TBI: Will my symptoms get better or worse?

Posted by duke21 @duke21, Apr 22 8:53pm

I was involved in a car accident where I sustained concussions each time. I had surgery on my neck. I have nerve damage (burning) that radiates cross the shoulders down both arms. I have gradually experience the issues more over the last 2 years. My wife has brought my attention to a lot of the issues.

eyes twitch, difficulty concentrating, tachycardia, incoherent thoughts, unstable mood, extrem headaches, nausea, lethargic, aura vision, light sensitivity, difficulty remember things now. At times I stuttered.

I am new to this and have not be around others who experience my symptoms. Does it get better or worse.

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Scott R L | @scottrl | Apr 22 9:43pm

That's got to be tough to endure!

You don't say when you had the accident, but with time, these things can sort themselves out.

Although I didn't have a concussion, I had a stroke.
For a couple of years afterwards, all of my senses were scrambled. But as I said, there has been significant improvement over time.

Good luck, and be patient.

kb2014 | @kb2014 | Apr 22 10:51pm

I had a craniotomy done in May 2014. The 7th. 11 year anniversary coming up. I had access in my left temporal lobe from chronic sinusitis. My diagnosis was bacterial meningitis of my brain. I was in a medically induced coma septic multi organ failure. I was coded. Yes. Gone. I have a seizure risk from the craniotomy . I have remained seizure free all this time. What you describe is probably the neurological effects of a TBI. Do you have a neurologist? Have you had any physical therapy or speech therapy? Have you discussed with a primary care doctor or neurologist if any of your symptoms could be attributed to any medication you are on? Have you thought about seeing a psychologist or neuropsycholigist? The symptoms that remain for me is light sensitivity noise sensitivity cognitive overload gentility to heat and cold some headaches. And a lifetime risk of seizures. I have ptsd as well. Your symptoms may improve with time. Mine did. I am so sorry you are experiencing this. If I could encourage you to do anything it would be take action now to help yourself.

kayabbott | @kayabbott | Apr 23 8:01am

My moderate TBI was 31 years ago. I had damage to my occipital, left temporal, and basal frontal lobes. My sense of smell and taste was 80% after 2 years and 90% at 8 years. My word finding is still a bit iffy so I do crossword puzzles and other games. The brain does rewire, but that does take some work. If you don't have one, it would be good to see a neurologist to ensure you don't have other contributing factors, and to get some rewiring rehab.

duke21 | @duke21 | Apr 23 1:46pm

In reply to @scottrl "That's got to be tough to endure! You don't say when you had the accident, but..." + (show)

1st accident in 2010 and the second 2022, thanks

LKas | @lkas | Apr 24 9:54am

Your symptoms will improve if you stay the course and recognize what has & hast not worked.
I have no smell or taste which has not changed
My TBI was 19 years ago and now that I am older I can better recognize what helps and what sends me spiraling.
It is hard work so be very committed! ✌🏽✌🏼✌🏾

duke21 | @duke21 | Apr 24 11:38am

In reply to @lkas "Your symptoms will improve if you stay the course and recognize what has & hast not..." + (show)

Thank you for your comments. For the past 2 years, I failed to acknowledge issues until my wife started keeping notes. I do get angry faster or irritated more than before along with the other things. But it's good to hear other people symptoms so I recognize things easier

Ric J | @ricj | Apr 24 4:37pm

Hi Duke, my injury will be 22 years in October, and I am replying to let you know that symptoms will release their holds. Maybe not 100% as you hope, but you will get better. Don't hate your injury, know that your brain is rewiring itself which takes a lot of energy. Recovery takes time, lifetime. Hang in there, believe in yourself, love the new good days. Things will get better in many ways that will surprise you.

duke21 | @duke21 | Apr 24 5:23pm

In reply to @ricj "Hi Duke, my injury will be 22 years in October, and I am replying to let..." + (show)

Thank you

Ric J | @ricj | Apr 24 8:03pm

Hi Duke21, I have to correct my earlier post. I said "don't hate your injury" without finishing my thoughts. So here it goes. Don't hate your injury because hate doesn't help with the healing process. Don't let your injury define you, define yourself. The key for recovering from a brain injury is moving forward. You have the ability to change the phrase "the new normal" become "the current normal".

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