OpenHealth Q&A

Inquiries Regarding Concussions and Associated Symptoms

I’m a 57-year-old female, weighing 127 pounds and standing 5’4” tall. In 1994, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). My history also includes a concussion that occurred in 2012; luckily, there were no signs of bleeding or significant bruising detected in a CT scan that my physician reviewed. Since that injury, I have faced considerable challenges with my memory, both short-term and long-term. Everyday tasks have become daunting; I struggle to recall names of common items, often forget where I parked my car, and have trouble organizing cutlery. I even found that I could watch films repeatedly without retaining any memory of their plots. Additionally, I have battled severe insomnia and a persistent mental fog since the concussion. In the three years that followed, I endured intense pain in my joints, spine, and bones, experienced migraines, and was diagnosed with tachycardia linked to a relatively common congenital anomaly which affects a chamber’s ability to fill properly, causing fluctuating high blood pressure. I also exhibited hypermobility and tested positive for an ANA at a 1:80 speckled pattern, along with a positive lupus anticoagulant, leading to a diagnosis of a non-specific autoimmune disorder. For ten years, I was treated with Plaquenil, and I found that short courses of steroids provided noticeable relief. Currently, my doctor has categorized my condition as Fibromyalgia and neuropathy since recent tests showed no current ANA or other indicators of inflammation. A brain CT scan did reveal a hyper-intense area in the back right side of my head, which my previous neurologist claimed is often found in migraine sufferers. I have a few questions: 1. Is it possible for individuals to recall the incident that led to their concussion? 2. Can a minor head trauma trigger activity in an autoimmune condition? 3. Might this have been CFS all along? 4. Did I enter perimenopause, potentially exacerbating the intense mental fog? My current medications include: - Estrogen 0.9 mg (since 1994) - Progesterone 100 mg - Diltiazem ER 120 mg - Gabapentin 300 mg - Ambien 6.25 XR - Zyrtec - Sumatriptan as needed for migraines Despite ongoing tachycardia and widespread discomfort throughout my body, my memory has seen some improvement; however, the phenomenon of rewatching films is still prevalent, and I continue to face challenges in word retrieval. I am now able to sort silverware and can make basic plans, such as booking a flight to a specific location. However, I still find it difficult to organize complex itineraries involving multiple destinations or transportation methods, and I experience some anxiety. Before my concussion, I worked as a self-employed web designer and PHP developer, but I was forced to close my business afterward. I apologize for the length of this message. I've been told that my concussion couldn’t have happened because I didn’t lose consciousness and I remember the related event clearly. I would appreciate any perspective on how these autoimmune issues may have developed. Thank you for taking the time to read my situation!

Answers (1)

6/30/2025, 3:40:50 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your detailed medical history and current concerns. What you're experiencing involves a complex interplay of symptoms and conditions, likely influenced by your past concussion, autoimmune issues, and the potential effects of hormonal changes. Let's address your questions one by one and provide some actionable steps.

Main Points:

1. Yes, some individuals can recall details of the incident leading to their concussion.
2. Minor head trauma can potentially trigger or exacerbate autoimmune conditions.
3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) might have been present or affected by other conditions.
4. Hormonal changes from perimenopause may contribute to cognitive issues such as mental fog.

Explanation:

1. Recalling the Concussion Incident: Many people retain some memory of the events surrounding a concussion, even if they do not lose consciousness. Memory retrieval can vary widely from person to person, influenced by factors like stress and the nature of the injury.

2. Autoimmune Triggering: It’s possible that a minor head trauma can trigger changes in an autoimmune disorder. Stress, whether physical or emotional, can lead to flare-ups or changes in symptoms.

3. CFS vs. Other Conditions: Your symptoms of fatigue, cognitive issues, and pain overlap with CFS but also align with fibromyalgia and neurological issues stemming from your concussion. These conditions can coexist, and distinguishing between them can be challenging.

4. Perimenopause Effects: Hormonal changes in perimenopause can affect cognitive function. Declines in estrogen levels can lead to symptoms such as mental fog, memory issues, and even increased sensitivity to pain, which may further complicate your overall condition.

Next Steps:

1. Memory Management: Consider keeping a daily planner or using apps that help track tasks and reminders. This might alleviate some cognitive load and assist with organization.

2. Cognitive Strategies: Engage in cognitive exercises, such as puzzles or memory games, to gently stimulate your brain and help improve memory retention over time.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to document episodes of fogginess, anxiety, or pain. Contextualizing these symptoms (such as stress triggers or time of day) can provide insightful data for future discussions with your healthcare provider.

4. Hydration and Diet: Ensure you stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate cognitive issues. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may also support cognitive function.

5. Sleep Hygiene: Given your insomnia, focus on establishing a consistent sleep routine. This can include limiting screen time before bed, creating a calming pre-sleep environment, and potentially reevaluating your Ambien dosage with your doctor.

6. Communicate with Your Provider: It’s essential to keep open communication with your healthcare team regarding the improvements and ongoing challenges. Discuss whether a referral to a specialist in cognitive rehabilitation or chronic pain management might be appropriate.

I hope this information helps clarify your concerns and provides you with actionable steps. Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional support!