from the neck up in the back of my head after my concussion for about a year.
Had very good results from seeing an experienced Atlas Orthogonal chiro. He also fixed my back pain and hip pain while walking.
__________________
12/02/2012 - Light concussion at boxing practice. Ended up having PCS for about 3 months.
March 2013 - Thought that since most of my symptoms resolved I could start having fun again.
Went snowmobiling once (didn't hit my head) and concussion symptoms returned and got even worse than before.
June 2013 - accidentally bumped my head against a deck railing, and had a month-long setback.
November 2013 - drove to work after a big snowstorm and the roads were very rough, ended up having another setback.
2014 - Having setbacks after coughing/sneezing too much, or someone slapping me on the back, or any other significant jarring.
Feb 2014 - Started seeing Atlas Orthogonal chiro - most helpful doc so far.
June 2014 - Two months of physical/visual therapy - no noticeable improvement.
September 2014 - Diagnosed with Perilymph Fistula in right ear.
November 2014 - Fistula surgery (switched to left ear before the surgery after additional testing).
January 2016 - Quit work to "work" on figuring out PCS, so far it seems that eyes/vision issues are the most contributing factor, especially computer work.

Current symptoms are: inconsistent sleep patterns, headaches, vertigo/dizziness, anxiety/panic attacks, mental fog/problems with concentration, problems with computer screens.
russiarulez is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Socks (06-24-2014)
Old 06-24-2014, 07:26 PM #3
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,418
15 yr Member
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,418
15 yr Member
Default

It sure sounds like you need to seek treatment for your neck. You may even need help with your shoulders and upper back. You would be surprised how a shoulder/upper back injury can cause a myriad of problems. My whiplash/head injury cause me to have esophageal spasms.

You said "My doctor seems to think I should be beyond the system of the concussions" This tells me your doctor is not very knowledgeable about concussions. Yes, the vast majority would be resolved by now but definitely not all. Up to 15% have delayed recoveries.

A physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation MD specialist) may be helpful.
__________________
Mark in Idaho

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
Mark in Idaho is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Socks (06-24-2014)
Old 06-24-2014, 07:47 PM #4
SarahSmile0205's Avatar
SarahSmile0205 SarahSmile0205 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Carmel, IN
Posts: 467
10 yr Member
SarahSmile0205 SarahSmile0205 is offline
Member
SarahSmile0205's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Carmel, IN
Posts: 467
10 yr Member
Default

inflammation in your neck may just now be reducing and that is what is causing all the issues... the inflammation will help with some stabilization... once that is reduced the pain onset can be pretty bad!

This is what I was told about my own neck from my soft tissue person and my chiro...
__________________
The Start: MVA, t-boned, on 1-12-14 (my sons 5th birthday) and did not think anything of it.. my back hurt on site but everything else seemed ok. Lost about 10-12 hours from about 3 hours after the accident to the next day...Experienced terrible brain fog for over a month, plus intense headaches, nausea, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, disorientation, no short term memory, depression and just an overall hangover feeling daily.

Current Situation: I'm about 7 months in and my local neurologist has waived her white flag and therefore I am headed to Dallas to be seen (I have family there). The headaches are still daily. I have nausea, dizziness as well.

Drugs I have been on- Vicodin (off), Naproxen (off), proanolol (off), topamax (off), cataflam (off), Midrin (off), Flexeril (off) and now Namenda XR (off), Nortrptylin (off), Verapamil (off)

Therapy- Osteopath, Vestibular and balance therapy, fuzion/soft tissue massage, acupuncture

Drs- ER (no help), GP, Chiropractor, Neurologist and Osteopath
SarahSmile0205 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Socks (06-24-2014)
Old 06-24-2014, 07:54 PM #5
Socks Socks is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 95
10 yr Member
Socks Socks is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 95
10 yr Member
Default

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm not sure where to start I guess. It's frustrating because I feel like I was finally getting clear of at least some of the more obnoxious parts of this, doctors and bills and whatnot, and now it seems like I'm almost back at square one. I've always trusted my GP to have all the answers. Now that she might not I feel lost. I suppose I'll have to research someone else who specializes in this stuff. Or talk to my neurologist.
__________________
What Happened: 3/6/14 I was leaning in to pick my phone off the floor of my car and hit my head on the door frame. No immediate problems but I woke up the following day with blurred vision, nausea, fogginess and memory issues. Headaches came the next day along with speech problems. CT scan was clear. Took a few weeks off work. Went back for half days for two weeks.
Then: 4/14/14 While still recovering from the first concussion I hit my head on the edge of my desk. Immediate headache, nausea and blurred vision. Doctor referred me to a neurologist who prescribed physical therapy for my neck, as I get incredibly stiff/sore necks daily which helps to bring on the headaches. Doctor also referred me to a counselor, who is helping me to cope with the anxiety and panic that has come up in my post concussion world. I deal with severe sensory problems and the frequent bout of aphasia.
And Then : 10/6/14 I was cleaning something (ok cat puke) up from underneath my new glass table when I stood up too fast right into it and voila, trauma #3. I was out of work for a month and a half this time. Noise problems, aphasia, etc.
Socks is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 06-24-2014, 08:12 PM #6
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,418
15 yr Member
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,418
15 yr Member
Default

Sarah,

You chiro and soft tissue therapist have some strange concepts. Or, are they just trying to explain away the pain from their treatments. I have been treated by many chiros, massage therapists and physical therapists. They have never said reduced inflammation can cause pain. In fact, some have recommended icing to reduce pain and inflammation.

Stiffness is usually caused by inflammation. Having a stiff neck suggest increasing inflammation.
__________________
Mark in Idaho

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
Mark in Idaho is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 06-24-2014, 08:23 PM #7
SarahSmile0205's Avatar
SarahSmile0205 SarahSmile0205 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Carmel, IN
Posts: 467
10 yr Member
SarahSmile0205 SarahSmile0205 is offline
Member
SarahSmile0205's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Carmel, IN
Posts: 467
10 yr Member
Default

inflammation can have a stability factor... your inflammation reduces and the stability gets worse causing pain... yes it is possible.. your surrounding muscles are weak and this will increase instability and increase pain...
__________________
The Start: MVA, t-boned, on 1-12-14 (my sons 5th birthday) and did not think anything of it.. my back hurt on site but everything else seemed ok. Lost about 10-12 hours from about 3 hours after the accident to the next day...Experienced terrible brain fog for over a month, plus intense headaches, nausea, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, disorientation, no short term memory, depression and just an overall hangover feeling daily.

Current Situation: I'm about 7 months in and my local neurologist has waived her white flag and therefore I am headed to Dallas to be seen (I have family there). The headaches are still daily. I have nausea, dizziness as well.

Drugs I have been on- Vicodin (off), Naproxen (off), proanolol (off), topamax (off), cataflam (off), Midrin (off), Flexeril (off) and now Namenda XR (off), Nortrptylin (off), Verapamil (off)

Therapy- Osteopath, Vestibular and balance therapy, fuzion/soft tissue massage, acupuncture

Drs- ER (no help), GP, Chiropractor, Neurologist and Osteopath
SarahSmile0205 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 06-24-2014, 10:01 PM #8
Hockey's Avatar
Hockey Hockey is offline
Magnate
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: I know it's somewhere around here...
Posts: 2,032
10 yr Member
Hockey Hockey is offline
Magnate
Hockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: I know it's somewhere around here...
Posts: 2,032
10 yr Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SarahSmile0205 View Post
inflammation in your neck may just now be reducing and that is what is causing all the issues... the inflammation will help with some stabilization... once that is reduced the pain onset can be pretty bad!

This is what I was told about my own neck from my soft tissue person and my chiro...
That's exactly what I experienced as my swelling subsided. An easy way to test your neck, is to out on a soft brace and see if your symptoms abate.
Hockey is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
SarahSmile0205 (06-25-2014)
Old 06-25-2014, 04:02 AM #9
Living_Dazed's Avatar
Living_Dazed Living_Dazed is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Great Lakes area
Posts: 409
10 yr Member
Living_Dazed Living_Dazed is offline
Member
Living_Dazed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Great Lakes area
Posts: 409
10 yr Member
Default

Socks,

I hear you on the headaches/migraines and neck stuff.

The muscles in my neck are weak and sore a lot. The pain if very frustrating. I did have an epidural that helped but not enough I have a chronic condition now but don't remember the name. Myo facial something...I go to physical therapy for it and do exercises at home.

Sometimes the work she does can stir up a headache or migraine. She has to be very careful around the occipital areas. I also have some arthritis in my neck but I didn't have pain from it before the injury.

The right and left ablations I had done for the occipital neuralgia worked 70% on left and 100% on right. I was finally able to get out of bed after 14-15 months of continuous pain.

Starting to be concerned that the nerves are regenerating already. It's been 6 months on the left and only 3 months on the right. I'll do it again but sedated. It's worth the relief for migraines.

I don't know if any of this helps. I hope so.

Jace
__________________

.


*TBI with mild to severe damage November 2012 from car crash. Stroke with hemorage & 4 clots in veins in brain Feb/Mar 2015.

*Vestibular damage, PCS, hypercusis, severe visual processing and tracking issues, short term memory loss, headaches/migraines, occipital neuralgia, cognitive issues, neurological issues, brain fog, brain fatigue when over stimulated, twitching, vertigo, neck issues, nerve issues, PTSD, personality change, Since stroke left side weakness, rage, worsening of vestibular problems, recall, speech, memory.

*Can't drive or work. Have done occupational therapy, cognitive therapy, physical therapy. Learning work arounds, and strategies to be competent in daily life. Change your attitude/perspective changes your life. As TBI survivors this is a vital part of our healing and living.

*Working on getting to know and accept the new me.
Living_Dazed is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Socks (06-25-2014)
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Do you feel better in thee Spring & Summer? moondaughter Parkinson's Disease 2 09-15-2012 10:16 AM
Nice to meet fellow sufferers patinpain New Member Introductions 4 09-13-2012 01:04 AM
Hello all my fellow RSD/CRPS Sufferers chrisandrob4ever New Member Introductions 4 08-08-2012 02:05 AM
Lord, I Love Thee! Lasgo Sanctuary for Spiritual Support 0 03-25-2008 09:55 PM
new member w/full body RSD going to germany looking for fellow sufferers carriecatlover Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) 13 10-04-2007 08:33 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:05 AM.

Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise v2.7.1 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.