I'm a 51 year old female and love cycling. In mid May I was hit by a car while on my bike. The car turned left and ran into me, knocking me onto the hood and then onto the pavement and the back of my head bounced serveral times. I was wearing my helmet and had no neck injuries, but got a headache a few minutes later. Well, I went to the ER and they treated the bruises on my legs and gave me Naproxen for pain. Not much was said about my headache, just go home and rest. I saw my doctor a week later and he said I was healing well and to take Tylenol instead of Naproxen. At that point my headache wasn't bad at all, but I was very lightheaded. I didn't know why and forgot to mention it to the doctor. As soon as I increased my activities and tried to get back to normal - about 12 days after the accident - my headache got a lot worse. I got scared and went back to the ER. They did a CT scan and send me home, telling me to take the naproxen again. I went back to my doctor a few days later, still feeling terrible from the headache, nausea and lightheadedness. He prescribed Fioricet for headaches and something for nausea. I also had an MRI which didn't show anything. It has been two and a half month now since my accident and I still have a headache every day. I get a lot of pressure in my head, seems to be coming from the back of my head, and I still get lightheaded (or dizzy) if I move around too fast or go up a flight of stairs. The Fioricet helps, but I don't like to take pills and don't want to get addicted, so I limit myself to two a day and take a break every so often to figure out how I feel without meds.

The last few weeks have been a little better and I agree that rest seems to be the best thing to do and not getting upset about anything. Besides cycling I like to read, but too much stresses my brain - so does the computer. I have not been back on my bike and didn't drive my car for over six weeks and still only get out on short errands. I guess I'm lucky to be a homemaker and my husband has been supportive, but he doesn't really help out around the housel

It has been very frustrating not to be able to do much and not getting any good advice as to what to do and not do. My doctor wants to send me to a neurologist if I'm not better in a month, but now I'm wondering if there is any point in that.

I would definately consider the neurologist. I would also ask the doctor if you could first maybe try physical therapy for the headaches and other things. Weird as it sounds they can do wonders to help you get back on your feet. The neurologist can have them work to see what kind of problems you are having tracking with your eyes now, I would guess this might be part of the reason its hard to read and use the computer now.

Also its the reason its hard to drive and go out by yourself and do much.

I am also building up my strength through physical therapy that a neurologist that works with balance, vertigo and things in this area diagnosed as my problems. From my fall but also from my life I have a central abnormality
or inner ear problem too.

Donna

Donna, I've been wanting to to thank you for your post. Sorry this is so late. I hope you are doing well. I have finely been to a neurologist and he said that since I don't have any neck pain I didn't need physical therapy. So he gave me a prescription for Neurontin and I have taken two so far and it seems to make me feel worse. I guess I will give it a few weeks. I was actually getting a lot better, just feeling weird with headaches mainly in the mornings. So I don't know about taking this med.

I also wonder if anybody has any suggestions on getting back to exercising. If I do more than 15 - 20 min. on an exercise bike a get headache even so I keep my heartrate below 90 bpm. Walking seems to be ok, but gets boring. I would appreciate any advice. My neurologist said not to do anything that increases the headache -- makes sense.

Sissy

Sounds like you need to do maybe 10 minutes at a time for each day.

And the bike. And then go for a walk or a what do they call it a slight fast walk. And do maybe in the beginning 10 minutes of this.

Then maybe try going to 15 minutes on the 2nd week on the bike.

And do the same on the walk.

Do this for say the first month.

And maybe on the 3rd week, try adding a 3rd exercise for 10 minutes.
Like maybe get a aerobics tape and just do a couple of the things.

But nothing really strenuous.

See if this helps with the headaches.

I would also maybe if the neurontin, doesn't help or keeps making you feel
funny. Ask the neurologist, if maybe you could try a medicine for maintenance for the headaches.

Instead of this.

Donna

Sissy, I agree with Donna, just ease up activity very gradually, the headache is a back off sign. It sounds like you are getting better. Stay patient, you will improve and get back to exercise. You may not need neurontin, if you are not in that much pain. Time and positive focus will heal you. You are doing a great job and coming along well.
Nancy F

Donna and Nancy, thank you so much for your replies and support. Donna, I will keep you in my prayers - if that is ok with you - and hope you will get better.

Nancy, I am so glad that you keep us posted on your son. I think it gives everbody hope for recovery. I know what he went though with the foggy feeling and not being able to participate in school and other activities. I missed out on summer and all the rides with my bike club, which is my main social life. I'm over 50, so I can only imagine how hard that was for a teenager.

I still have some problems with the back of my head being really sensitive and not being able to get comfortable at night, so I don't know if that's why my headache is worse in the morning, but I think that's why the neurologist gave me the Neurontin. I started on 100 mg and have to work my way up to 600 mg, increasing every three days. It sure makes me feel lousy, but I will give it a try. I had a call on Sunday from a friend who is a pharmacist and he was going to recomment this medication for me. He explained that after a concussion the nerves can get overactive and stay that way and the neurontin can help to get them back to normal, but it takes some time and the side effects should go away. So, let's hope it will work.

Sissy,
I remember when my son had the headaches, he described that he had interesting sensations when lying on his pillow also. He had difficulty describing it but you just reminded me of it in your thread. This all gradually went away. There was alot of issus though with the pillow. Stay positive and calm and know it is not forever!
Nancy

Sissy... and ALL... hope things are going better....

I was hit by a car as pedestrain 10+ years ago, TBI & lots of problems began & continue... Chronic pain Big issue; I have had headaches that vary in severity, and constant back of head "pain", sensitivity you & others also described that makes sleeping or finding comfort position a challenge. (I may be repeating & apologize --Cognitive issues also continue.....esp. w/ memory)

I've seen several DR/specialists. Recently pain mgt Dr felt spasms culprit & prescribed various muscle relaxants along w/ Fiorcet, to be taken regularly, not PRN, when or as needed as I had been. Didn't work as hoped for me but possibly could help you or others?? [I've used Soma, Ativan, zanaflex; valium was best for me so still use, PRN; aslo Fiorect...I have concerns RE: tolerance. seeking better med or treatments....

I went back to my Neuro; he's been treating me for complex chronic pain & neuro disorders. He's done nerve blocks--mainly occipital, for cervical spine/neck/back of head pain, Dx'd : occipital nueralgia. He used Sarapin & Lidocaine. It helped but duration of relief varies from days to several weeks. Now, he feels Botox would be better. I also have long Hx of migraines & "mixed" headaches.

He also described condition as overexcitement of nerves (primarily in Central Nervous system with other branches of nervous systems also affected) He's tried various meds inc. Neurontin, which I couldn't tolerate; usually has to be taken at rather high dosage to be effective. Cymbalta & Lyrica, are similar, & may be better tolerated & possibly helpful, in lower doses than Neurontin. I tried but too many adverse affects.
Tho these are the most prescribed meds, others can be used "off label". some antidepressants (tricyclics, SSRI, etc) , AED's (antiepileptics), and some antipsychotic meds {that doesn't mean you're crazy, it's about finding meds/treatments that can "target" areas of brain & CNS, & balance , calm the nervous systems, while & to promote healing.

Yes, it takes time.... this process of "recovery" from TBI and dealing w/ affects of Post concussion syndrome. also much understanding, which is not always available professionally or personally.... we have to educate & inform self & others; become advocates, and intuitives, tuning into our self , listen to what our body tells us.... when to stop, relax; modify activity. Exercise is good but you may not yet be ready, or able to do all had been engaging in before.
Perhaps some other more gentle forms of excise like yoga, tai chi, chi qong ( find & do w/ a group may not be so boring?)
Focused breathing (that is part of previous mentioned "exercise" options but can be done in many other ways, forms) is reknowed for promoting "healing" & other positive benefits...

and as others have expressed, stay POSITIVE....
this can be challenge.... esp. when go thru cycles of improvement then regress.... (this has been my experience but I also have had additional head injuries - 2 more "mild" TBI this year have caused more problems for me....esp. Headaches. I just began another AED med-Trileptal. My neuro is basically prescribing for neuropathic pain but feels it will also help headaches, and what may be a seizure disorder (tho tests negative) that manifests in "drop attacks" . Long story, I've probably told in other posts.... but last friday had another attack, fell down stairs, was knocked out ..... besides another concussion & injuries, have worse headaches since. Nothing helped except Toradol injections given at ER... but that's getting off topic; this is your thread...

I hope your process and all dealing w/ TBI is forward progression.... and improvements, for BEST quality of Life...

Blessings...

Hi Pono, I am so sorry to read about your latest fall and that you had to deal with all these problems for so long. Please don't apologize for your cognitive issues - I know it's frustrating. I hope your latest medicine will help for your pain. I am still taking the Fioricet for headaches and it helps most of the time, it needs to be taken before the pain gets too bad. Luckily, my headaches aren't that bad any more. The neurologist told me to keep taking it as needed. I never took more than three a day and don't have any withdrawel symptoms if I stop for a few days.

I'm really trying to stay positive and I know I was very lucky not to have more serious injuries. My lower legs still have some discolorations and I have a bit of a dent in my left calve where the bumper of the car hit me. My doctor was joking that I could have a permanent tattoo - very funny. I know this sounds weird, but looking at my legs makes me think that if it takes that long for the bruises to go away it's no wonder that my head takes a long time too.

I know I'm going to be scared to ride my bike again, but I think I will get back on it.

Thanks for the advice on the exercises. I hope you will continue to improve!!!