Post Concussion Syndrome

[sweetangel1121]

On Jan 3rd, I suffered a severe concussion when I fell and hit the back of my head. I developed dizziness, ringing in the ears, bad headache, unsteadiness and nausea.
Its now going on 2 months and I'm not getting any better. My Neurologist said that I have Post Concussion Syndrome.
What's the difference between concussion and PCS and when will it go away?   I can't even drive, or work and to even go to a store, I'm afraid to go without someone with me. I have walked into walls and doors and to go down steps is hard for me.

[ealbany29]

I was in a car accident 1/8/15... It is now almost 6 months later and I am still having headaches, dizziness,fatigue,ringing in the ears a swooshing sound in the ears...is this normal? I pushed myself to go to work months following the accident and I was sick every day, I couldn't take it anymore and I'm on medical leave now unable to work due to all of this plus poor concentration and memory problems. I'm certainly not like I use to be...sometimes I question myself, am I really feeling this? I can't even sit in loud places anymore it really irritates me...can you shed some light???

[cbarr25]

I am so glad that I found this site! I have been suffering all the symptoms for 5 months now and I too am unable to go back to work with children at school. The noise, bright lights, movement, having to make quick decisions almost put me over the edge when I tried to go back after 1 month. I feel comforted to know that others feel the same and that I am not going crazy! My doctor put me on antidepressants after 3 months and a sleep aid. I am regularly going for massage and chiropractic for whiplash and have also tried Reiki. I had my hormones checked and found that they are all out of wack too, so I am on hormone replacement also. The hardest part besides the symptoms is loosing my sense of identity because I can't work at a job I was at for the past 14 years.It is hard to run into people that you know and they look at you and wonder because you look fine why you can't work. I lost all ability to do the things I really enjoyed like reading(Still can't focus long enough to read a novel, only small clips), playing the piano, going out with friends. I am hopeful though and am grateful for the good days.

[Kc1818]

I am going through vestibular therapy and vision therapy currently. I'm in my fourth month of recovery and seem to be having the same issues as everyone else here, kind of nice to know we aren't all going crazy. You mentioned you had your hormones checked, I've been feeling like I'm having something going on hormonally and actually was on this site to see what I could check out. If you remember, do you mind telling me what your test consisted of?

[shegator]

Hi there, I also hit my head very hard exiting out of my van in January of 2014.

Doctors have been a joke.  I was dizzy, nauseated, and headaches, motion sick, and light sensitivity.  I had vertigo about 7 years ago which had similar symptoms so i went to Costco and purchased Meclizine which is a motion sickness pill you can purchase over the counter for less than 5.00.   I suffered for 6 weeks, taking medicine from my neurologist, that didnt work. After taking the chewable motion sickness pills for 5 days, the dizziness, nausea, and many other symptoms were gone!!!      

[shegator]

Hi there, I also hit my head very hard exiting out of my van in January of 2014.

Doctors have been a joke.  I was dizzy, nauseated, and headaches, motion sick, and light sensitivity.  I had vertigo about 7 years ago which had similar symptoms so i went to Costco and purchased Meclizine which is a motion sickness pill you can purchase over the counter for less than 5.00.   I suffered for 6 weeks, taking medicine from my neurologist, that didnt work. After taking the chewable motion sickness pills for 5 days, the dizziness, nausea, and many other symptoms were gone!!!      

[dynamiclori]

Thank you for your positive, helpful post. I am in my second month of recovery from Post Concussion Syndrome. I have headaches, dizziness, nausua, and digestive problems at times. I am trying meditation, but sometimes I get scared anyway.

You are right. Some days I think I am improving and then I ride in a bumpy car and go back to square one. I do believe I will get better, so hopefully it will come true. I have done so much reading about concussion and realize that there are no easy answers.

My Mother's family was from Germany so it was nice to hear from you--sort of like family.

Wir wünschen Ihnen gute Gesundheit,

Lori

[Lylesjasmine]

Hi Lori how long did it take you to feel better? Are you still having symptoms ?

[agoodguy2013]

I am glad its not just me and that there are others that understand the mystery of HEAD INJURIES AND SUCH.

I hit my head exiting a Van at work back in May and I am still experiencing Headaches, Dizziness, Nausea Irritability, Panic Attacks, No Sleep very little.

It sad when people do not believe you or a Physician cant seem to get to the bottom of it.

My CT SCAN say's everything is OKAY but I am in pain all of the time.

Low to medium grade headaches but one of the things that troubles me is the HEAVY HEAD/FOGGY FEELING especially when I drive.

I was sitting at a traffic light in my BUS stopped and I thought the thing was moving,,,,,, talking about embarrassing knowing someone saw me panicking.

I have not had any treatment/therapy if there is anything at all that can help.

I have taken so much Ibuprofen until my stomach hurts and my salavia sometimes taste like blood & Baking Soda,,, all of this from a HEAD HIT?

Tramadol makes me sick so I just take little bites to try and ease the pain.

By the way I didn't mention that now any light in my eyes drives me crazy.

I'm on LIGHT DUTY NOW but my employer has me sitting in the HOT SUN as part of modified duty but in my opinion I am much sicker out in the sun.

Cant believe people can be so cruel and insensitive.

I normally dont voice my opinions and feelings online but I needed to speak to anyone with possible remedies.

[Lylesjasmine]

Are you still suffering from these symptoms ?

[Danmaged]

I have had several, possibly 10-12, mild to moderate concussions over my lifetime. I have PCS that seems to come at intervals on a 2-3 month basis. Is that at all normal? It is like it builds up over time and then just lays me out. The really big problem is when it really hits me hard I 'black out' to the point there is time missing from my life. It's very frustrating and scary. I am starting on cyprexa today. I have had MRI and CT scan which shows the damage to the brain and neck. I have ataxia and bppv, which probably lend itself to further injury. Do you have any further suggestions shy of wearing a helmet full-time? I have headaches, tinnitus, weight loss(from a healthy 200 to 160), night sweats, memory loss, relationship problems, anxiety, panic attacks, loss of sense of smell and irritability. I tend to think people just don't get it, because I am not a complainer. It is plain and simply taking years off my life.

Dan

[Tawny425]

My Husband is almost 3 year into Mild TBI (post concussive syndrome) Have you heard of Vestibular therapy? It is a strange concept but made a large difference in my husbands quality of life. Also he has musician earplugs that decrease noise level and help with not getting overstimulated in public. He still has a difficult time in public and barely drives too but I am grateful he is not driving when he know it would not be safe. One big thing we did is also take out all the fluorescent bulbs in our home. Times when you get overloaded take a break and drink ice cold water the brain seems to like the cold water. We are also careful to not let him get dehydrated. The biggest thing we learned is not all neurologist are specialists at TBI when we switched it made all the difference. Any other questions feel free to ask. if we don't help each other we've suffered for nothing.

[Sissy95]

I was just diagnosed with this and my brain injuries came from an abusive relationship in which I was punched in the head numerous times during a 5 year relationship and never taken to the hospital to be treated. Nobody could ever tell me all these years. why I was forgetting things, getting dizzy out of nowhere lack of concentration and slurred speech. Now 20 years later I have finally got a diagnoses. I guess without meds it doesn't get any better. And now that I am on the meds I feel spaced out. I was also diagnosed with seizures. I am just hoping somebody can help me function in a normal way. I am only 42 and have 3 kids and a husband to take care of. Just hope it doesn't get any worse :(

[Orbiti]

LENS neurofeedback has helped my concussion symptoms.  I had similar injuries to the point where I couldn't drive because the vibration hurt too much.  I am much better after 15 sessions but still need more as I don't feel "normal" yet.   I am hopeful a full recovery is possible with the lens treatments since I have improved a lot so far.

[IndyCar]

What is the "Lens" Treatment? I had a high impact auto accident and the seat belt anchor had a recall but wasn't fixed. I hit at 45 mph without any restraints nor brakes. It's a little under 5 months and I haven't had a relaxing environment yet. I think I'm worse

[healthhopefull]

I have had repetitive concussions for the last 18 months.  I banged my head while entering inside my car on my way to the gym.  I took two spinning classes back to back afterwards.  I felt weired after that, went home and slept it off till the next day.  By the third day I had all the symptoms of a concussion plus severe tremors that would last for 3 to 4 minutes, went to the emergency room, had a CT scan and it was normal.  It took me 3 months to feel better.  I resumed my spinning classes even though I had felt tired and not my usual self.  5 months later, while I was talking a walk at the waterfront, and while sitting down on a high backed bench the back of my head lightly hit the back of the bench.  I got all the concussion symptoms again for 5 weeks then I got better.  4 months later I was talking to a parking attendent without realizing that I was standing underenath the parking gate.  It came down on the top of my head, but again lightly it was not a heavy blow.  it took me 6 weeks to get better so I go grocery shopping with a friend and she accidenlty hits the left side of my head with her purse while grabbing it from the back seat of the car.  It took me another 6 weeks to get better.  I had a normal MRI onn the brain but the MRI on the neck showed three bulging discs and stinosis.   I don't know what I have, I  have seen 4 neorologists up till now and no one knows what I have.  My brain has become so sensitive now to the lightest hit.  Now I have the symptoms again because my hand touched my mouth with a little bit of force  while taking some pills.  

I live in Washington D.C. too and I am very disappointed at all the neorlogists that I have seen.  No one seems to know why I am having this severe sensitivty.  I am thinking of taking HBOT therapy.  Have you ever tried that?  IF yes, where can I get that kind of therapy.  Also have you ever tried to do SPECT scans?

Does anyone out there know why my brain is that sensitive or have a similar condition?  

[helpimcrazy]

had 15ft 4x4 wet post fall on my head from 8ft,cut head and concussion..I feel awful, constantly sick,headache,stiff painful neck,numbness in face,confused,spaced out etc terrible!! 2 weeks ago this happened, cant remember much just blackness then partner calling me and feeling blood on head and face ..went hospital but didnt stay [my fault wasnt feeling right but couldnt handle the wait}then went back 2 days later had ct was clear on day 10 but still after 2 weeks feel so ill , I know its early days but pray doesnt go on much longer the pressure in my head driving me crazy, I am a woman 50 years.

[len4e]

There is a hope and I am going through the same. I am in my 3rd month and I can see a light in the tunnel..be strong and patient and believe you will get better and you will...but just with baby steps...and don't get discouraged if you have a good day and then a bad day, you are always going forward...like you are climbing a ladder...sometimes you are on the step for a bit and then you climb again...! warm regards from Germany

[SamPCS]

There are very many therapies.  Right now I am doing craniosacral therapy, myofascial pain release and some healing touch.  It sure helps to get rid of symptoms but effects doesn't last longer.  

I tried Vision Therapy for 8 months (once a week) but didn't see much benefit.  They are very good but my brain didn't respond or I don't need it.  One thing helps me is I got a training prism lenses which helps me somewhat.

There is Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, Acupuncture, acupressure, Trigger Point therapy, upper cervical chiropractor (not the normal ones which can be problematic), HBOT, TMJ therapy, vestibular therapy, even mild exercise if you can etc.,

You can consult a Naturopath, try Homeopathic medicine and all B12, B6, Vit D etc., as achilles2 pointed out.  If you get overstimulated in outdoors try wearing sunglasses and earplugs.

My Neurologist even recommended Tai-chi and dancing (yeah right!) for my balancing issues.  
It is all based on your symptoms and trials.  Unless we try we don't know it works or not.  Sometime you have to get the help from medicines too.  I always have something on the list to try if the current doens't work out.  Next for me is TMJ specialist and shots in the neck for head pain.  It is a long road to recovery and still going on...............

[minky69]

can you tell me what alternative natural therapys are available?

[icandoitbetter]

thank you so much for your time. i didnt recieve the notification in my inbox, so that is why i havent replied! i still have my concussion and ive had it for 6 months, but i will definately try this out. again thank you for your time, it mean the world to me!!!!

[achilles2]

You might want to look into Doxapin. This a tricyclic anitdepressant. So it is an older drug. Or other tricyclic antidepressants. What is nice since these drugs are older they are much cheaper. (The best time to take these drugs is before bedtime.)

Someone I know that she likes it. Her doctor started her at 10mg and then increased the dose every 4 to 6 days. Her max dose is 100mg/day but you can go higher I think the max is about 150mg/day.

I hope this helps,
achilles2

P.S. Can you find a good chiropractor to treat your whiplash?

[headhurtz]

I was diagnosed w pcs from a head injury + whiplash/neck ijury, with symptoms persisting for past 7 months. My question is...Is there depession medication that won't affect sleep or make me feel like a zombie the next day? So far tried effexor and celexa with bad results.

[achilles2]

Light running might help-- it will increase blood flow to the brain.

You might want to try coconut oil  while you are searching for answers if taking coconut oil (I think about 2 tsp or 2 tbs per day it says in the article) might help. I say that because there is a doctor who is an MD who is treating her husband's Alzheimer with it and it is helping. Here is the article that mentions that there are researchers looking at coconut oil to help nervous system disorders such as MS and even ALS.
http://www.coconutketones.com/WhatIfCure.pdf

here is her blog:
http://coconutketones.blogspot.com/

and here is her website:
http://www.coconutketones.com/

achilles2

[icandoitbetter]

Hey there. It's "ilovetoplaysports" again, but i just changed my email, so i had to repost. I added a few things... so please read. I am 14 years old girl, and i recieved a concussion playing soccer. I jumped up in the air for a header, and my opponent pushed me onto the rock hard turf.  I fell on the back of my head, and got knocked out. I also spranged my neck, and got some serious whiplash. I have now had this concussion for 4 and a half months.  I have done acupuncture, chiropractic work, massage therapy, and got glasses because my vision was affected. I am experiencing pressure and congestion all over my head, light headedness, throbbs of pressure throughout my head, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.  I also just don't feel like myself anymore, like somethings off.  I also play school basketball, club basketball and track, so having my sports taken away from me for this long makes me depressed.  At first, my doc told me to do absolutely nothing for two weeks, but i got even worse! My life is always busy, so when that stops all of the sudden its tough.  I was bored out of my mind and i felt like pulling my hair out.  Now my doc recommends light running and activities, but i heard that it slows the recovery, which is the LAST thig i want.  I feel like crying all the time because when you are this athletic it stinks without the sports and especially your team.  We are also the number 1 team in the state, and we are going to regionals. I've already missed a tournament in California because of the concussion, and another tournament is coming up this spring break in virginia, and i want to go.  I just need help because im losing hope.  I'm also scared that im going to get another concussion when i come back, and i would be devistated. But i think many of my syptoms are caused by my whiplash and spranged neck, so i was wondering what chiropracter you and your sister use becuase maybe they have another branch where i live.  But i think that i just need to hear that what i am going through is normal and people have been going through the same thing (even though that is bad news and i wouldnt wish a concussion on my worst enemy) Thanks so much for you time :)

[ilovetoplaysports]

Hi there. I am 14 years old, and i recieved a concussion playing soccer. I jumped up in the air for a header, and my opponent pushed me onto the rock hard turf.  I fell on the back of my head, and got knocked out. I also spranged my neck, and got some serious whiplash. I have now had this concussion for 4 and a half months.  I have done acupuncture, chiropractic work, massage therapy, and got glasses because my vision was affected. I am experiencing pressure and congestion all over my head, light headedness, throbbs of pressure throughout my head, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.  I also just don't feel like myself anymore, like somethings off.  I also play school basketball, club basketball and track, so having my sports taken away from me for this long makes me depressed.  At first, my doc told me to do absolutely nothing for two weeks, but i got even worse! My life is always busy, so when that stops all of the sudden its tough.  I was bored out of my mind and i felt like pulling my hair out.  Now my doc recommends light running and activities, but i heard that it slows the recovery, which is the LAST thig i want.  I feel like crying all the time because when you are this athletic it ***** without the sports and especially your team.  I just need help because im losing hope.  But i think many of my syptoms are caused by my whiplash and spranged neck, so i was wondering what chiropracter you and your sister use becuase maybe they have another branch where i live.  Thanks so much for you time :)

[achilles2]

I saw the neuro's PA today. She was nice and then said they do not do evaluations here, I need to go somewhere else and get a cognitive behavioral eval. I was not happy with that answer. I know that for the most part occupational therapists are the ones who do the evals for sensory processing disorder.

So I talked with my friend who not only has sensory processing issues but is a special ed teacher. She recommended that I get a second opinion so that is what I am going to do. In August I see another neurologist. Hopefully now I am on the right path to getting the services I need.

I hope that you are having more success than me,
achilles2

[SamPCS]

Thanks again for all the information.  You are right, I am totally not ready for a flight now.  If I get ready all I want to try is the vision specialist in Birmingham first and Stem Cell Therapy (out of the country) next.  My trust with Neurologists is very low now.  Most of them are trained to think only one way and don't want to try different things.  I like to try John Hopkins which is 1 hour away from me - even that if I can make it. They do have the best Neurologist department. As you know it cannot be one trip and I may have to go for several trips.  PCS is a tough one seems like and millions suffer - including NFL players and even commit suicide if you watch the news.

Again thanks and if at all anything good I sure let you know.

[achilles2]

Sam,

I know that right now it would be very difficult but have you ever thought about going to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. They have some top notch neurologist and you do not need a referral. You can just go this page and describe your PCS, TBI and such if they think that you "interesting" enough they will get you in. Just be sure to have your scans if you ever decide to try. Plus we know of a place that you can stay that is very quiet and the people will pick you up at the airport and take you to your appointments. It is a house owned by the Mennonites, and they see it as their ministry to those who go to Mayo. The cost is however much you can afford. (If you smoke they do not want smokers since they have people that are medically fragile that stay at the house.)  Also I was not telling you to get Vit D supplements I was just shocked at how much they told you to take.

Sweetangel how are you doing, did you ever get the help and answers that you were searching for?

achilles2