post trauma cardiac injury syndrome

In May 1995 I had a serious MVA(motorcycle), serious chest trauma, broken ribs, collapsed lung, separated left AC shoulder joint, renal failure for 24 hours, left quad damage, large hemotomas on the left side and unconsciencous for 17 hours. I returned to work as an educator the following September. Numerous health issues, elevated BP, chronic aches/pains, deminished mental function, interrupted sleep and general weakness. In Jan 2001, I suffered a 2.6 litre pericardial tamponade, after many tests during an eight day hospital stay doctors were baffled as to the cause. One cardiologist has diagnosed my condition as Post trauma cardiac injury, I can not find any literature to support the reality of this occuring some 60+ months after an accident. In addition, the reduced mental function is now being attributed to organic brain syndrome as neurologists feel there was damage to the cortex from the accident. I am fortunate to have a very understanding wife and a secure financial situation, but my lack of good health has affected every aspect of normal living, also, I am no longer actively involved in the United Way, the hospital board, my career and social events are extremely difficult as I cannot follow conversations,ie remember and deliver a good joke, walking in the woods, making love, travelling by car are a thing of the past. I am currently heavily medicated on seven different anti-hypertensives and have been recently perscribed morphine for the pain.
Doctors have referred to my case as most interesting as most tests come back with no revealing results.
Thank-you, Stuart

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Stuart,
It is an interesting case from a medical viewpoint but I would guess that you just want to have your old life back.  The fact that there was 2.6 liters of pericardial fluid indicate that the pericardial effusion was a long time in the making.  The heart can be "bruised" during a MVA and an inflammatory state may follow which could lead to the collection of fluid.  I agree that 60 months after the initial trauma is a very long time later for this to occur.  I assume other causes such as infection, rheumatological conditions, malignancies and pericarditis have been ruled out.  If not these things should be investigated before considering the MVA as the source.

[ANGELNANCY]

Hello, I'm a newcomer.

I, too suffered, a moderate to severe TBI with seizures  #'d Orbit, blunt chest trauma in an MVA in 1995.I have cognitive,ST memory and executive function deficits. So sorry you did too. My CT head showed parietal ,orbital and frontal injury. I use prisms for diplopia, have balance problems and have a large visual field loss.I now suffer from Migraines and continuous tinnitus. I am slated for a THR as a result of hip trauma. As a result of the blunt abdominal trauma, I developed pretty painful IBS..well controlled with Modulon. I have tested negative for PTSD but am mildly depressed which is a normal response.My family Hx is negative for CAD, however my parents died quite young.

Since that time, I have had cardiac sequellae including Angina, Arrythmias, ISVT,  rare a-fib and v-tach, long QT, dynamic ischemic ST changes . After investigations,Cardios have made a diagnosis of coronary spasm which they presume was due to BCT in MVA . My symptomatology shows that it is temporal if not causal.

Angios have not shown spasm. My EP/Cardio won't use provocative angiograms. They did show hyperdynamic LV, but little else of note. Echo's, Muga, TTM,  Holters not bad except for the v-tach and ischemic changes.

From the beginning ,I felt that all of these symptoms were neurogenic. Someone on ?WEBMD said that there is a traumatic neuronal dysregulation syndrome which will elicit inappropriate innervation . Has anyone here heard of it.? I'm sure (well, not really sure of anything anymore!lol) I read something about  vagal nerve damage as result of BCT/BAT.

However, on a course of Cardizem 240 BID, Rythmol 150mgm TID; Nitro-dur 0.8 for 12 hrs. OD, NitroLingual PRN, & HCT., I am doing really well.

The internet is a Godsend. We use it as OT and I'me getting pretty darn good. My care attendant and I have searched the web for info on TBI and BCT and have found very relevant material. I have a very supportive family and a strong Faith. I am happily married and have 3 wonderful children (32,31,30) and 4 grandchildren who are just the best and a barrel of fun.

I am completely disabled as a result of the TBI... I, too, would like my old life back. I'm a Nurse who owned and operated a totally administered Walk-in Clinic in Quebec with a complement of some 30 MDs/specialists. It was a grand experience .. sure would love to go back.

But there you are. Life threw a curveball I never expected but the support and friendships I have encountered help in the acceptance process.

I'd be very interested in any new info/treatments .

Thanks so much. Glad I found this site.

God Bless

~~~n~~~

[wilson-wilson]

"Some of -us- folks" would like to know what "Some of -you- folks" are saying when using acronyms, i.e., THR, IBS, Hx, CAD, ISVT, ST, LV, Muga, TTM etc., etc., etc.!

I'm sure -YOU- know what they are but have mercy on use folks with only 142 IQs that have not a clue as to what you are talking about.?

I know, I know, "if we were going through the same thing we would -know- what they mean"........but who knows we may need to know sometime, and it would be nice to know what the Docs are saying!
Please don't leave us on "a need to know" basis...have pity on us "acronym challenged!"


thank you

wilson-wilson

[ANGELNANCY]

Sorry. I'll be happy to translate them. It kind of makes me feel so excited that I can still remember some medical info, I kind of go through this joyful flurry of words.

Having been a RN (registered Nurse), I always used these acronyms while charting and speaking when speaking to medical staff. I just didn't think. (that happens a lot.. guess I was on a roll and... well, sorry again.

I have had so many admissions and have retold my story a zillion times to med. staff so it just comes off the top of my head.
I will be happy to translate and clarify anything for you.

The people I have been posting with on WeBMD are very current and knowledgeable and these terms/acronyms are used all the time.

Or maybe I should just stick with WEBMD

God Bless

Heartwarmly

~~~n~~~

[ANGELNANCY]

OK here goes!

MVA= motor vehicle accident
THR = total hip replacement
ISVT = inappropriate supra-ventriculr tachycardia.
Pac= Premature Atrial Contraction
PVC= Premature ventricular contraction
A-Fib: = atrial fibrillation
V-tach= ventricular tachycardia
LV =left ventricle
BCT= blunt chest trauma
BAT = blunt abdominal trauma
IBS = Irritable bowel syndrome
ST= segment of the electrical signal that is emitted .
ST= also, short term memory.

I apologize again.

~~~n~~~

[Canaweddings]

A related discussion, Post Traumatic Cardiac Injury Syndrome was started.