Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).


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Old 07-06-2016, 01:37 AM #1
hubajube25 hubajube25 is offline
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Default Does this sound like post-concussion related issues?

Hello -

First time poster so go easy on me. I am going to be heading to the dr. in the next few months regarding my 'condition,' but I wanted to start asking around to a broader community for some possible insights on what may be going on with me. Perhaps others may have experienced something like what I am wrangling with and can offer some hope to folks like me. What I detail out here seems like post concussion related symptoms, but obviously there may be more going on.

My history: I can think of one time playing JV football that I was concussed on a kickoff return when I was a freshman in HS (about 14 years old) I felt like I really wanted to impress the coaches so I would hit the other guy full bore, which I did, but paid the price in the process. My bell was rung, but it was probably on the milder side as far as concussions go. I kept playing but I recall not having my faculties about me and I had a splitting headache that evening and for the next few days. I remember my memory wasn't all there and slight disorientation. Aside from that, I don't recall any contact related concussions that stood out to me. I am now 41 years old by the way (yikes!).

Fast forward several years from this event when I recall playing racquetball with a friend of mine. I wasn't in any conditioned form at the time, but I wasn't really in bad shape either. I did NOT take any shots to the head nor did I crash into any walls, but I experienced the same sort of symptoms as I did when I was concussed. In this case, about 20 - 30 minutes after activity, I noticed my memory was compromised, I experienced disorientation and could not recall words from memory to complete a thought. This was the first time I recall having anything that resembled my symptoms from my JV football concussion.

These 'concussion events' would show up from time to time, and at least up until a few months ago, were seemingly as a result of an intense workout when I may have had some significant time off from the previous workout series. By time to time I mean 2 - 3 times per year. Now, a little bit about my health. Up until the last 12 months, I maintained a pretty aggressive workout schedule/routine. Sort of a home grown crossfit/HIIT for 3 - 4x per week. I typically jumped rope for at least 30 minutes then I would do some body weight exercises with little rest between for another 30 minutes. I am 6'1 and was under 190. I am now about 220 and due to life getting in the way, my work outs have completely stopped over the last 6 - 7 months.

After one of my bouts with the disorientation, memory loss, inability to recall basic words, followed by a dull headache for several days, I opted to go to my general practitioner to get his input. He felt it was more due to hydration during my workouts and that I needed to focus on ensuring I have plenty of H20 before, during and after my workouts. I can't say that it worked as these concussion related symptoms continued.

Fast forward to the last few months, punctuated by my most recent bout a few days ago. In the last two incidents, I was no where near exercise. As noted, I haven't been exercising which rules out the 'exertion' type concussion symptoms. In the first one, I was in a meeting with a colleague and I felt an episode coming on which was confirmed even further as time went on and I couldn't think straight. The second one was after I got back home shopping with my wife and was putting items back. We went in to put the kids to sleep as say nightly prayers, and I couldn't string a thought beyond two words. I tried very hard, but my brain stopped working. I stopped, told my wife, and struggled to described what I was feeling, but because I couldn't make a sentence that made sense, it was hard. My speech and the language actually came out fine, I just couldn't think.

Lastly, as I get a bit more astute in one of my episodes, they seem to start with an awareness that something isn't right. Just a slight feeling. My vision starts to feel a little wonky/blurred. The brain is still functioning, but I get something is happening. About 20 - 30 minutes in, my brain hits the thick mud and is slow to respond. Words fail, frustration and concern set in. After 20 - 30 minutes, my mind starts coming back. After about 3 hours, a dull headache sets in. These headaches are different than a normal tension headache. In a post episode headache type, the dull pain is there but subdued with normal, light activity. I barely notice it is there. But, if I shake my head moderately +, sneeze, or cough, the pain that comes on is rather intense. Tylenol/IBU/Advil won't touch this headache and it takes a few days until it slowly subsides.

Well, those are the basics. I am not sure it they are post concussion related, but the symptoms seem similar so that is my first inclination.

Sorry for the long thread and if you made it this far, maybe you have some wisdom to impart. I am a bit concerned, but not nearly as much as my wife. I really do appreciate any help y'all can offer.
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Old 07-06-2016, 11:24 AM #2
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
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hubajube25,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

At first glance, I don't think these events are related to your J/V concussion. Did you continue to play football and hit/tackle hard after your freshman year ?

Regarding the cognitive/memory issues, in many cases, when these are temporary manifestations of symptoms, they are related to anxiety. But, you don't note anything that would point that direction. They could be 'silent migraines.' These are migraines that have no or minimal pain but cause other neurological symptoms. The ability to speak correctly yet sense thought struggles is very odd. Usually, speech is impacted by thinking and the first symptom to manifest. In my case, I can know what I am trying to say but can't get the words to come out correctly.

The hydration issue may be valid.

I doubt you will get much interest from most doctors. They may do a Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) to check memory function. Maybe a CT Scan to rule out things that could be serious but are very unlikely. Docs like to over-use CT Scans to protect themselves from liability.

Something that may be worth doing would be a treadmill stress test with a MMSE before and after.

It might be worthwhile to take an aspirin 325 mgs, twice a day to see if thinning your blood makes a difference. Dehydration and other issues can make blood thick and reduce brain blood flow. But, that would usually be chronic, not sporadic.

A NeuroPsych Assessment could give you a thorough idea of your cognitive abilities. They are expensive and would usually require an MD to refer to the Neuro Psychologist.

The sporadic nature of these events is a challenge. Post Concussion Syndrome symptoms can be triggered by moments of anxiety.

Some would suggest keeping a journal with diet, sleep, stress events and exertion tracked. Journal keeping can backfire by causing too much focus on every little symptom. One can start to obsess over symptoms that may have been sporadic for years. Once we start focusing on these issues and even looking for them, they are bound to be noted.

So, now you have even more questions to consider. Nothing sounds serious so please do not obsess on these issues. You would be surprised to know how many of us live with these same symptoms and have for years without them being a major problem.

My best to you.
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Old 07-07-2016, 12:26 PM #3
Skeezyks Skeezyks is offline
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Hello hubajube25: Welcome to NeuroTalk! I'm still pretty new here too. I don't really have any insight to offer you with regard to what you are experiencing. From my perspective, this is really a job for medical professionals. I did note that you wrote you saw your GP. Personally, I think if I were having the difficulty you describe, I would be thinking seriously about seeing a neurologist soon. (Perhaps this is the type of doctor you mentioned you'll be seeing in the next few months?) It seems hard to imagine that all of the difficulties you describe would be caused by a concussion so many years ago. But that's just my uneducated personal opinion.

It is true, I believe, that it can sometimes be difficult for physicians to figure out specifically what is causing something such as you're experiencing. I have a few things I experience that I have chosen not to pursue medically. They're not all that serious in my case. And I doubt a physician would be able to find anything definitive. However, from what you wrote, it sounds to me as though you're having some serious difficulty. I send you my best wishes for full recovery.
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Old 07-19-2016, 09:20 PM #4
hubajube25 hubajube25 is offline
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Sorry for the ingratitude of posting and running. Was not my intent but life has most certainly got in the way. Humble apologies.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho View Post
hubajube25,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

At first glance, I don't think these events are related to your J/V concussion. Did you continue to play football and hit/tackle hard after your freshman year ?

I did play football through my junior year, but turned in my pads for lacrosse pads, not much better, I know. I don't recall too many other bell ringers, but not to say they didn't happen.

Regarding the cognitive/memory issues, in many cases, when these are temporary manifestations of symptoms, they are related to anxiety. But, you don't note anything that would point that direction. They could be 'silent migraines.' These are migraines that have no or minimal pain but cause other neurological symptoms. The ability to speak correctly yet sense thought struggles is very odd. Usually, speech is impacted by thinking and the first symptom to manifest. In my case, I can know what I am trying to say but can't get the words to come out correctly.

The hydration issue may be valid.

Thanks for that. Confession time: I drink Diet Dr. Pepper like water. Truth be told that most water I get is in the form of the ice I use in my drink of choice. No denial here. I got a problem with this one. My wife gets on me and I acknowledge I need to right this ship.

I doubt you will get much interest from most doctors. They may do a Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) to check memory function. Maybe a CT Scan to rule out things that could be serious but are very unlikely. Docs like to over-use CT Scans to protect themselves from liability.

Something that may be worth doing would be a treadmill stress test with a MMSE before and after.

It might be worthwhile to take an aspirin 325 mgs, twice a day to see if thinning your blood makes a difference. Dehydration and other issues can make blood thick and reduce brain blood flow. But, that would usually be chronic, not sporadic.

Good tip. I have popped some aspirin, but getting over 40 should begin making this more of a daily regimen.

A NeuroPsych Assessment could give you a thorough idea of your cognitive abilities. They are expensive and would usually require an MD to refer to the Neuro Psychologist.

The sporadic nature of these events is a challenge. Post Concussion Syndrome symptoms can be triggered by moments of anxiety.

Some would suggest keeping a journal with diet, sleep, stress events and exertion tracked. Journal keeping can backfire by causing too much focus on every little symptom. One can start to obsess over symptoms that may have been sporadic for years. Once we start focusing on these issues and even looking for them, they are bound to be noted.

So, now you have even more questions to consider. Nothing sounds serious so please do not obsess on these issues. You would be surprised to know how many of us live with these same symptoms and have for years without them being a major problem.

My best to you.
In talking to my mother who is something of a health freak, I passed along my symptoms. I must say that a bit more digging has uncovered the possibility of seizures. The list of symptoms describing epilepsy for example, does have some similarities here. I do need to start neurosurgeon shopping. If anyone in the Phoenix, AZ area has any recommendations, I am would be quite interested.

Thanks again for your time to address my concerns Mark. They are very helpful.
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Old 07-19-2016, 09:23 PM #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skeezyks View Post
Hello hubajube25: Welcome to NeuroTalk! I'm still pretty new here too. I don't really have any insight to offer you with regard to what you are experiencing. From my perspective, this is really a job for medical professionals. I did note that you wrote you saw your GP. Personally, I think if I were having the difficulty you describe, I would be thinking seriously about seeing a neurologist soon. (Perhaps this is the type of doctor you mentioned you'll be seeing in the next few months?) It seems hard to imagine that all of the difficulties you describe would be caused by a concussion so many years ago. But that's just my uneducated personal opinion.

It is true, I believe, that it can sometimes be difficult for physicians to figure out specifically what is causing something such as you're experiencing. I have a few things I experience that I have chosen not to pursue medically. They're not all that serious in my case. And I doubt a physician would be able to find anything definitive. However, from what you wrote, it sounds to me as though you're having some serious difficulty. I send you my best wishes for full recovery.
Thanks Skeezyks! Others share your concerns that it is more serious. It was tolerated before, but the last few episodes have me getting a bit more alarmed than I cared for in the past. Good luck to you and I wish you the best in health. Take care!
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Old 07-20-2016, 11:24 AM #6
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
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I don't see a reason for a neurosurgeon. A neurologist would be more appropriate. A neuropsychologist would also be worthwhile.

I agree that the Diet Dr Pepper needs to be moderated. Artificial sweeteners can be very problematic. The caffeine content can be a problem, too.

I have had periods of post trauma seizures. My doctor says they are not epilepsy. I would have moments where my recall was nil and other thought processes were a struggle. But, I was also having absence seizures (petit-mal was the term at the time).

There is symptom overlap with many conditions so thinking about epilepsy based on an overlap of symptoms is not wise.

Stress can cause a PCS compromised brain to have recall struggles. Startle can cause it too. Too much stimulation can cause it.

The only thing we do about it is realize there is a trigger and try to avoid the trigger or know our recall will be poor during those times.
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