Hi all. I stumbled upon this forum today, and I finally feel like I've found people who understand. While I feel my case is probably very minor compared to what I've read here, it's definitely nice to read that I'm not alone.

A lil info about my PCS. I'm on my second concussion (both MVA-related... One head on in 2015 and one rear-end in Oct 2017...neither my fault, and I didn't hit my head either time).

I'm so new to this PCS stuff... Missing lots of work (at a job I started just a week after my second MVA) due to severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and what feels like depression.

So, I guess, hello there.

Hi Alexis

Welcome to NeuroTalk .

The TBI/PCS forum is very active so I am sure that you will get lots of support and helpful suggestions from other members.

Best wishes.

MsAlexis,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Your symptoms list is very common here. What diagnostics and treatments have you undergone?

A no head impact concussion screams upper neck injury and the concussion symptoms that come with that. Imaging may show no injury but your symptoms are saying something else. The inflammation to the brain stem and surrounding areas can cause all of the symptoms you have. Some call it a brain stem concussion.

The challenge is finding the right professional to help you. Upper cervical chiropractors (NUCCA.org), Physical Therapists, Osteopaths, and such call all help if you can find the right one who understands the specifics of such concussions.

Please feel free to tell us anything. We have heard it all. We are here to help.

My best to you.

Chiropractic treatments have gone well, but chiropractor has removed headaches from my treatment plan, as nothing was helping.

Neurologist yesterday said symptoms were classic PCS. He's got me on Topamax now. Amitriptaline, toradol, and tramadol from my primary were no help.

CT and MRI were normal.

What else? Any input is welcome!

This is all so overwhelming.

Thank you!

Oh, also, I've been experiencing wicked, vivid dreams/nightmares, and strange, almost feverish chills/sweats... But no elevated temp...

Loss of words... Like... Searching for the word... I know what I want to say or write, but can't seem to grab it...

Lack of focus/concentration...

Does chiro use other modalities besides adjustments?
Any soft tissue massage or trigger point - hands on work?
ultra sound, If stim, cold/soft laser?
Advanced PT might be helpful if chiro does none of those above..
Trigger points / muscle spasms can be quite problematic and refer pain & symptoms..

If your chiro was using the Twist the head and pop the neck adjustment procedure, he was likely being too aggressive. It is fine for C-3 and below but C-2 and above will be stressed by such aggressive treatment. The inflammation that aggressive treatment causes can trigger inflammation and poor blood flow and poor breathing during sleep. These issues will cause nightmares and stressful sleep. The resulting poor quality sleep with trigger cognitive and memory issues. Word finding is a common struggle.

Traction and gentle mobilization helped me. Both my chiro and PT used it.

You may need to find a different chiro who has a better understanding of C-1 and C-2. There are chiro associations that teach only C-1 and C-2. NUCCA.org is one. upcspine.com and others explain it. Goodle upper c spine or upper cervical spine.