Post-Concussion Symptoms: Tremors, Dizziness, and Pain

Post-concussion syndrome includes symptoms such as sleep disturbances, limb tremors, and dizziness?

Hello Doctor: Since the night of the car accident on January 6th, I have experienced sudden jerking movements in my left hand and foot shortly after falling asleep.
I wake up and continue to sleep, but the jerking still occurs, though not frequently—about 2 to 3 times.
Recently, I have also been experiencing dizziness and headaches, with a particularly sharp pain in the upper right side of my head and significant dizziness behind my eyes.
Yesterday, during a particularly dizzy episode, my right eye became blurry, and I felt unsteady.
At night, while sleeping and just before waking up, I now experience jerking movements in my right hand and foot, which has increased to 3 to 5 times in one night.
During the day, while awake, I have noticed cramping, tingling, and spasms in my left hand and foot.
My hands react differently to hot and cold water; for instance, my right hand feels cold at 3-4 degrees Celsius, while my left hand, right thumb, and right foot feel pain at 1-2 degrees Celsius when exposed to hot water.
I am unsure if these symptoms are related to my brain injury or if I have another underlying condition causing these sudden jerking movements, as I did not experience these phenomena before.

Tuzi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/19

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Miss Rabbit,
You mentioned that "since the night of the car accident on January 6th, my right eye has been blurry, and my left hand and foot have been experiencing spasms...
I have never had these symptoms before." Your symptoms may warrant consideration of lesions above the cervical spine, including the brain.
If there is a sudden onset of neurological deficits such as limb weakness or slurred speech, abnormalities in brain structure should be the primary concern.
Other causes that can lead to loss of motor control, such as seizures or movement disorders, should also be thoroughly evaluated.
I recommend that you visit a neurology clinic for further examination and follow-up with your family.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions!
Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2023/02/19

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of concerning symptoms following your car accident on January 6th. The tremors, dizziness, and pain you describe could be related to post-concussion syndrome, which can occur after a head injury. This syndrome can manifest in various ways, including headaches, dizziness, and neurological symptoms such as tremors or changes in sensation.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Tremors and Muscle Spasms: The involuntary movements of your left hand and foot, as well as the spasms you experience during the day, could be indicative of neurological irritation or damage. After a concussion, the brain may struggle to regulate muscle control, leading to tremors or spasms. This could also be a sign of a condition known as "post-traumatic dystonia," where abnormal muscle tone occurs following an injury.

2. Dizziness and Headaches: The dizziness and headaches, particularly the sharp pain in the right side of your head and behind your eyes, are common symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. These symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, or physical exertion. The fact that you experience these symptoms more intensely upon waking could suggest that your body is not fully recovering during sleep, possibly due to muscle tension or other factors.

3. Visual Disturbances: The blurred vision in your right eye is concerning and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Visual disturbances can occur after a concussion due to the brain's processing of visual information being disrupted. This could also be related to increased intracranial pressure or other neurological issues.

4. Sensory Differences: The varying reactions of your hands to temperature could indicate a neurological issue, such as peripheral neuropathy or a central nervous system problem. This could be related to the concussion or could be a separate issue that needs to be investigated.

Recommendations for Management
1. Seek Medical Attention: Given the complexity and severity of your symptoms, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or a specialist in brain injuries. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including neurological examinations and possibly imaging studies (like an MRI or CT scan) to rule out any serious complications.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy may help with muscle control and coordination. A physical therapist can provide exercises tailored to your needs, focusing on improving balance, strength, and reducing tremors.

3. Medication Management: Depending on your symptoms, medications may be prescribed to help manage headaches, dizziness, or muscle spasms. Discussing your symptoms with a physician can lead to a tailored medication plan.

4. Cognitive Rest: It is essential to allow your brain to rest and recover. This includes limiting screen time, reducing stress, and ensuring you get adequate sleep. Cognitive rest can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing and managing your condition.

Conclusion
Your symptoms following the car accident warrant careful evaluation and management. Post-concussion syndrome can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, and it is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further complications. Please prioritize seeking medical attention and follow the recommendations provided to facilitate your recovery.

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