Headaches after TBI. Improvement on holiday with grandsons. Why?j

[Charente]

My husband has debilitating headaches following his TBI. Often daily, sometimes lasting a few days. He suffers with anxiety. We are working with a counsellor. He does not handle crowds, bright lights, loud noises well.

We went on a caravan Lodge holiday with our daughter, son in law and 2 grandsons aged 15 and 9 yrs. They get on really well with their Gramps.

He had NO headaches for the whole week of the holiday . !!!

He did not want a respite from them, watched boys programmes with them ie…motor racing, football, mountain biking and crazy uphill scrambling. They played cards, bantered and teased. His first headache appeared a few hours after they left. We left the following morning.

Although delighted, we are both flabbergasted! Anyone throw a light on this so we can try and improve his headache problem? P.S…. They are nearly back to normal now , although a little less.

thanks A xx

[Pairofboots]

Hi A, it is difficult to explain the why's when it comes to head injuries. The reason they disappeared could be environmental, or the change in routine, it might be that for the brief time away that he forgot about his anxieties.

This doesn't mean that the headaches are less real, or psychological. For your husband, they are very real. 🍀

[Charente in reply to Pairofboots]

Thankyou, I’m thinking that forgetting his anxieties is key here.

[Hidden]

Sounds like a change in life activities may have reduced stress and reduced anxiety etc, stress and anxiety cause tension, many headaches are tension headaches. Seems you are joining the dots, change of life leads to a change in stress/anxiety leads to no more headaches. Have a radical life change 👍

[Charente in reply to Hidden]

Hmm, food for thought. Think you re right…. Radical life change…? That needs thought. Thankyou xx

[Painting-girl]

Hi C, when my little granddaughter visits I seem to have an inexhaustible supply of energy, to play with her for that couple of hours, and then I keel over afterwards! I think it may be tied in to our attention? And or possibly some sort of adrenaline response? Certainly I'm in 'grandma mode' and very vigilant around her. In the early days, my daughter in law always noticed when I was showing signs of fatigue before I realised it myself though. (I have read that people with ADHD are more susceptible to problems following MTBI - so wonder if there is some connection - I don't have ADHD as far as I'm aware however)

Originally the neuropsychologist and the concussion specialist were very keen that I use my limited energy to do things I enjoyed and not to exclude nice experiences because of energy deficits - but to rest up before and after. These good experiences help maintain a good mood overall. It could be that he'll be more wiped out than usual for a week or more now, but the lovely time with the family will have been more than worth it. (It's been a bit odd around the 'lockdown' Christmases, but basically Christmas prep and socialising has tended to wipe me out for all of January - which the neuropsychiatrist actually warned me about. )

I tie headaches into fatigue because even now ( four years on) if I overdo things in a day I will get a headache, and if I overdo things several days in a row, the headaches just join up and become chronic again as they were early on with my MTBI. With the benefit of hindsight I think my daily headaches had more to do with fatigue than I realised. But this doesn't entirely explain the 'grandparent effect'...

[Charente in reply to Painting-girl]

Yes, adrenaline seems to have played a part and feel good grandpa effect too. I’m just in awe of it all. So much to take in. And yes he was on the ADHD spectrum too. Thanks Anne

[peege]

Hi, I'm wondering if the injury affected your husband's sinuses. (Personally I don't have injury, I joined because of my sister's ). For many years I had excruciating headaches lasting up to 10 days. I was treated for migraine although I always thought it was something else. Long story short I had a facial CT scan for unrelated jaw pain, the consultant sent me through to the ENT specialist who showed me the scan & asked "don't you get terrible headaches? ". My sinus cavities in forehead and cheeks were completely full of solid matter built up over years. An op sorted the problem in 2007 & ever since I've used a steroid nasal spray or saline rinse alongside using acupressure points (see a youtube demo) to relieve pressure & prevent the build up to a headache. Different areas affect my sinuses, different pollens or air quality perhaps. Anyway, just a thought, it could be physical and not to do with the brain. Kind regards, Peege

[Charente in reply to peege]

He has had sinus problems in past but the headaches came with the TBI. Will check sinus s though 👍

[cat3]

It's a strange phenomenon isn't it Charente. I know that overdoing stuff is supposedly a 'no-no' but when I start gardening or other outdoor jobs I never know when to stop ; I guess being active and creative is a taste of the old me.

Yes, I suffer for it later with headaches, arthritis pain and fatigue, but with the Serotonin hit (great for lifting mood) and the temporary pain relief of endorphins it's a wonderful break from the humdrum of aches, pains and boredom.

I dislike the word 'hobby' but maybe your man could benefit from new & invigorating interests, giving him events to look forward to and reflect on ? What activities did he enjoy before his Bi ? 🤔

Cat x

[Charente in reply to cat3]

Very true Cat, rugby and boules but unfortunately the anxiety issues are preventing him joining in at the moment though we are working with a counsellor re anxiety etc. .( obviously grandchildren he’s completely comfortable with…non judgmental and accepting I guess) Also physical issues prevent him cycling and walking , a great previous love. Cycling now out but also have neuro physio appointments soon which should help gait, balance etc so walking may be an option. Onwards and upwards but am trying to learn lessons from the ‘headache free’ week.

Thanks for your input Anne xx

[cat3 in reply to Charente]

Such a shame about the cycling Anne. The weightlessness of cycling is so liberating ; the nearest thing to flying ! I have mobilty issues and poor balance when walking, but pedalling is much less demanding. To feel free from the constraints of walking, and in complete control, actually makes me feel quite emotional (in a good way !)

Since I moved house, it's just a shame the deserted lanes of the Pennine Way are only accessible via a couple of miles of busy main roads. 🥴 I used to cycle, with a picnic, for hours.

I hope the counselling and physio will help your man regain the mental & physical wherewithal to reclaim some of his past pleasures and hopefully minimise the awful headaches.

All my best wishes for better days ahead m'love... Xx

[Charente in reply to cat3]

Thank you Cat… so kind. Good wishes to your continuing recovery too 🥰🥰 Anne xx

[ftt1960]

I’ve had almost constant headaches since a TBI last year. Yesterday a friend visited and I realised I didn’t have a headache. It returned after my friend left at about 9pm. I out it down to total distraction from myself not that I dwell on the headaches, instead I get on with life. Our brains are a wee bit complex.

[Charente in reply to ftt1960]

Indeed they are 🤔 . So pleased you had a respite from your headaches. Constant ones are so debilitating 😔 xx