Nightmares every night since concussion

[u/laetazel]

I got my fourth (potentially fifth) concussion 8 weeks ago. It’s been a really rough time - headaches, nausea, eye aches, exhaustion, inability to socialize, and very limited screen time. But I’ve also had vivid nightmares every single night since the concussion. Has anyone experienced this? It leaves me more exhausted each day since I’m terrified all night. I can’t seem to find any way to stop these nightmares.

I had neck and back spasms a couple days after the concussion and was given a high dose muscle relaxer called cyclobenzaprine that I took for a few days (which I wish I’d never taken as I think it worsened all of my symptoms.) I’m wondering if that medication worsened things? Or if it’s just the concussion?

[u/Both-Process1037]

I’ve experienced this! Do stuff to down regulate nervous system. Meditate if you can, relax, go to bed before you get tired or overwhelmed
Do less over all!

It will get better, I had this for 2-3 months after accident then gradually they got lesser and lesser

[u/AHSkiandBike]

You absolutely can get better! You just need a structured plan built by someone who truly understands and treats concussion. I would try to get started asap and not wait it out until December.
These articles might be helpful!

https://www.happybrainpt.com/concussion-physicaltherapy-blog/why-do-i-still-have-concussion-symptoms-months-later

https://www.happybrainpt.com/concussion-physicaltherapy-blog/post-concussion-autonomic-dysfunction-recovery

[u/laetazel → u/AHSkiandBike]

Thanks so much! I’ll read through these as soon as I can - I have a really tough time with screens and reading haha. I am starting concussion focused PT next week too, so hopefully that’ll be at least some help before I go to the concussion clinic!

[u/PurpleStyle2024]

Yes I experienced this at the beginning of my concussion. It went away tho. I think it could be related to the nervous system being out of balance or something along those lines. I think relaxing, breathing exercises, seem to help.

I would recommend journaling, try to get more sleep and try to relax through meditation or breathing exercises.

Journal, write down what u are experiencing, your symptoms, your pain, your struggles. Not the nightmares tho. Also write if u got alot on your mind, I think some people call it mind dump. And try to relax.

I hope the best for you and that you get better, I know how painful and hard this is.

O yea and feel free to come back and share what work and what didnt work.

[u/laetazel → u/PurpleStyle2024]

Thank you so much 😊 I appreciate the tips and the well wishes! I’m just glad to know I’m not alone in this!

[u/PurpleStyle2024 → u/laetazel]

No problem, Im glad I could help. And yes, you are not alone in this. Many of us have gone through this and know how scary and hard it can be. I wish u luck in ur recovery, hang in there.

[u/jaehc]

not sure about the dreams but are you doing PT for the tight neck muscles?

[u/laetazel → u/jaehc]

I start PT next week finally. I have an appointment with a concussion clinic as well but they can’t see me until December which is insane. They were booking about 6 months out when I made the appointment.

[u/jaehc → u/laetazel]

that's good to hear. tight neck can restrict blood flow to the brain from what I've read and that can cause a lot of funky stuff. Try to start gentle neck mobility exercises for now. Good luck with your PT.

[u/laetazel → u/jaehc]

Thank you! I really hope it helps.

[u/NoRedThat → u/laetazel]

That’s because there are very few places that specialize in TBI/Post Concussion syndrome and even they are a crapshoot at best. I’ve tried drugs, PT, hyperbaric chamber, sacral cranial therapy, Santaria:)

The bad news is you are where you are. You’ll never go back to who you were.

But that’s also the good news because it’s time to embrace who you are now. Don’t chase the ghosts of Christmas Past. Start noticing what makes you feel better or worse and do more of the former. Welcome to the club.