Head & other pain
 

Headaches have been a Big problem for me. Immmediately after the head injury accident ( I was struck in head when wheelchair lift on van malfunctioned) the worst pain was trauma area-top left side of head. but soon developed "other" headaches. Pain is constant, but vary in severity; mostly back of head, that goes into neck/cervical spine but at times will radiate up thruout head to temporal area and become what I've known as migraines.
Neurologist feels are complex migraines and wanted to treat w/ Botox (while waiting to see if insurance would approve, have been researching botox; seems could be beneficial but expensive) I've also had some strange episodes that manifested as stroke w/ paralysis, speech problems & more. DX: Hemiplegic migraine, a rare type of complex migraine.

The "other" headaches continue--one DR. thought were resulting from cervical spine injury from accident. Recommmeded going to neuro-surgeon & treat w/ pain meds . Prescribed Toradol -prn

another DR (rehab/physiatrist) prescribed anti-convulsant meds used to prevent headaches. Tried topamax (which I used years ago & did help migraines then) but I couldn't tolerate it this time. He also tried some other meds (for neuropathic pain) but many side f/x. Seems I've developed many sensitivies since TBi

I went to new pain mgt DR; she validated PCS Dx & agreed there are problems w/ cervical spine but focused treatment on spasms. Prescribed combo of Fiorecet ( which I had but was taking PRN-not daily-when headaches worsened. DR said take it 3 times day) also Soma, & Ativan. I had muscle relaxants which I'd taken PRN but again DR said must take regularly. At f/u appt last week Fiorect was d/c since it didn't seem to be helping & also stopped Ativan. said continue Soma & added Valium.

I still have headaches, and fall asleep if sit down. But can't sleep when I go to bed. at nite I'm having more spasms, and also neuropathic pain esp. Burning.

I do have neuro issues & chronic pain disorders. those problems began after accident when I was hit by car 12 yrs ago (TBi & other injurys)... but since last injury 8 mths ago --worse. Pre-existing problems exacerbated & new ones emerged.

the first few months after last accident were very difficult. I was so dysfunctional, cognitive & perceptual problems, emotionally volitile & more. then went thru a period of improvement. then problems came back. It's been up & down since ...... presently in a "down"....

Have appt. w/ neuro this week, will see what he thinks... I'm also looking into some more "alternative" non drug treatmts, like Syntonics.

2 months and a week since concussion. Unfortunately, I did not take care of myself the first week and am I ever paying for it. Current symptoms include (others have gone away fore the time being)...

1. wierd Headaches/feeling on one side of head
2. major concentration problems
3. unbearable fatigue
4. memory is not great
5. feel dull
6. anxiety

I am a law student in my last semester of law school. I have to postpone graduation, which really sucks. I am sure there are other cognitive disturbances that I can't put my finger on and describe. I will let you all know what they are as I attempt to finish my degree.

PCSVICTIM

Have you been to a neurologist about the headaches.

If not please go see one. It might be that you also need a MRI.

I am hoping things slow down with the cognitive issues, and the fatigue.

IT sometimes helps if you can take it one day at a time, and really
try to rest when you need to.

I"m just past the one year and one month point of my PCS. And
I can say that I'm starting to have a better year. Its because I've
been in PT for my central Abnormalities that have been with me
for life though. I am glad that the things that I've been dealing with
that helped lead to my concussion and pcs lead me to seek help
with my other issues. So that hopefully I wont have anymore of
those issues too.

ITs really strange to know that there is a reason for my balance and
vertigo problems.

Donna

Thanks Donna for the encouragement. I do need to rest and take it one day at a time.

Yes, I have been to a neurologist and had an MRI. The neurologist said the headaches weren't life threatening b/c my MRI was normal. I am going to get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon that is a friend of the family. I am also going to see a neuropsychiatrist to see if I can take anything for my attention problems.

You also need to see a different neuro. One that specializes in headaches
would be preferred. The one you saw was a idiot.

Tell him, if you ever see him/her again, that if it weren't for the fact it
hurt and was hard to live with you wouldn't have came to spend the money
or been there.

Idiot is too nice a word.

Donna

Also Post-Concussion
 

Hi, thanks all of you for sharing your stories. I received a strong blow in the head a little over a month ago, got what I now see is called a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury considering my symptoms (I never lost consciousness and there was no bone fracture). A post fell in my head at a dinner party, a sharp wind came suddenly and lifted the canvas the post was holding up and it fell right on the back of my head, just about an inch from the center of my head (the Dr said I was very lucky). It was very sudden and totally unexpected. I don't drink alcohol so that wasn't a factor. The doctors were not very helpful in letting me know what to expect, and I've been having all sorts of symptoms. Today it is a light-headed feeling with also strong pressure in the right side of my head (the side of the blow), sometimes the pressure is in all of my head and it gets worse if I lay down. I also get that hang-over feeling every morning, that makes it difficult to get out of bed, sometimes I wish I could just stay there all day. In my bad days, I get some ringing in my ears, and I find it hard to concentrate, but not impossible, and some things are hard to remember at some moments. Other days, I feel almost ok except in the mornings. Also some days my eyelids get all bloated, others get that symptom too? At the emotional level, I get some anxiety and sad feelings, and a strong urge to make radical changes in my life. I was told the symptoms could last for a few months or up to a year, but I seen in some of your histories that some of you have had symptoms for years now, which is a bit discouraging. Anyway, thanks for your attention.

My best advice to you is to rest, don't drink any caffine, surround yourself with love ones who *try* to understrand and will take care of you, eat right, and take your vitamins. I also had a head injury where I did not pass out(Ialso did not have a problem remembering the event). I must have exacerbated it the first week the doctors have said...so here I am, I am still having problems two months later. The good news is that I was a lot worse a month ago. By the way, your headaches sound similar to mine except mine are on the left side. Go see a neurologist as soon as possible if u haven't already.