Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).


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Old 10-08-2018, 12:26 PM #1
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Confused Treating NON-headache TBI symptoms with nortriptyline?

Hello! I am new to this forum and will try to be as concise as possible with my TBI back story: Was in a car accident January 2018. Despite no physical impact, not losing consciousness and the low speed velocity I was struck with, I still sustained a TBI, experiencing headaches, cloudiness, confusion, dizziness, etc.. My MRI came back normal.

10 months, loss of job due to TBI, and countless doctors appointments later, I still find myself experiencing an onslaught of symptoms. I currently feel an inability for my brain to process heightened stimuli. For example, I have always been a coffee drinker, but as of about 4 months ago, I have been unable to tolerate caffeine. It makes me feel as though I have been "poisoned", I get tremors, and I feel as though my brain is "overworking" to process it. I did not experience this immediately after my car accident; only within the past few months. Another example: I went to the movie theater recently. Afterwards, I felt concussive symptoms of a heavy head and disorientation. I try to avoid watching things that make me laugh, as I find the act of laughter to be particularly taxing to my brain and body. I describe this as what (I can only imagine) adrenal fatigue may feel like. I even had to go to the ER once because my tremors and brain "electricity" were so bad after coffee one day. I calmed down after being given Ativan, and all of my tests came back normal

I have had a comprehensive look at my blood panel, including hormones/cortisol. Everything comes back normal. I asked my neurologist about this, and he told me to try nortriptyline for these symptoms. He originally prescribed it in February for post-concussive headaches, but I no longer have regular headaches. I also have never taken this med, as I am quite wary of it and afraid of side effects.

My question is... has anyone else been prescribed nortriptyline for post-concussive symptoms, other than for headaches? I am stumped and quite concerned about these tremors and feeling as though I am very limited on performing activities that were once normal to me. The feeling that these symptoms give me are quite severe and scary at times. I am currently scheduled to see an endocrinologist, but my PCP seems to think this is all neurological.

Any opinions or words of advice are appreciated! Thank you so much!
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Old 10-08-2018, 05:12 PM #2
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Hi Holl

Welcome to NeuroTalk .

I hope that other members will be able to offer you support and good ideas (I know very little about TBI/PCS).

Best wishes.
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Old 10-08-2018, 07:26 PM #3
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Thank you!
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Old 10-09-2018, 06:08 AM #4
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No magic solution, I had headaches 4 months straight, what helped me is good diet, plenty of sleep and returning to full time job.
The most important thing though is to limit stress.
Coffee acts as a stimulant so it might exacerbate concussion symptoms, on the other hand it might help with fatigue and depression
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Old 10-18-2018, 02:05 PM #5
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Both Amitriptyline and less strong Nortriptyline are often prescribed for PCS, they're old tricyclic anti depressants but used for a multitude of ailments. Some say AD's are beneficial to brain healing but the evidence is not conclusive.
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Concussion 28-02-2014 head butted a door edge.
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Symptoms overcome: Nausea, head pressure, debilitating fatigue, jelly legs, raised pulse rate, night sweats, restlessness, depersonalisation, anxiety, neck ache, depression.
Symptoms left: Disturbed sleep, some residual tinnitus.
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Old 10-18-2018, 04:48 PM #6
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You have sensory problems, which is very common with TBI. I don't think the medication will help you. We were prescribed something similar for headache and sleep, but not for what you are experiencing.

My best advice is to go see a functional ophthalmologist or optometrist for vision therapy. This helped us tremendously. ** Do this! It will help you.

Last edited by Jomar; 10-18-2018 at 05:19 PM. Reason: **no linking/attempted linking for new members.
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Old 10-19-2018, 08:26 AM #7
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Just google 'college of optometrists in vision development.' There is also a book out detailing this type of rehab called 'The Ghost in My Brain' by Clark Elliot.

Dale Earnhardt Jr's new book 'Racing to the Finish' also covers these sensory therapies.
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Old 10-19-2018, 11:22 AM #8
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I was prescribed it for depression and sleep.....I got the lowest dose and even cut them in half as I couldn't get that tired sleepy feeling to go away, then when I did it was time to take more and do the same thing over.
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Old 10-20-2018, 11:22 AM #9
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Thank you for the feedback!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gideon View Post
No magic solution, I had headaches 4 months straight, what helped me is good diet, plenty of sleep and returning to full time job.
The most important thing though is to limit stress.
Coffee acts as a stimulant so it might exacerbate concussion symptoms, on the other hand it might help with fatigue and depression
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Old 10-20-2018, 11:22 AM #10
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Interesting! Thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperElectric View Post
Both Amitriptyline and less strong Nortriptyline are often prescribed for PCS, they're old tricyclic anti depressants but used for a multitude of ailments. Some say AD's are beneficial to brain healing but the evidence is not conclusive.
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