So one more thing has anyone ever experienced a pins and needles pain in their head like scalp area or all over the body different areas. I'm not sure what this is but it feels like someone's actually poking me with a pin or like electric shocks. This happens to me when I start doing something new or learning something new like a new job and training and reading a lot. Also happens when I'm trying to read and someone's playing music at the same time period I've been having a lot of trouble with listening to music especially if it's in a smaller room or the car. Makes me feel like I cannot focus also gives me the pains. It's been almost two years now and I'm still dealing with this every time I learn something new. Or when I have to concentrate really hard. They can become more and more frequent As I push myself harder.

The pins and needles mini shock feeling is still with me almost 3 years on exacerbated with fatigue, anxiety and mental exhaustion. Reading for prolonged periods (over 40 mins) is a dead cert for amping it up and during a shower.

Taking time out helps but one kinda accepts it as part and parcel of life, sort of like a body of two halves!

mussbsweet,

If you struggle to concentrate when music is playing, turn the music off. The problem is your brain is trying to do too many things at once. I have lived with this for 17 years. Many with PCS have this same problem and it is probably the longest lasting or even permanent symptom many deal with. Learning how to moderate external stimuli is a skill that is imperative to people with PCS.

The issue is the brain can lose the ability to filter out extraneous stimuli. Things that were not a bother prior to the concussion can be overwhelming.

As you say, they become more frequent if you push yourself harder. The PCS brain cannot be pushed harder until it has had time to recover. Even then, increasing mental effort should go slowly or in small spurts. As soon as you start to sense overload, either turn off the music or remove yourself to a quieter place.

I am sorry to say but this is not a 'push through it' time. Those that do best accept these limitations and work within them and slowly see improvements.

I always have foam ear plugs handy. Mack's brand are good. I also use head phones to listen to YouTubes or watch NetFlix or TV because I struggle with the ambient sounds in the room.

Years ago, my neurologist did some tests on how my brain processes sound. Upon reading the results, he turned to me and said, "You hear everything. How do you handle that ?" My wife responded, "That's why we are hear."
He explained how the brain needs a lot of processing power to filter out background sounds. A compromised brain does not have that power. It is a physiological issue, not a matter of focus.

I get them n my feet when stress amps up not as bad as the old days but still even after 3 years years post accident.

My wife likes to listen to a radio talk show while in the car on her smart phone...the shrillness of the phone speaker at volumes necessary to hear over a truck can really make me short tempered.

Bud

Oh I know this feeling. Instant crabbieness after a long day of work and people playing the music at work. Nobody understands why music is bothersome and I don't know how to explain it either. I'm guessing most people just think it's weird. I used to love music

So mean listening to music isn't always my choice people play music at work. I just started a new job and it's a small lab so learning all the new things in the training is what gave me the pins and needles. That was Monday through Friday and on Friday someone decided to play music for the last two hours of my shift. I don't know how to tell people I don't want them to turn on the music. The last time I did that someone told me to use my ear plugs and that's what they are for. Harsh! I have noticed it's hard for me to filter out some things I feel like I do hear things a mile away. I also feel like I've developed a condition where you cannot stand to hear people chew or make noises. I'm that can actually throw me into a fit of Despair and anger.
As you can see I'm trying to hold a job like a normal person. Maybe it's because it's learning something new again. I often feel like that happens when I'm learning something new. there's a lot of things that do not agree with my brain now but I feel like I cannot control because the world is doing it and I can't stop everybody.

Why don't you just use the ear plugs ? Or, get some earbuds and an MP3 player and play some simple, soothing music. Many with PCS caused hyperacusis get noise canceling headphones or ear buds, Bose or similar.

If you feel self-conscious wearing ear plugs, don't. You need them. If you can get Mack's brand ear plugs, they are flesh colored so they are not so obvious.

As I said, I always have them available. I use them at the gym, in the lap pool, at church, in restaurants, at the mall, and anywhere I sense the noise. My wife can tell when sound is affecting me and will offer a set that she carries in her purse for me. I even use them for sounds my wife makes. Her breathing in bed, her chewing a crunchy salad, etc.

It has been a problem for me since 1998.

There are some threads way back that discuss different electronic ear plugs, Musicians ear plugs are common. Hearing aid clinics can make custom ear plugs for $150 to $200.

It is your life currently. Try to accept it. Find an accommodation and move forward.

I think I'll try earplugs when others chewing gets to me.

I get really frustrated over the normal life sounds of my wife chewing bug me when stress is up. Raw carrots, croutons, lettuce etc. might as well be a train rolling through the house! It genuinely can be a struggle to not yell..I'm sure my chewing is no quieter to her.

Bud

Omg I hate chewing ! It's the worst ! Instant argument for me

I put my ear plugs in my purse there's no way I could ever listen to music on headphones. Yeah I really can't do music at all unless it's been a day where I haven't done anything mentally taxing and then it's much easier to listen to music in a bigger room. I generally don't even listen to music in the car unless it's like one song. I really miss music because I liked music a lot