Hello,

Would like to share last night's story.

For the past few months I have been diligently working at the balancing act. Reducing cognitive stimulation, reducing stress and anxiety while staying busy and physically active, getting enough sleep and trying to stay on top of my nutritional needs.

I have visited a massage therapist on occasion, but since my worker's comp case is stalled I haven't sought any other treatments due to cost. My former employer has not responded to my WC case worker's requests. Despite lack of much treatment, I had been feeling progressively better over the past few weeks.

This past week had been especially hot and humid in New York. I have found the humidity to be the greatest obstacle to my recovery so far. It impedes my will and ability to get up and move around. I remain in my small, 8x12 room with an air conditioner running for most of the day. It also runs while I sleep. The noise is terrible, even whilst wearing ear plugs. It wakes me multiple times in the middle of the night, and in the morning I feel rattled by its overbearing hum. The alternative is to not sleep, and just lay in soupy sweat day and night.

Then, the the other day I started having neck pain again (which had subsided over the previous few weeks), followed by odd yawning fits. I'd begin yawning, and would yawn again every 30 seconds. This went on for hours. The next day, the yawning continued for almost the entire day. Yesterday, the yawning began again in the morning, went away around 4:00 pm, and returned around 6:00 pm.

By last night, I had yawned so many times that my jaw and neck were immensely sore from the stretching. I went into a panic, feeling stiff and like I could not get my breath. I tried every technique I have practiced over these last 8 months, hoping to establish a calm. Ended up riding the panic for 2 hours. I went to sleep around 10:00 pm, totally spent, and woke up at 2:30am with my jaw clenched and my tongue raw from scraping against teeth. I went right back into a panic. My emotions were out of control, I felt completely lost. I fell asleep again around 6:00 this morning, and today, feel like I have been hit by a train.

Couldn't find any other post or information regarding uncontrollable yawning. I wonder if anyone has heard of this.

Yawning is usually tied to low oxygen levels. Taking a few deep breaths may help. You also may be unconsciously holding your breath. Your mouth issues can be related to anxiety.

Are you taking any meds ?

Hi Mark,

I thought so too, and is exactly what I tried to do. I've been doing breathing exercises since day one of this injury, and have averted dozens of panics through deep breathing, but for whatever reason, this yawning thing would not let up.

I am not on any meds, though was prescribed them early on when I saw a psychiatrist.

Hi Beelze

I had yawning fits earlier on in my recovery too. It was very strange, I could not stop it. I also felt as if I could not get enough air into my lungs no matter how deeply I breathed. I'm sorry, I don't have an explanation for the yawning fits, but I just chalked it off as another one of those weird things that comes with PCS and hoped it would eventually go away, which it did. I haven't had that happen in several months.

I also think one thing may have helped. I realized at some point in my recovery that my sinuses were constantly blocked even though my nose seemed like it was clear. It wasn't until I went in for lymph drainage therapy and she did some work on my nose and face that I realized how blocked my breathing was. After she cleared my nose and sinuses, it was like I could breath again. After that I no longer had that feeling of not getting enough air, and the yawning subsided a while after.

Maybe you could try a home remedy for sinus clearing? Not sure, but just a suggestion.

Take care.

RollerCoaster,

Ah hah!

This is doubly helpful. Firstly because it is a relief to hear that this is not some freak manifestation unheard of or seen by anyone else. But secondly because I DO have sinus issues. And the recent humidity could be potentiating them. So, going to try a sinus remedy first thing and keep watch for further yawning. Much obliged for your sharing.

May be totally unrelated in your case as I don't know if you're taking any medications but some medications can cause excessive yawning too. e.g. SSRIs . There are many abstracts in PubMed relating to this. Just thought I'd mention it.

Sorry, too early in the morning... I just reread your posts above and you say you're not taking any meds.

Ah haha,

Well thank you for writing anyway, and good morning!

Chronic yawning is often a sign of an upcoming awful migraine for me.

I did the nasal deal... Nedi Pod or Pot something like that, to be honest I am too lazy to go read the box right now LOL I have ran around wayyyyy too much today. It worked really well, in my opinion.

I hope it helps Beelze!

Hey, Beelzebore92 we both have skateboard injuries, I had two head impacts in my late teens which only now I'm beginning to realise had an effect on me.

I think your problem is rooted in anxiety, the common PCS symptom to nearly all concussions. That is why you are waking with clenched teeth and having trouble getting your breath. Yawning cools the brain so I would guess the neck inflammation is restricting blood flow somehow. I would make sure you keep good posture and not be slumped over a computer like I am at the moment. Gentle neck exercises might help but go easy.

Some on here, including me, have found relief in meditation and deep breathing exercises, basically taking yourself out of your situation and giving your brain time to empty itself of thoughts. Normally we spend a fair bit of time thinking of nothing, our brain just idling, PCS makes us think/worry constantly and it tires the brain.