I have had 4 concussions, 3 in under three years and 2 were within 8 months. The last 3 were due to passing out, which I tend to do if I have nausea. The reason for this is being worked on by seeing a neurologist, and ENT, and my primary care doc, since none of them have any idea why this happens. So anyway, after this last one (happened in March), it wasn't resolving fast enough according to primary care doc (I asked how long it should take and he didn't know). From there went to neurologist had neck and brain MRIs. I have issues on my right side is where I hit my head and the nerve in my right arm is being affected by an issue with my neck BUT the scans came back normal and I was told I don't have PCS. However, when I talk to the nurse or doc they make it sound like it do (nothing like making me more confused). I also tick virtually every box for PCS.

I know one of the symptoms that have been found with PCS is that it can cause psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety. I have had both for a very long time and the day after I fell I had an anxiety attack. Both conditions seem to be kicking into high gear since the fall. When I've asked if the concussion could exacerbate my conditions I'm told no but it seems like they don't really know.

Has anybody else run into this? To me it seems if it can cause the condition why is it impossible for it to bother existing conditions?

Sorry for the wordiness.
Thanks

KathrynR,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

You have been dealing with some misunderstanding about concussions. There is no standard recovery time. Most, some say 85%, recover in the first 6 weeks. The rest are all over the map. Primary care docs are usually clueless, as you have experienced.

YES, concussion can make anxiety and depression much worse and easier to trigger. Sensitivity to stimulation often triggers anxiety reactions. Sounds, voices, lights, other visual stimulation/clutter, and such can over-stimulate the brain and kick it into a fight, flight or freeze response.

Your neck issue is what I call a subtle neck injury. They do not show up on most imaging but they are real. The treatment is simple. Treat the neck as if it is injured and see if there are improvements. One treatment is to have a physical therapist do some gentle traction and mobilization, followed by icing.

Most important is your posture discipline, especially when you are resting or sleeping. Maintaining a straight head and neck position can be a challenge but is worth the effort. It can take weeks and even months to see improvement as the ligaments need to strengthen and tighten.

Chiropractors can help if they use gentle techniques. No twist the head and pop the neck. That is too aggressive for most. Some find an Upper Cervical Chiro can help. Check the Vitamins sticky at the top for links to Upper Cervical chiros.

Regarding your syncope (fainting), you could have a vasovagal dysfunction. They can be random and hard to diagnose. Some have cervical issues than cause a sudden dip in vertebral blood flow with a head/neck movement. Are you truly just nauseous at the events or is it also some vertigo that leads to nausea ? Inner ear issues can be the starting point. Has the ENT tried the Epley maneuver ?

I have to be careful when I start a movement from rest. Too many directions of movement at the same time can lead to a splat on the floor. I have to initiate movement more carefully. If I am getting up from a chair, I have to move/lean forward then move vertically/stand up in 2 separate movements.

You say you tick every box for PCS. What other symptoms are you struggling with most ?

Headaches, sensitivity to light, irritability/mood and anxiety are at levels that they haven't been at in a long time, balance issues, nausea, dizziness, focus/concentration are off, sleep issues I'm trying to think of everything.

Now I know that the mood issues, problems with concentration. problems with sleep are all also symptoms that go along with my depression and anxiety, however they're more prevalent than they have been in a long time. I've had multiple anxiety attacks since it happened (one the day after). So, this is making me wonder if the concussion contributed to this increase in symptoms.

The current thoughts being thrown around about the fainting are fluctuations in blood pressure and middle ear problems. I've had the problem for a long time. Usually paired with nausea. If I'm nauseaous then I start feeling like I'm going to pass out. If the dizziness starts first, nausea is not far behind. I'm on 2 meds just for those issues but I dont have any diagnosis.

These past couple of months have been quite a ride.

There are a lot of things you can do to moderate your symptoms by moderating your environment and activities. Concussion does magnify all of your pre-existing conditions so things you thought you were dealing with are now overwhelming you.

Many who never had problems with depression or anxiety, especially anxiety, have serious problems with them after the concussion.

Do you take any meds for your anxiety and depression?
What do you do to moderate your depression and anxiety?

Many have experienced the ride you have experienced over the past few months. Unfortunately, even if you have a good recovery, chances are you will still have a predisposition to relapses to this roller coaster ride when triggered by a fall, illness, emotional stress and such. Learning all of the coping skills, moderations, and such will benefit you long term.

The most important skill to learn is the discipline to stop to think. That means reducing the stimuli and distractions so you can focus on the task or thoughts at hand. We cannot function in the busy and chaotic environment that was the norm in the past. I had to stop, close my eyes and turn off any sounds to think. That took over a year to get past. I still need to stop to think.

If you have some situations where you struggle, feel free to share them and maybe we have some insights.

My best to you.