Try taking a cold shower.

[Magnus S]

Many of you have probably noticed an increase in heart rate since your accident thats because your autonomous neurvous system is slightly out of whack. Maybe giving it a nudge, sort of speak, could help it get back on track. Anyway, that is a theory i have been thinking about lately. I haven't been able to find any research on the subject. What do you guys think?

[Mark in Idaho]

It would be much easier to just use an ice pack on the neck. A cold shower will increase pulse and likely BP in the beginning. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is likely due to inflammation in the brain stem thus the value of icing the upper neck.

[Magnus S]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

It would be much easier to just use an ice pack on the neck. A cold shower will increase pulse and likely BP in the beginning. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is likely due to inflammation in the brain stem thus the value of icing the upper neck.

Your right about the pulse increase in the beginning, however i am more interested in the post- shower pulse. Icing the neck might help, but it doesn't jolt the nervous system like I explained.
Now, i have no research to back this up, but I do find it interesting. There are many systems in the body which are known for resetting itself given a certain set of conditions. Almost like an extreme situation can give you a diffrent outlook on life or "wake you up". In theory this sounds resonable, however as stated before I haven't done any practical testing.

Another thing which is entirely unrelated to showers I found today while reseaching the brain. People who had experienced a concussion with a fractured skull or bone are much less likely to suffer from Pcs than those who hadn't any signs of bone fractures. The explanation is quite simple: those who have an actuall broken skull are much more likely to take the illness seriously and rest in the following weeks. So if there are anyone out there who have recently had a concussion, please rest!

[Eowyn]

As part of the depression recovery program I participated in, we did hydrotherapy (alternating hot and cold water treatment). I did find it very helpful. It is supposed to increase circulation to the brain.

You can accomplish something similar in the shower at home.

1) Turn the water as hot as you can stand for three minutes (102-104 is ideal). Be sure not to scald yourself. Get the water all over your body, including your shoulders. Do NOT get it on your head or face.

2) At the end of three minutes, turn the water to cold (about 50-60 degrees) for one minute. Get it all over your body, including your shoulders. You MAY get this on your head, neck, and face if you want.

3) Repeat for at least three cycles (more if you want). Always end on cold.

4) After you finish, dry off and rest (lie down) for 20 minutes.