post concussion syndrome?

Hi, I have had several concussions over the years, riding horses, with no helmut! dumb I know.... In 2007 I was leading a horse through a gate and he bolted out and knocked me in the head with the gate and the weight of his body. Ever since then I have had many problems, speech, hearing, dizzy spells, really bad anxiety and some terrible raging episodes. All the problems that go with a concussion. Anyways I have been to 3 neurologists and the last one finally said post concussion, I finally had my 3 year headache diagnosed as a chronic paroxysmal hemicrania and am on meds for it. Now I have sleep problems, I sleep to much. At least 4 naps a day, uncontrollable need for sleep. I went to a sleep study and have not heard the results yet. My question is, could this really be post concussion syndrome? does it last 3 years? my symptoms are not getting better, meaning my speech, gait, dizziness ect. Memory is bad, and getting worse. I heard you can recover from post concussion syndrome and as time goes by you get better, but I keep getting worse. I dont even want to go out of the house anymore, I used to be a social butterfly. I hope you can at least lead me in some direction.

thanks

[caregiver222]

The word "post-concussion" syndrome covers a lot of ground. Scientific American Magazine did an article a while back specifically addressing this issue. One of the most famous people suffering from this disorder was one of the singers from the "Beachboys" who underwent significant personality changes following a concussion that forced him to socially withdraw and stop singing. One of the problems is that head impacts can cause internal bleeding or pressure on the blood supply to the  pituitary, which controls hormonal production.

All that being said, the human brain is resilient, and I would never say that you will never return to normal.

I would recommend you consult an endochronologist.

[kaybost]

now i have been living with post concussion syndrome for about two years now and is still  slowly getting better. but all things take time. maybe you do have it but its just taking alot longer for it to heal kinda like me, but hey everybody's different. but just in case. i would try consulting with a doctor or having a MRI or a CT scan done on your brain just to be sure of whats going on.
i wish you the best of luck :)
and hang in there. your not alone and there are many people out there just like you.

[horsegurl1970]

thanks for your email and support. I have had MRI's and CT scans, my concussion tests that they made me take showed some failures lol... But my scans were all normal. Thanks for letting me know that I am not alone!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? What was the result of the sleep study? The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome often improve after the affected person learns that there is a cause for the symptoms. Indeed, education about the disorder can ease a person's fears and help provide peace of mind. It also helps to have a a strong support system. Take care and keep us posted.

[k911]

Hi I am a 56 year old female who is also suffering from post concussion syndrome, I was involved in an car accident 2 years ago, I was stopped in my auto awaiting a turn when I was struck from behind by another auto traveling at about 60 mph. I had no outward injuries, very slight neck pain and headache. I am a emergency department nurse. I went to work and had the ED doctor check me over, I expected to be sore for a few days, then my journey began. 1 week later the headaches were beginning to become unbearable, I was having concentration problems, memory problems also began- the symptoms became worse as the weeks went on. Fatigue was unrelenting, headaches severe, insomnia, concentration and memory problems were getting worse. As an ED nurse I need to be on my highest level of consciousness. I went to my doctor, had CT scan, which was negative for any head bleeds. I never miss a day of work, but had to take a leave and was eventually off work for over 10 weeks. In that time I had problems every day-- as the events and stimuli of the day progressed, I was a shaking bundle of nerves by the end of the day. I had to hang on to counters and furniture just to manage my way around the house. I then started the medication rollercoaster. Headache pain relievers, sleep aids- I hate taking any kind of pills, but I followed my doctors plan. I was introduced years earlier to a myofascial release massage therapist which I used to help with plantor fasciitis. I gave her a call and it has chanaged my life. I at first got massages 3 days a week which is the only treatment that gave me any relief from the headaches-it didn't happen over night, I continue these treatments 1 time monthly. She is the only reason I believe I am able to be back at work today. I still have pressure to my head everyday-some days not as bad as others. You do think after a while people don't believe that the symptoms can last that long-but I'm telling you they can. I am a work-aholic and refuse to even consider disability. I have always just wanted my old head back. Since that has not happened, I have been pro-active in doing anything I can to help without having to rely on drugs. I do have relapses at times that require more frequent massages, I also see a chiropractor that works with my massage therapist, he doesn't do the wrenching and twisting kind of chiropractic service-more massage type, but they do help. I have done  MRI which is also negative. I consult with my neurologist on a regular basis, who also endorses my plan of healing.My doctor highly recommends to continue the myofascal massage. I hope someday I will possibly be pain free and back to my old self. I'm blogging to help anyone who could possibly benefit or consider this treatment. All of my readings on the internet show most people can do not have long-term problems, since it's been 2 years for me I am going to be one of the exceptions that may have long-term problems. Try this therapy and know it doesn't happen overnight and you need to find a therapist who is very qualified. I was lucky to find one. Hope you can to. Good Luck k911