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Sleep problem after TBI/no medication helps

Hi,

I suffered a severe brain injury back nearly 3 years ago. I was hit by a car as a pedestrian in a very high speed. For the first year of my recovery, I slept like a log. I started suffering from an insomnia about a year ago and since then it is getting worse. Im taking antidepressant Avanza and antipsychotic Seroquell. They both should improve my sleep but they dont. I tried Melatonin, benzos, you name it. Nothing helps. I sleep between 2 and 3 hours a night.

It got so bad that now Im extremely dizzy during the day and I dont function. I tried doing yoga, nothing really helps. Couple of days ago, I got so dizzy that I fainted and just fell on the floor. Would anyone have any suggestions?

Misha
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Avatar universal
Hi Misha! I survived a TBI as a passenger in a bad car accident 35 years ago. I have had absolutely horrendous health problems since then, including insomnia. I am not a doctor, but I simply cannot see why it would be so far-fetched to consider a TBI as the cause of a sleep problem. I did not have this problem before the accident.

I take Ambien every night or I simply won't sleep that night. (I have tried other things like melatonin, no help). I am grateful that something does work, but the side effects are severe- memory problems. Sorry, I wish I had better advice to help you, but at this point can offer only my support and understanding.

Take care,
Kevin
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Avatar universal
Hi,
Thank you so much for your reply but let me get some things straight. I do not suffer from any allergies, or high blood pressure, heart disease. Before me being hit by the car, I was generally a very healthy person and had NO SLEEP PROBLEMS whatsoever.
I went to a Sleep Clinic and did a sleep study that identified me as having a very poor sleep efficiency and suffering from insomnia as a consequence of the post-concussion syndrome.
So my sleep problem is VERY MUCH and ONLY related to my traumatic brain injury. And as a typical brain injury sufferer, I can take as many sleeping pills as I can and it DOES NOT DO ANYTHING.
So my problem is very specific and therefore I joined this forum, as I dont have a typical insomnia that people suffer from, but very SPECIFIC INSOMNIA AFTER SUFFERING A BRAIN INJURY and I hoped that someone perhaps suffered the same or took care of a brain-injury sufferer and would be able to help me.
Im getting advice from my family on my sleep every day. These advice usually consists of things like
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
To get relief, you will have to find the cause of insomnia. You should ideally consult a sleep specialist as you could be suffering from insomnia. It is unlikely to be related to your injury, though it could be obstructive sleep apnea due to some injury to nasal passage etc. This can also be due to physical or emotional stress, depression, allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and sleep apnea.
Do discuss this with your doctor and get yourself examined. Take care!
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