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Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS). |
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07-16-2015, 11:43 AM | #1 | ||
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Junior Member
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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.
__________________
-First TBI in 2011. Iron cellar door closed on my head. Undiagnosed PCS, and was unaware of anything regarding TBI at the time. -2nd TBI in August, 2014. Fell skateboarding and hit head on pavement. -3rd TBI in November, 2014. Hit in the head at work with a dish rack with full strength by a large employee. CT scan normal. Diagnosed mTBI, PCS, PTSD, migraine with aura, and chronic depression. Symptoms have included: quite severe visual disorders, hearing loss in left ear, lethargy, brain fog, dizziness, disordered sleep, hallucinations and "exploding head syndrome", neck and shoulder pain, migraines, headaches, loss of emotions, all forms of cognitive deficiency, loss of reading/verbal ability, sound/light sensitivity, anxiety, panic attacks. Most notably are a general loss of identity and the disillusionment with the world accompanying trauma. But on the other hand, a new and heightened awareness of the nature of self, others, and of suffering itself. -As of December, 2015, am still experiencing visual disturbances, memory and speech problems, balance, sensitivity and overstimulation issues, along with the trickier to pinpoint cognitive changes, but feel that I am no longer clawing my way through a waking hell, so feel much better about being alive. Hallucinations and panic attacks are gone (thank God!), getting much better at reading and writing, and remembering/planning my daily tasks. Hopeful for further recovery, but thankful to be at least at 50%. |
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07-16-2015, 11:55 AM | #2 | ||
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Legendary
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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 ? |
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07-16-2015, 12:00 PM | #3 | ||
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Junior Member
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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.
__________________
-First TBI in 2011. Iron cellar door closed on my head. Undiagnosed PCS, and was unaware of anything regarding TBI at the time. -2nd TBI in August, 2014. Fell skateboarding and hit head on pavement. -3rd TBI in November, 2014. Hit in the head at work with a dish rack with full strength by a large employee. CT scan normal. Diagnosed mTBI, PCS, PTSD, migraine with aura, and chronic depression. Symptoms have included: quite severe visual disorders, hearing loss in left ear, lethargy, brain fog, dizziness, disordered sleep, hallucinations and "exploding head syndrome", neck and shoulder pain, migraines, headaches, loss of emotions, all forms of cognitive deficiency, loss of reading/verbal ability, sound/light sensitivity, anxiety, panic attacks. Most notably are a general loss of identity and the disillusionment with the world accompanying trauma. But on the other hand, a new and heightened awareness of the nature of self, others, and of suffering itself. -As of December, 2015, am still experiencing visual disturbances, memory and speech problems, balance, sensitivity and overstimulation issues, along with the trickier to pinpoint cognitive changes, but feel that I am no longer clawing my way through a waking hell, so feel much better about being alive. Hallucinations and panic attacks are gone (thank God!), getting much better at reading and writing, and remembering/planning my daily tasks. Hopeful for further recovery, but thankful to be at least at 50%. |
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07-16-2015, 12:13 PM | #4 | ||
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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.
__________________
Injury: March 2014. Hit hard on top of head by heavy metal farm tool. LOC. MRIs and Cat Scans clear. PCS ever since. 33 year old female. Trying to stay positive! Persisting Problems: fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, vestibular balance and vision problems, vision static, tinnitus, hearing loss, slight sensitivity to noise, sometimes the insomnia comes back, sensitivity to stress, exercise intolerance, emotional problems - But I still have much to be thankful for. |
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07-16-2015, 03:06 PM | #5 | ||
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Junior Member
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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.
__________________
-First TBI in 2011. Iron cellar door closed on my head. Undiagnosed PCS, and was unaware of anything regarding TBI at the time. -2nd TBI in August, 2014. Fell skateboarding and hit head on pavement. -3rd TBI in November, 2014. Hit in the head at work with a dish rack with full strength by a large employee. CT scan normal. Diagnosed mTBI, PCS, PTSD, migraine with aura, and chronic depression. Symptoms have included: quite severe visual disorders, hearing loss in left ear, lethargy, brain fog, dizziness, disordered sleep, hallucinations and "exploding head syndrome", neck and shoulder pain, migraines, headaches, loss of emotions, all forms of cognitive deficiency, loss of reading/verbal ability, sound/light sensitivity, anxiety, panic attacks. Most notably are a general loss of identity and the disillusionment with the world accompanying trauma. But on the other hand, a new and heightened awareness of the nature of self, others, and of suffering itself. -As of December, 2015, am still experiencing visual disturbances, memory and speech problems, balance, sensitivity and overstimulation issues, along with the trickier to pinpoint cognitive changes, but feel that I am no longer clawing my way through a waking hell, so feel much better about being alive. Hallucinations and panic attacks are gone (thank God!), getting much better at reading and writing, and remembering/planning my daily tasks. Hopeful for further recovery, but thankful to be at least at 50%. |
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07-16-2015, 03:12 PM | #6 | ||
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Legendary
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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. Last edited by Lara; 07-16-2015 at 03:27 PM. |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | mrsD (07-16-2015) |
07-16-2015, 05:39 PM | #7 | ||
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Junior Member
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Ah haha,
Well thank you for writing anyway, and good morning!
__________________
-First TBI in 2011. Iron cellar door closed on my head. Undiagnosed PCS, and was unaware of anything regarding TBI at the time. -2nd TBI in August, 2014. Fell skateboarding and hit head on pavement. -3rd TBI in November, 2014. Hit in the head at work with a dish rack with full strength by a large employee. CT scan normal. Diagnosed mTBI, PCS, PTSD, migraine with aura, and chronic depression. Symptoms have included: quite severe visual disorders, hearing loss in left ear, lethargy, brain fog, dizziness, disordered sleep, hallucinations and "exploding head syndrome", neck and shoulder pain, migraines, headaches, loss of emotions, all forms of cognitive deficiency, loss of reading/verbal ability, sound/light sensitivity, anxiety, panic attacks. Most notably are a general loss of identity and the disillusionment with the world accompanying trauma. But on the other hand, a new and heightened awareness of the nature of self, others, and of suffering itself. -As of December, 2015, am still experiencing visual disturbances, memory and speech problems, balance, sensitivity and overstimulation issues, along with the trickier to pinpoint cognitive changes, but feel that I am no longer clawing my way through a waking hell, so feel much better about being alive. Hallucinations and panic attacks are gone (thank God!), getting much better at reading and writing, and remembering/planning my daily tasks. Hopeful for further recovery, but thankful to be at least at 50%. |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | Lara (07-16-2015) |
07-16-2015, 10:03 PM | #8 | |||
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Junior Member
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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. |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | Beelzebore92 (07-17-2015) |
07-17-2015, 12:16 PM | #9 | ||
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Member
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Quote:
I hope it helps Beelze!
__________________
Injury: March 2014. Hit hard on top of head by heavy metal farm tool. LOC. MRIs and Cat Scans clear. PCS ever since. 33 year old female. Trying to stay positive! Persisting Problems: fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, vestibular balance and vision problems, vision static, tinnitus, hearing loss, slight sensitivity to noise, sometimes the insomnia comes back, sensitivity to stress, exercise intolerance, emotional problems - But I still have much to be thankful for. |
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07-18-2015, 04:33 AM | #10 | ||
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Member
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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.
__________________
Concussion 28-02-2014 head butted a door edge. . Symptoms overcome: Nausea, head pressure, debilitating fatigue, jelly legs, raised pulse rate, night sweats, restlessness, depersonalisation, anxiety, neck ache, depression. Symptoms left: Disturbed sleep, some residual tinnitus. Last edited by SuperElectric; 07-18-2015 at 04:34 AM. Reason: poor grammar |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | Beelzebore92 (07-19-2015), Lara (07-18-2015) |
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