I am an academic working at a European university. I apologize for writing a way too long text. I guess academics really aren’t good in writing straight to the point. Anyways, here is my story:

Until this summer I was pretty much the healthiest person in the world (at least I felt this way). Then, in July, I tripped over a root while running. I fell and hit my head. I think the impact was quite significant although I don’t think I was unconscious (at least not for more than a couple of seconds). For a couple of days, I did not feel particularly funny – just had strong pains in my shoulder. After about three days things changed dramatically. I first noted a significant headache in response to vibrations while cycling. This is when I first thought I might have head a concussion. Then a range of funny symptoms started to kick in.

- A strong fatigue, at the beginning I felt I could not walk for a couple of hundred meters
- A double vision, which initially made it impossible to read on the computer (as I am wearing glasses it is now a bit better)
- A strange feeling of dizziness / light-headedness, sometimes similar to sea sickness
- Breathing difficulties, as if I had to concentrate to breath normally

After seeing various doctors and doing various tests (all normal) I ended up talking to a doctor at the local university hospital who told me that I was most likely suffering from a post-concussion syndrome. He told me to take it easy workwise (I could not work anyway, so this way an easy recommendation) and, do yoga, autogenic training, go for walks and runs (essentially impossible as I was feeling too weak).

It got a bit better in October, when I went back to work. But it got worse again in November. Since then I am on sick leave. I had an operation in December to remove a cyst in my sinus (was accidently discovered on an MRT scan). Since then I have been going for short runs. I have also started doing yoga. I am feeling physically a bit better. The fatigue isn’t as strong it used to be, although my arms and legs still feel weak and not normal. Sensitivity to noise and light got much better (almost normal now I would say).

However, I am still seriously struggling with trying to do work (which is essentially all about writing codes and papers – or teaching in the classroom). As soon as I work on the computer for a while, the dizziness keeps coming back and I start feeling really funny (there is a kind of pressure in my head). Even the breathing issues then tend to come back. I cannot tell how annoying this is. I am getting really nervous as this has been going on for so long now.

The most frustrating part is not to know how long it will last and what I can do to support the recovery. Also, I am wondering whether this all can really be due to a post-concussion syndrome, or whether it is more likely to be something else? From talking to doctors I feel that the PCS is not very well understood, so I would value very much your opinion.

BTW – some people have suggested that I may be suffering from a depression. I am extremely frustrated about my incapacity to live my normal life, but other than this I don’t feel depressed. I love my job and I am motivated to do on with my research. Things with family and friends are also all well.

PSTAR,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

It does sound like you are suffering from PCS. It also sounds like you are having small anxiety attacks. You may be suffering bouts of depression. This is all common to PCS. The anxiety attacks are often caused by your brain when it has become over-stimulated. This can cause one to feel out of breath. You could also be going through periods of apnea where you stop breathing subconsciously. You then become short of breath and start breathing again.

The depression can manifest from the heavy workload your brain is under. It could handle this work load when healthy but at its diminished capacity, that work load causes a mental depression. Your emotional environment can be good and still be depression.

The first thing I recommend is reading the Vitamins sticky at the top. The struggling brain needs additional nutrition. B-12, a B-50 Complex, D-3, fish oil, magnesium, and the usual anti-oxidants all help the brain flush the toxic waste from the concussion and slowly rebuilt the myelin around the nerve tissue.

The anesthesia for the sinus surgery likely delayed your recovery a bit. Anesthesia puts a toxic load on the brain that needs to be cleared.

It might help to try fLuz to change how you computer screen looks. Changing the color temp can help. Computer screen work is a common struggle with PCS.

It might help to see a behavioral optometrist or rehabilitation optometrist. You may need prisms and/or tints while your brain recovers.

The apnea could be caused by an upper neck injury. They can be subtle with no sense of pain but still cause inflammation that disrupts the signals to breath. You should work on head and neck discipline when you sleep or rest. Straight posture is good.

It can take some time to see improvements. Try to be patient. frustration and anxiety about recover are counter to supporting recovery. Nobody can prognose your recovery time.

Feel free to tell us or ask us anything. We've heard it all before.

My best to you.

Mark -
thanks so much for taking the time time to read my story and to reply so constructively. I really value your suggestions!

Pstar,

Sounds familiar...like my story.

Bud

I can relate to this too. I feel at the end of September and have been off work since then. I tired to return full time on Monday only to end up back at the doctor on Thursday with horrible dizziness. I am just like you. When I work on the computer too much, I end up very very dizzy. If I keep going, I end up with a massive headache and dizziness. It's not fun. I'm taking a couple of sick days and then going back to restricted hours - 2 hours a day. I hope that will be better.

I am a very busy escrow officer and work with figures all day. Problem solving and working under extreme deadlines are the norm for my job. I wonder all the time if I will ever feel normal again. I have been reassured that it takes time and to not push it. Easier said then done, but I'm trying to take that to heart.

Hang in there. You're not alone.

Still,

Hang in there...my accident was 20 months ago. If you would have told me 15 months ago when PCS really hit the fan that today would have some normalcy to it I wouldn't have believed it. It does take time but the body does want to heal.

Best to you.

Bud

Thank you, Bud. I'm a tough cookie. I've been through a lot in my life and overcome lots of obstacles. I'm not letting this beat me. 20 mos? Wow.... That puts things in perspective. Patience, wisdom, listening to one's body, and attitude seem to be the key to all of this. I really appreciate the support. I finally don't feel alone. Best to you too.

StillNotNormal and Bud,
thanks for your replies.
it really helps hearing your experiences. because the PCS is so hard to grasp hearing from people with similar experiences is reassuring, especially hearing that eventually it can get better.
for me it's has been getting worse over the past days. dizziness and headaches now kick in after a couple of minutes at the computer already, so essentially I cant do anything. also the respiratory issues are getting worse.
you seem to be tough guys. I'll try to be similarly strong, though it's not easy...

Oh PSTAR trust me when I say I have my moments. I broke down the other day, just sobbed, out of frustration and the sheer fact that I just felt awful. I'm used to multi-tasking like a champ. I used to handle deadlines no problem and work under the gun all day long. Now? I couldn't even follow funding conditions when I went back to work. I can't believe that I am going to have to start at 2 hours a day when I go back and that I won't even be able to even think about doing any figures. It's unbelievable to me, but here I am.

I don't feel strong. What I feel is determined. I'm not going to let this beat me. No way. So yesterday, I did nothing and you know what, today I feel better. That's one good day. I'm going to keep staying away from reading and the computer (this is an exception) today in hopes of having two good days in a row. I'm going to keep my head up and keep fighting and keep believing that it will get better and I will recover. There is no other option. My mind is injured but it is still powerful, and what I believe I will achieve.

Keep fighting the good fight. Baby steps. One good day at a time. We'll both get there.

Pstar,

Not real sure about me being strong.

I have 2 things that have kept me going...God and family so I latched onto them.

You will find your motivation.

Bud