Post Concussion Syndrome...anyone had it?

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YummyHorses

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Hi all

Had a really nasty fall last weekend - landed on my head and back and have been very unwell all week. Ended up in hospital mid week and have been diagnosed with the above. Been told it can go on a bit which worries me as I am meant to be competing at Hickstead at end of the month.

Has anyone had it? How long did it go on for? How long was it before you starting riding again? And driving? Any tips on dealing with the symptoms?

Am feeling a bit low with it all to be honest - not like me to inactive and its driving me mad.

Thanks xx
 
I was knocked out for a long time when a horse I was riding died. I had a hat on, too. It took me about two weeks to get my brain back to full working order. I was forgetful, tearful (not like me!!) and just "not with it" for the two weeks. I didn't stop riding or driving, though maybe I should have.
 
Yes I am very emotional which is not like me - I feel like I am operating at a very slow pace, very disorientated, not sure what is happening most of the time. The car motion makes me feel awful, am not driving, just don't trust myself at the moment. Would love to ride but not sure I would stay on as I become very dizzy if I move my head!

I guess it will take time - I am just not the sort that likes waiting, more the get on with it sort!
 
When I had a bad fall, as in bashing my head and have a bleed, I found these people brilliantly helpful http://www.headway.org.uk/home.aspx

Also found I had to sleep a lot. Was usually out of it by about eight-thirty in the evening. And eat! Could easily get through two big fry-ups a day - I seemed to need an awful lot to eat.

The nice people on the headway helpline were so kind. Supportive and understanding and explaining that what I was feeling (the crying, etc.) were all normal and to be expected.

If you ever want or need to talk, feel free to pm.
 
MrsMozart - thanks so much, so very kind. Yep crying, sleeping and eating are all I can do at the moment! I also keep thinking back to the fall and doing the 'what ifs' which isn't healthy but you just do. Means I am becoming a little anxious so just need to get back in the saddle but I am not allowed which is making it all worse!

My daughter (9 years old) rides and its making me hold back with her (she doesn't know it of course) but having had the fall myself just reminds me that its dangerous and she could get hurt.

I'm normally a tough old boot and am very much mind over matter but its made me question everything.
 
The what-ifs and over-thinking, etc., are only to be expected.

I got back on after six or so weeks I think, but I was scared. I have photographs and I remember the feeling of each one. Took me months to get any semblance of confidence or normality. Every tiny step was huge in my eyes.

It sounds daft, and I'm sure others have a far more sensible route to normality, but it wasn't until I broke my back (what can I say, one fall a year, but each time in, um, style :rolleyes:), that, when I got back on after six months out of the saddle, I was straight away so much more relaxed.

With regards to your head, once you've accepted that this is how its going to be for a while, you'll probably find it easier to deal with. Accept that you need to eat or sleep, or that you're going to cry for no apparent reason, or that your mood is going to swing, and go with it. I found that getting those close to you to read up helps as well. Makes it easier on them.

I hated the inactivity, and the, well, all of it really, but we got through it. I still have the odd issue, but am learning to recognise the root cause, which allows me to then find a coping mechanism.
 
My Mum had this earlier on in the year and she told me that she didn't feel right for over three weeks. Stupidly, she continued to work and drive but she definitely wasn't herself. I hope you feel better soon :(
 
I got smacked in the head when the horse I was riding reared, as I leant forwards she flung her head up and over and caught by my eye with her poll. Well just like in the cartoons an egg size lump blew up in seconds. My eye went red and despite a bag of frozen peas straight on it the whole side of my head went black.

I felt OK at the time but the next day felt strange and went to the doctor. Immediately sent to hospital for a CAT scan as doc was cooncerned that my eye was bleeding into my brain.

I was concussed for two weeks and went through many different stages - sleepy, disorientated at times and loss of short term memory, emotional was way over the top about anything.

It took three or four weeks to come totally right though I still have short term memory problems and I now have astigmatism in my right eye.

Take it easy, sleep when you need to and give your brain time to heal.

Then each time you feel a bit unsure of yourself remember all the times that you haven't fallen off - they far out number the falls.
 
I got kicked in the head in Sept (horse reared and clunked me on the way down) and I had all that you described, plus a horrible feeling of drunkness for over a week. I didn't drive until I got over that but I did suffer with being v slow, short term memory was rubbish and I felt my reactions weren't as sharp as they were and that lasted about 2-3 months afterwards. It scared me a lot and I made several trips to the docs who assured me it was all to be expected but it was awful.

I would expect it to take a while but you will get back to normal, get well soon!
 
YH sorry to hear about your fall, it can be very scary afterwards.

I fell off nearly 6 weeks ago, I have no recollection of the fall and it wasnt witnessed although there was someone present at the yard. I cant remember anything about that day until was asked to get into the CT scanner mid afternoon. As others have said I could sleep for England, very emotional (one day I was incredibly irritable, more so than usual;), the next in floods of tears), concentration was nil, had to keep apologizing to everyone for repeating myself. I actually didnt feel like going out for a few days and when I did all I wanted to do was go home. My eyesight was blurred, especially my right eye and I felt sick for 2 weeks and really didnt think I needed to eat, just didnt feel hungry, lost a few pounds which was a bonus.

I can now fully understand why BE stand riders down for 3 weeks following a HI, it wasnt till after then that I felt more 'normal', but hadnt realised how bad I had been feeling, if that makes sense. I would have been, and still would be very happy to get back on the horse I fell from (not one of ours), but have had a huge confidence crisis with my own, yes he is a very sharp TB who is pushing the boundaries atm, but it has taken 2 weeks to feel comfortable about getting on him again, I have really had to push myself as I have doubted my ability, I think this is because i cant remember falling off and perhaps I should have stayed on.

Driving was interesting, I know I drove far to soon, during an 'irritable' day I just had to get away and be by myself, so grabbed the car keys and ran, I soon realised that driving which is second nature was a huge effort, taking all my concentration, pulling out of a side road took forever had to keep checking nothing was coming time and time again, I knew this wasnt right so got home and didnt try to drive again for well over a week, until it felt normal pulling off the drive.

I think what scared me more than the fall was finding out about the damage to my hat, sent it back to Gatehouse to find out it was a very high impact injury, probably form head butting a fence post, they were amazed I didnt have a far more serious injury and said without the hat I would not be here, sobering to say the least.

I am also a retired neuro intensive care nurse, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, I was frightened by how I felt and realised what my previous patients must have been through when they had had much worse injuries than me.

All our family ride, I must admit that I haven't worried so much about the kids riding, but have concentrated my concerns on my OH who instructs and rides for a living, I have got very het up about him riding other peoples horses who are proving to be a little 'difficult' I am now more aware of how either of us being injured and 'off games' can affect the household.

I have had so much support from family and friends, and an amazing amount for the lovely people on this forum, so the plus side is a huge boost in my faith in human nature and how generous people can be.

My advice would be listen to your body, do what it says you can, but dont push it to do anymore, it will heal, but in its own time, but if you rush it it will take longer.

If you would like to talk, just send me a pm and I will give you a call, or can chat by pm.

Take care hope you feel better really soon.
 
Thanks everyone for so many kind messages - I would love to catch up to those who offered but to be honest I will just cry down the phone at the moment!!!

Its comforting to hear others experience and to think that I am not being a numpty by feeling a little nervous with it all. I am trying to control the 'what if' feelings although its not easy.

I am back with the doctors tomorrow so shall speak to them about plans going forward.

I am trying to take it steady (although have already made a long list of jobs to do today!) and doing my best not to snap and snarl at everyone around me. Will probably end up sleeping all day which is what has been happening.

Thanks so much guys, really appreciate your comments and guess what I am crying just typing this response!!!

XX
 
When I fell the other day apart from hitting my head my foot became stuck in the stirrup. I managed to get it free (before he got up) but it was a close call.

I have been meaning to get myself some safety stirrups and feel now is the time. Wondered whether anyone could recommend some? I show jump and have seen various types and sorts out there - but what works best? A friend has a weighted pair I think - anyone used these as well?

Am trying to focus on something when I am awake!!! And not crying!!! Or snapping at everyone!!
 
D1 has Sprenger Bow Balance ones (the safety ones). She's not come off so far, so have no idea how effective they are.

I have the Sprenger normal ones, which have released my feet both times I've come off. I hate riding in normal irons now, they feel stiff and unyielding, whereas the Sprenger feel fluid.
 
Thanks MrsM I will look those up. Suppose that's the trouble you don't know how good there are until tested! I use Stubbens at the moment and like the feel BUT normal stirrups so not great in an accident.

M&S - that's what worries me. I don't make a habit of coming off but I do show jump so risks are greater. Slightly concerned as to what would happen if I hit my head again.

Anyway, must be positive, am trying not to think about the what ifs and could be's.
 
I found it helped to know there was a reason that I felt the way I did. I had a bad fall racing, very fast and hard then got kicked to bits . I felt depressed and almost suicidal weeks after . I confided in an ex profesional jockey friend . The first thing he asked me was if I had had a bad fall recently. He then explained that it would take months for things to sort themselves out but that I should remember that it was simply due to the fall. I found knowing this helped.
 
Definitely speak to the Headway people.

I found them when I hit my head getting into a car. Couldn't believe I could cause so much damage doing something so simple and comparatively light damage.

The chap I spoke to made me understand and he listened to me dribble on and cry. No judgement passed, just kind and supportive words, which helped immensely.

Hugs hunny.
 
I am gunna get in contact with Headway tomorrow. Have to go to the doctors tomorrow as well.

I can almost understand the accident and accept that it could happen again. What I am struggling with is the guilt. I am a mother of two children, run my own business which employs about 10 people including my husband (so we are a single income family in that sense), I have two enormous mortgages and my parents live with us (separate property on our land). I have three horses and my daughter rides. I ride as a hobby, that said I am very competitive and my show jumper is based with a well respected national rider and I receive training from him so I aim to become a real proper amateur type.

My guilt - what happens if I have a fall which means I am off work or seriously hurt - I have so many people relying on me, need me financially, emotionally etc. Plus I have a 9 year old daughter riding - riding as I introduced her to it and we bought her a pony at Xmas and she is soooo into it!

I guess the risk has always been there but you don't feel it or think about it when everything is good and you stay safely on top. BUT I am not the sort to sit at home and do safe things - I have ridden all my life (okay did have a 20 year break for kids and career!) and love being around the horses and being competitive, I like winning. I love riding.

How do I handle the guilt? Worrying that I will be letting so many people down as I want to ride? Am I being selfish? Worried about feeling the guilt if my daughter falls - coz I introduced her to it.

OMG I don't know. I have never been one to think too much - I have always just got on with it. Suppose events like this make you stop. I think I need a glass of wine.....but not allowed to drink at the moment!!!!!
 
It's a while since I had a spate of bad falls, but all manner of strange things happened to me. I tasted things differently, and I couldn't listen to music for months after one of them. I still cannot cope with hearing a slightly badly tuned radio for example.
Your emotions are affected, as is the fuse for your temper. As long as those around you are aware that the reactions are not really you, but a short term version, you will be fine. Just make sure people are aware that you have been hurt.

I think the advice of sleeping as much has you feel you need is important.
Hope you feel better soon, it will go away!
 
i know excatly what this is like, i came of almost a fortnight ago and havent been right since, being a student nurse i am unable to work due to constantly feeling tired, irritable, and emotional at every tiny little thing, have been told to take another week off and see how i go, i was told i had severe concusion and warned that i could suffer from post concussion syndrome, i have ridden since a few days after the accident, with a new hat, and have felt fine while riding but it is when im home and dont have much to do when the headaches return and i start to feel not myself, hope i can get back to work soon as im getting very bored
 
Just got back from my doctors check up and have been told to sit back and rest. She said that I could do some light work which after some discussion I came to understand this meant dusting - to me it would mean mucking out three stables but there you go.

I am not allowed to drive and not allowed to ride. SO means I am out of Hickstead which I am really upset about. Apparently I am to go back to the doctors if I slow down any more as it could mean a subdural bleed. She said that she plans to scan me again at the end of the week.

I am completely gutted. Kinda hoped I would be back on my feet sooner rather than later but doesnt sound like it.
 
Yummy horse's, I know this post was 10 years ago. But I am suffering from exactly the symptoms as you did. I have been diagnosed with post concussion syndrome after a head injury. I am really struggling. I was curious to how you are feeling now. 10 years on. Do things get better I am reall worried for myself. I've had headaches pretty much every day since it happed. Hope to hear from you. Thanks in advance. Danny
 
I had this, was 3 weeks before I could think straight. I work in a school and kept pretty quiet about my symptoms, yet remember a teacher trying to tell me what she wanted. I could see her talking, but can remember my thoughts well, a voice in my head said, "Well, your mouth is flapping, but I have no idea what you're saying!"

The worrying part is that I simply smiled, nodded and went about my day and... no one noticed!

I was very tired. Headaches. A bit outer-worldly.

My head was also cut in my eyebrow, that took a while too.

3 weeks in before I could recognise how serious it was, or had been. Still not back to normal but I was back in the land of everyone else.

The biggest thing was to not bash my head again for some time after. I didn't ride for the first 3 weeks, then didn't do anything much for another month. I suspect longer would have been better.
 
Wow thanks for such a quick response!

Yeah it's been two weeks for me now, I've had 2 good days in 14 so far.

It's just really depressing me as I can't do much I've been sleeping hella lot, like 12 hours a day.

As you say I'm struggling to think straight. I'm also sensitive to light and I've not listed to music in 2 weeks now as it's too much for me. I'm just in darkness most of the time.

I've had to take time off from work as I work in construction.

After reading a bit online about pcs in scaring me a bit as some people suffer for years.

I'm really glad to hear it took you 3 weeks to recover sort of back to normal. I will keep my faith as I say it's been really getting me down.

I had scans on my head and everything was fine. I did also cut my head like you and had 8 staples put in. But that's pretty much healed up now. It's just these really intense headaches.

And as you say I am also petrified to bang my head again now. Think I'll have to buy a crash helmet once I get though it ;)

Any tips on recovery that you found worked for you?
 
Don’t rush it. I had a head injury leading my horse up an overgrown narrow bridleway, when he smashed his head down on mine. I didn’t black out but did momentarily loose my vision, and he wrote my hat off. Hospital said yep, concussed, come back if you get worse. In hindsight I did too much too soon, just started a new job so didn’t go sick. I rode again after six weeks which was too soon as I got dumped on the road by a very sharp plant and spin in trot, which cracked my pelvis. This was all about five years ago.

My shirt term memory is shocking now. There are areas of my pelvis which have not recovered from the impact and are still numb.
 
Have you got a follow up appointment at the hospital?

My OH was knocked to the ground on a concrete yard and fell face forwards. He was unconcious for about 3 minutes. He was completely out of it while loaded into the ambulance and said he didn't really come round until he was sent for scans in the hospital. He was kept in overnight and it was described as "a significant" head injury. Not minor, not serious.

He could hardly do a thing for a few days without help. Getting dressed, going up and down stairs. After about a week this improved and after another week he could drive up and down our lane about 1 mile. But he said his brain couldn't process the information if he wanted to drive on the main road or further afield. It was a good 6 weeks before he could drive any further, although he was able to work at home OK.

OH is OK now several years on. His memory of past events isn't that good, but then it wasn't before the accident!

So it really is necessary to rest. You brain has been shaken up and needs to settle down again.
 
I supported someone who had almost a year off work with what was eventually recognised as post-concussion syndrome. Her GP referred her to a neurologist but then realised himself what was wrong but said that it was most usually seen in motorbikers. Hers was an injury sustained while in work at school. She tried to go back to work after 6 months but was unable to complete her phased return. After the year she went back to work on reduced hours because she decided that she wanted to spend some time looking after her new grandchild.

ETA, she described fatigue and brain-fog when telling me about how she felt.
 
@Danny111 - I had a dig through YummyHorse's profile and found this from a year after the accident:

YummyHorses said:
I fell from my horse about a year ago, landing on my head, onto concrete. Symptoms - really really bad headache, vision blurred, no balance, emotional, tired, speech odd.

I was taken to hospital three days after the accident and was diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome. Suffered for about 9 months - I was given medication for the balance and spent a number of days in hospital. I had lots of MRI and CT scans to confirm no bleed and was told to rest and do nothing.

Do go to the GP and get checked. They can help and whilst I am no doctor your symptoms do sound similar. Take care.
Click to expand...

I hope you make a full recovery soon - it sounds like a very unpleasant syndrome :(
 
Slight tangent, but I was involved with prison and probation for a while. They had evidence (its ongoing research) that high levels of criminality often coincided with brain trauma in puberty for that person. It was mostly men, who reached this level of criminality but i did find it really interesting. They interviewed people from all backgrounds as well as childhood upbringing is also a significant factor. It made me think about children riding and helmets. Also about how forces are dissipated with the wide use of body protectors. There is mounting evidence about the impact of multiple concussion and suicide in particular with American football.
 
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