"I have heard that whiplash can cause concussions."

You heard wrong. Whiplash and concussions are entirely different. Some people talk about cervical concussion and use the great overlap in symptoms to try to validate the idea. Whiplash can cause inflammation in the neck that can change blood flow to the brain that can cause neurological symptoms....

Amitriptyline has a good track recover at low doses before bed. It can help with headaches and insomnia.

If you are cautious about meds, you could try some over the counter supplements. I like a supplement I get on Amazon by Deal Supplement called 5-HTP. It is a combination of 5-HTP, L-Theanine, GABA, and L-Tryptophan in a single capsule. You could try taking one capsule a day for a week or two then add a second if you are starting to see improvement. Only Deal Supplement makes it in this combination. It is a good price compared to taking the individual components. I stopped taking a powerful high dose SSRI after 12 years and replaced it with this combination. I don't live with anxiety but my mind is very easily over-stimulated.

Also, get on a good vitamin supplement regimen. The sticky at the top regarding vitamins has my regimen that a doctor prescribed for me 40 years ago. It made a big difference. I've been riding in this rodeo since 1965 with 4 major new injuries along the way.

Regarding sleep. When I was suffering bad whiplash, I got my best sleep in a recliner chair. I used a loose pillow bunched up around the sides of my head so my head did not roll to the side. My whiplash was so bad that poor sleeping posture would cause inflammation that would disrupt my breathing. I had serious Central Sleep Apnea that made everything worse. I also fell asleep watching music videos and later a few selected CDs. Quality music and voices allow my brain to zone out. Dianna Krall's The Look of Love light jazz was amazing. Her voice would calm my mind and I would fall into a deep sleep.

A recliner would also help your GERD.

Gentle PT could be useful. Most PTs push for improving Range of Motion. That should not be a goal for a few months. Gentle cervical traction and vertebra mobilization can help. C-1 to Occiput (base of the skull) is often unstable and needs disciplined care. Imagine your fall. Your head was stopped by the floor but your neck wanted to keep moving toward the floor. This causes C-1 to slip out of place from where it belongs. C-1 to occiput is not a deeply faceted joint so it does not self-recenter like most other vertebra do.

Try a recliner if you can. They can often be found for free on CraigsList or FB marketplace in good condition.

Mark In Idaho,

Thank you again for another very thoughtful reply. It is reassuring to know that my brain has not suffered to the extent that I previously thought.

I will consider the different options that you have provided me with in order to treat my anxiety. The vitamin supplement is interesting, as I had not before considered taking something like that in place of medication, though a part of me still leans towards trying the antidepressant. Have there been other threads or resources, either on here or elsewhere, that speak more on amitriptyline treating concussions? I know that either way it will be difficult to determine what works best without trying them, but I’ve been worried about adverse affects like strokes/seizures. It helps to see how other people may have found benefit with the same medication.

I have gotten some access to a recliner. I hope to try to sleep in it tonight/etc and see if there is any noticeable difference.

I see my new doctor in two days and will bring up the PT to them, so that they can give me a referral. I am lucky to live in an area where there are several physical therapy institutes nearby, so it should not be too difficult to find a PT who knows something about rehabilitation for the neck. Many of these physical therapy places also have programs for concussions. Do you think trying one might be worth it, possibly for the vertigo? Or, do you think it is not worth the effort and I should only seek out the neck stuff?

Are there any guides for anti-inflammatory foods?

Lastly, what are the headaches that PCS patients typically have called? The sharp/burning pain kind, and the inflating/deflating type of headaches?

It has been nice reading through the comments on this forum and knowing that what I am experiencing is normal. Over the last few days, I’ve been feeling even more dissociated, dizzy, and physically numb. Before, this would have caused me to freak out - but seeing that people say there are many setbacks and strange episodes that come with “the PCS rollercoaster” is very reassuring. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. It has been so nice to learn more!

Amitriptyline does not treat concussions. No medication does. Low dose amitriptyline before bed helps with headaches and sometimes insomnia.

When one is dealing with concussion symptoms, you treat the symptoms, not the diagnosis.

Every concussion is different so comparing is almost worthless.

There are plenty of online resources for anti0inflammatory diets. Knowing what foods to avoid is a start.

Check out Complete Concussion Management on YouTube. Dr Cameron has lots of good videos about diet and neck care.

Mark In Idaho,

Understood. I have started the anti-inflammatory diet and will continue to do so. I will also check out Dr. Cameron and his videos. And, of course, get the referral soon.

Thank you again for the information and setting me on the right path. It is incredibly appreciated.