This is my first post, so I will first of all introduce my history with PCS and then come to the acute problem.

I had a minor concussion last year in June by being hit on the back of my head hard.
Except for nausea all acute symptoms matched, however concussion was never officially diagnosed, so I also went right back to school without any rest.

The symptoms following me for now a year were constant headache on both temporals, but not always the most severe, difficulties concentrating, also having problems finding the right words, dizziness, fatigue, difficulties recognizing my whole environment, light sensitivity as well as sometimes sound sensitivity accompanied by short sudden hearing loss and tinnitus.

To treat all that I made 30 minutes naps in the noon, used magnesium as well and I take a pill that includes the follwowing, after my breakfast:
Bacopa monnieri (Bragmi), Sieritis scardica, Vit. B5 18mg, Vit. B6 20mg, Vit. B9 400 ug, Cobalamin 500 ug, zinc 1,5mg and additionally Vit. D3 1000 i.E.
A blood picture was made with deficite in Vit. D3 (25-OH-Vitamin-D3), and Vitamin B12 was in gray area. Also I had 6 seassions with a physiotherapist, which hasn't helped at all, maybe it was just not specific enough for my problems. I started jogging for 40 mins last october, I was always exhausted afterwards for longer than normal people might need to get out of their exhaustion, but on the long run I assume it has helped.

First major improvements were seen from April on and after I had done one week of physical and psychical rest in the beginning of June (according to the following study: **) together with taking those Vitamin B's, I felt gradually better and also I didn't need my nap in the noon anymore, as well all other symptoms were not so severe any longer.

However then sleeping problems started, I woke up in the nigth and it was difficult to fall asleep again, resulting after ~1.5 weeks in increased dizziness and tiredness. I then also got an infection with light fever up to 38.6°C (101.48° F). With that all symptoms worsened again esp. fatigue and after over 5 weeks I still feel terrible. Blood was again checked with no evidence.
In the beginning I was also given antibiotics without having a blood pircture and probably it was tortally unnecessary. Could this be a reason for my bad status, too?

What should I do to get back to my preinfectional status?

Does anybody know good doctors in the area of Bavaria in Germany for PCS related problems?

Thank you so much for our help.

Concus,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Increasing your B vitamins can help strengthen your immune system. Your gray area B-12 is likely meaning at the low end of the healthy range. Many with PCS need to be at the top or above the high end, 1000 pcgms/mL. D3 would be the same. There are two forms of cobalamin, cyano and methyl. Methyl is better. I'm surprised a supplement with nootropics (Bacopa monnieri) would be so low in B vitamins. A good daily dose of anti-oxidants (C and E) can help, too.

Basic immune support diet and reducing stress should help you get back to normal. It is near impossible to find a doctor who is willing to recognize or treat such minor symptoms. They are more likely to throw anti-anxiety or antidepressants at you.

Resolving your sleep issues can be a big help. Napping during the day is not helpful, even if you concussion was recent. Sleep rest is not highly recommended by the experts. Mild, low stress stimulation is more important.

Mark, thank you very much for your help, it means so much after having gone through this for over one year alone.

My sleeping problems started, when I wasn't having nor needing a nap in the noon. Those sleeping problems, that I wake up in the night, also do not any longer exist since that infection, it is now that I could sleep for very long and again feel the need for a nap in the noon. Should one give in to these needs and when feeling the need to do the nap, it is really that bad to do one (I don't really fall asleep in thise 30 minutes)?

The link for the study was unfortunately removed, it's called "Examining prescribed rest as treatment for adolescents who are slow to recover from concussion", you can find the study on the servers of the University Of Delaware. What is your opinion to that treatment measure? Initially it has helped me, until those sleeping problems started.

The study only pertains to the first week to ten days. It does not apply to later recovery periods.

I wonder if your feeling you need a nap or rest is a response to over-stimulation or otherwise overdoing it. Short periods of cognitive rest can be helpful. Simply closing your eyes for a few minutes and listening to no stressful music or other audio stimulation can be a big help. It does not mean you need to sleep. You mind may just need a short break.

Sometimes, just a change of task or environment can do the trick.

Concus,

sorry to hear about your struggle. I had setbacks every time after an infection.
Never fou d out why.

I live in Rheinland-Pfalz close to Trier and still, after over two years I have not found a doctor who knows anything about PCS.

Are you an american living in Germany?

Anja

Thank you both for your replies.

No I am German. I once talked to a doctor when doing psychological assesment, who at least stated that my struggle could be due to the concussion, but he never included this into his report. As I am still under 18, you might probably not be able to get an appointment at his office, as he is into pediatrics, nor did I try to get another one for myself.

I know of a center for headache in Munich, maybe you could try to get further help there.

To be honest, I am a little bit concerned to also have got Chronic Fatigue Syndrome now, as I am in the 6th week after initial infection and still feel bodily and mentally very exhausted. I still sleep very long hours and now do real breaks in the noon, where I fall asleep, which I before was never able to.

Does the same also account for you after an infection.

I will write you a private message in German

I think private message is not yet activated for me because I am a new member in the forums.