Originally Posted by melek

I had a concussion 3 years ago. I ended up in the hospital last week with what the doctors thought was a heart attack, I had all the triggers of having a heart attack. After doing tests, stress test, the doctors said it was a panic attack or anxiety attack.

Has anyone had similar issues i.e. panic attacks and/or anxiety attacks with TBI/PCS?

Thanks

Melek

Originally Posted by melek

What meds did her doctor put her on, do you know?

I just went to my neurologist this week after the epidsode to the hospital and he has now put me on a med amitriptylin to help with the panic attacks brought on by issues from concussion.

Have any of you taken amitriptylin?

thanks

Melek

Originally Posted by melek

I’m a very strong person, always have been, but I do seem to be unable to cope with stress, new things the way I did before . I don't seem to be able to distinguish between important things and not so important things....they are all important, have to be done right away, least I forget to do them or how to do them, so I get stressed from being confused and trying to do all things at the same time and 'messing' them up as I go…other issues regarding the TBI, I’m having problems doing a job that for me now is continuous hit to my ego, I’m worn out from putting up a good front to everyone; I’m worn out looking as though I understand and comprehend what people tell me and ask of me only to have to go off by myself and fumble through whatever it is. I’m worn out trying my best to explain to co-workers under me, instructions/procedures only to have them look at me as though I’m from another planet because I loose words, use incorrect words in sentences basically, I don’t make a lot of sense when I speak….I’m tired of living in a fog that I can not seem to be able to get away from, I’m tired of getting confused and lost when I go to the store. I’m tired of making a list, getting to the store only to realize that I don’t have a list, or forget that I made a list (and the list is in my purse) and then to get home without what I needed. I used to be really smart, quick always a lot of energy....I feel as though I've aged at least 20 years in the last 3 years....maybe these are the reasons for a panic attack….

And I did see my doctor(s) I have more than one now, another thing I never was sick, only went to the doctor for yearly check ups which were always excellent at 53 years old....and I have a great support group of family and friends. Doctor's answer, drugs....my answer - I don't do drugs unless they cure me of the TBI....I don't want to treat the symptoms to only have to take something else to treat the side effects of the original med.... I've already tried that, they only made me sick.

Melek

Well I feel a bit better railing on so....thanks *smiles*

Originally Posted by shezbut

Hi Melek,

I haven't experienced the panic attacks, thank God! I do experience many of the other frustrations that you mentioned: memory problems are a HUGE issue for me, confusion, self-frustration, migraine headaches, as wells as a couple others.

If you don't already, I greatly recommend that you get assistance from local TBI support treatment teams. I can't recall the term for them. I went to Mayo Clinic and worked with both a neuropsychologist and an occupational therapist. They also have speech therapists, and physical therapists in their thingie. UGH- maybe somebody knows the term that I'm looking for!

The huge issue which you described in wonderful detail is very common (for me, anyway). It is incredibly frustrating. It's terrific that you have a very supportive family, take advantage of that support - it's priceless! And whenever you start kicking yourself for being dumb, for not remembering the word/s or whatever, try to remind yourself that it is okay. People can usually figure out what you're trying to say, if you simply let it go & stop focusing on the words that escape you. Not an easy thing to get into, obviously, just try to remind yourself frequently. That ought to help alleviate a lot of the anxiety.

Best wishes to you, take care!
Shez

Originally Posted by shezbut

(((Hugs))) to you, tommywrestler!

Do start out with a neurologist if these are your first experiences with a foggy head & dizziness, followed by anxiety. There are other possible illnesses which they may fall under. Seizures (simple partial or complex partial) are the ones that jump to my mind, but I am biased.

Best wishes to you - do call your doctor to do an MRI and EEG, k?
Shez