Hi all,

Sorry for another post like this. I guess I just really need some kind of peace of mind because I'm so worried about what comes next.

Last July 2016 I suffered a concussion from falling over a shoe in my room and hit the back of my head on my dresser. I went to work for a few days after and realized that I was not in good shape so did 2 weeks of cognitive rest. I developed PCS and was back to almost normal in November 2016.

In January this year, 2017, I suffered another concussion by knocking the back of my head on a desk. I took cognitive rest immediately and was fortunate enough to get sent to vestibular therapy this time. I was back to work and back on my feet by late March.

One week ago, I tripped over my curtains and the curtain rod came down and hit the back of my head in the same area. I remember thinking that it was a light hit and in no way could have caused the problem. It fell from about 10 ft though so it had momentum. Right away I was ANXIOUS so I felt foggy but kept telling myself I was fine. All week I powered through - I felt a little foggy and out of it but drank a few times and went to a concert and was ok, and just kept telling myself it was in my head. On Friday about 5 days after the incident, I started having awful migraine headaches. For two days now, I've hardly been able to get out of bed as the pain is so bad and I just feel so foggy. I keep telling myself it could be my anxiety but I don't know whether it is or if I should actually be concerned at this point and slow my life down again. I really can't do this again and am unsure if it was a concussion or not as symptoms started right after but I was so anxious and awful symptoms started about 5 days later.

I don't know where to go from here - any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Jessinthewilderness,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

In my opinion and experience, all of the recent events combined to trigger a relapse. The drinking and concert combined with your history were enough to set you into a downward spiral of a return of symptoms.

Headaches can be triggered by too much stimulation, anxiety, or a subtle trauma to the upper neck or a combination of the three. Cognitive rest is basically a respite from stimulation. The concert was the extreme opposite.

I suggest you get some quiet rest and seek a physical therapist or gentle chiropractor to see if your neck needs some treatment. Sleeping and resting with a good straight head and neck posture will also be important.

Many of us have learned we need to moderate activities like concerts and drinking to give our brains a break. We may be able to tolerate one activity but not two or three. You need to find your tolerance level. It may affect you for some time before you regain your tolerance.

Thank you, Mark. I've been taking it easy all weekend, I'm just exhausted and am really scared for what is to come. I feel like I've put my entire life on hold so much this past year and I'm not prepared to lose any more time. I know I need to do what is right for my body and give it the rest it deserves.

Is there any way of knowing how long these symptoms will take, if it was another concussion or a relapse? At this point I'm ready to rule out simply anxiety because of the degree of pain my head is in and how exhausted I am. I cannot take any more time off work and am planning on just continuing with life, while taking it easier than usual and starting my vestibular exercises again.

Do you think at this point, I should continue on and stop dwelling on it? I just hate not knowing what this means for me or my recovery and as much as I'm trying, I can't stop feeling bad for myself. I don't want to go back to my doctor as she literally does nothing for me when I go. I take all of my supplements still.

Any advice would be appreciated - I'm wondering if continuing on with life and not dwelling on it will hurt me.

Thank you for your help. Long time dweller on this forum while I had my past few injuries. Nice to know I am not alone.

What supplements are you taking ?

You need to consider whether there is a structural reason for your headaches. Many have found improvement when their upper neck is resolved. One indicator is tenderness to touch at the bony places behind the ears. This tenderness usually indicates muscle spasms radiating from the neck. Regular icing can be helpful.

Looking forward, you need to try to accept that your life has been changed by your concussions. Minor changes to how you live your life will allow you to live a full life. Many have found the balance between continuing with life and reducing the risk of the roller coaster ride.

Find ways to reduce risk and stress. Try to not focus on what-ifs of the future. That induces anxiety. Live today and move forward with moderation.

BTW, Cognitive rest is only suggested for 2 to 3 days post impact. After that, mild, low stress activity and stimulation is best. The brain needs good blood flow.

Thank you, Mark. I have seen your feedback everywhere on this forum and really appreciate your generosity in wanting to help everyone out and feel more comfortable throughout these times.

I'm currently taking a B Complex (b12, b6, folic acid, vitamin c), omega 3 fish oil, d3, vitamin E, tumeric and magnesium for TBI purposes. Is there anything else that you suggest?

Most B Complex with Vit C are grossly under dose. Adding a 1000 mcgs B-12 methyl would be worthwhile.

Most tumeric is inadequate. A curcumin extract concentrate with pepper extract is best.

Magnesium should not be a mag oxide form. Mag citrate, mag theonate or others are better.

Possibly volume at the concert? I am still sensitive to extended periods of higher than normal life decibels.

Bud