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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Having Post Concussion Syndrome After A Fall. Taking Fiorcet And Nortriptyline For Headaches. Difficulty In Understanding. Need Help

I have post-concussion syndrome since a fall in mid-march. The Neuro doc put me on Fiorcet & Nortriptylline for headaches & other symptoms. The Nortriptylline dose was just increased from 25mg to 50mg at bedtime.

What's the typical length of time to be on this, & how will I know when it's safe to wean off of it? My Neuro is difficult to understand his speech. & I have harder time remembering & understanding the rationale for this med.. My memory is improving, but some facts remain confusing to me.

Can you provide any insight?
Wed, 22 May 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
Post-concussion syndrome is a set of symptoms that a person may experience for weeks, months, or even years after a concussion.
Some doctors make a diagnosis of PCS in patients who have symptoms resulting from concussion for more than three months after the injury,while others make the diagnosis in patients who have symptoms starting within a week of trauma. 
In late, or persistent PCS, symptoms last for over six months.

People who have had concussions may experience physical, mental, or emotional symptoms. Symptoms can appear immediately or weeks to months after the initial injury.

Physical symptoms can include headache,dizziness,fatigue etc
Emotional symptoms may include irritability,anxiety,depression etc.

As far as treatment is concerned,there  is no scientifically established treatment for PCS, so the syndrome is usually not treated, except with pain relievers for headaches and medicine to relieve depression, nausea, or dizziness.

For most patients, post concussion symptoms go away within a few days to several weeks after the original injury occurs.In others, symptoms may remain for three to six months.
Very rarely they can last for more than a year also
However, the prognosis for PCS is generally considered excellent, with total resolution of symptoms in the large majority of cases.
Wait and watch,you should be all right gradually.
Thanks
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Having Post Concussion Syndrome After A Fall. Taking Fiorcet And Nortriptyline For Headaches. Difficulty In Understanding. Need Help

Hello, Post-concussion syndrome is a set of symptoms that a person may experience for weeks, months, or even years after a concussion. Some doctors make a diagnosis of PCS in patients who have symptoms resulting from concussion for more than three months after the injury,while others make the diagnosis in patients who have symptoms starting within a week of trauma.  In late, or persistent PCS, symptoms last for over six months. People who have had concussions may experience physical, mental, or emotional symptoms. Symptoms can appear immediately or weeks to months after the initial injury. Physical symptoms can include headache,dizziness,fatigue etc Emotional symptoms may include irritability,anxiety,depression etc. As far as treatment is concerned,there  is no scientifically established treatment for PCS, so the syndrome is usually not treated, except with pain relievers for headaches and medicine to relieve depression, nausea, or dizziness. For most patients, post concussion symptoms go away within a few days to several weeks after the original injury occurs.In others, symptoms may remain for three to six months. Very rarely they can last for more than a year also However, the prognosis for PCS is generally considered excellent, with total resolution of symptoms in the large majority of cases. Wait and watch,you should be all right gradually. Thanks