Things are frustrating on the concussion front. It’s been almost two years since the original injury, but my progress has been like the stock market . . . when it’s plunging.
I have made gains in my ability to understand myself and what my triggers are. That’s helpful at least. But it’s complicated stuff, monitoring everything I do, trying to do more without setting myself back.
One thing has given me pause. Three doctors specializing in concussions have now told me that my case is unusual. They have never seen another patient who experiences concussion setbacks as I do. So I’m an unusual case.
But how unusual am I really? I know of two other people who seem to have similar issues. One I know personally, and the other I found by doing a Google search, landing on her website about post-concussion syndrome. Both of these people have described experiencing concussion setbacks. I also found that functional neurological disorder web page, which I have mentioned previously on this blog, that explains that sometimes the functioning of the nervous system gets screwed up, even if the actual tissue is fine or heals.
So I had a blow to the head that set something out of whack, and now my brain is trying to protect me by sending out signals that it thinks are valid, but are actually not.
How do you fix something like that? The two people I know of fixed it by years of trial and error. Like 5 to 10 years of trial and error.
Ugh. Is there a shortcut?
I’m reaching out to you today to ask you what secrets you might have. Please share with me any and all ideas, no matter how big or small, serious or silly. One of them might be a clue or the answer. Here are therapies I have tried or am thinking about trying:
- Chiropractic treatment
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Food allergy testing
- CBD
- Meditation
- Reiki
- Life coaching
- Vestibular-ocular physical therapy
- Neck and head massage
- Positive thinking
- Acupuncture
- Medication
- Psychotherapy
- Craniosacral therapy
What other ideas do you have?
Hey Liza, sorry to hear about this level of ongoing frustration. Was going to say hyperbaric oxygen. Results are apparently mixed. A friend of mine in the Army tried HBO, and was really unsure if it had a positive impact.
He did try something called neuro chiropractic therapy at Carrick Brain Center in TX. I don’t know exactly what that is, and would ordinarily raise a skeptical eye at something with “chiropractic” in the name. But he said it was lifechanging for him, so I’ll offer it as an addition to your list to research.
Liza,
So sorry to hear you are continuing to have this frustrating, annoying issue. https://www.patientslikeme.com/ is a website where people with similar issues share their experiences. I hope this helps.
Dan
Liza, I’m sorry you are experiencing setbacks. You might want to research the Vegus Nerve and Polyvagal Theory. I have had depression and anxiety for years. Through the guidance of a trained psychotherapist using the Safe and Sound Protocol, I’ve changed my life completely without medication. I hope you find relief.
Hi Liza – See a homeopath – there are a number of remedies that can help resolve issues from past TBIs – http://www.laurentrimble.com/blog/the-trauma-of-post-concussion-syndrome.
Hi Liza, sorry to hear that!
From my experience, when everything else fails, try acupuncture. It may feel weird at the beginning but stick with it for a while, it did work for me.
Take care,
Zeev
You are the second person I know with long term, impairing effects of concussion. I wish I could help you both. At least you have found sites of others. The other person has had terrible luck with doctors treating it all seriously.
Thanks to all who left me messages, here and elsewhere. Your ideas and support are greatly appreciated. Love you all. Thanks, again! <3