[Beelzebore92]

Hello all,

It's been a while since my last (and first) post here. This is my 8th month with PCS after a tbi at work in November 2014, that injury preceded by a tbi skateboarding in August 2014. Symptoms have been up and down over the past month or so.

Hope everyone had a good holiday. On the 4th I avoided fireworks displays like the plague and remained inside wearing ear plugs all night. Today, however, I went for my usual evening walk.

Stupidly I did not wear earplugs figuring everyone had gotten the bombs and blasts out of their systems on Friday/Sat. Low and behold, someone launched a real deal aerial mortar firework from their backyard not more than 50 feet from where I was walking. Just the shot leaving the mortar canister was enough to shake my insides. It reminded me all to much of that moment of utter shock one experiences when hit in the head. My vision went black momentarily, and my adrenaline immediately kicked in like after a concussion.

Is there anything for me to worry about here? Has anyone experienced this with loud bangs/shocks or throughout the holiday weekend? Could a firework going off too close by in any way cause a concussive blow?

Thank you.

[Mark in Idaho]

bb.......

There is a common struggle we have due to PCS. It is an extremely exaggerated startle response. This can cause all of the PCS symptoms to spike very quickly. It is an anxiety response, not a physical damage/injury issue.

The explosion that causes a concussive blow if far more than the most powerful fireworks. It would have blown you off your feet. Think of what a stick of dynamite would do.

So, try to regain your relaxed state.

My best to you.

[Beelzebore92]

Thank you Mark for your reassurance. I still feel a little deaf, a little jumpy, but have cooled down. I really hadn't experienced anything like this, and really really hope never to experience what dynamite could do.
P.S. July 4th, as it's currently celebrated, will likely go down as my least favorite holiday.

[_Grace_]

Ditto on your sentiments re: fireworks. I got roped in to a home demo on Sunday and am still recovering. This wasn't even factored in prior to the injury. It definitely takes a toll, although that is yet another tough pill to swallow.
Next year we will know better!

Grace