Brain Injury Support Group

Traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. Outcome can be anything from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. A coma can also affect a child's brain.

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Extremely thirsty when upset?

monilynn
monilynn
I have had a brain injury since 2008 (car accident)... it changed EVERYTHING. What really confuses me though, is that when I get upset or have a panic attack I get sooo thirsty! And I'm not exaggerating... from my last bout, I downed 3 water bottles consecutively before finally feeling a little better. It almost always happens in combination with headaches and strong emotional distraught. Does this happen to anyone else?
deleted_user
deleted_user
LOOK UP ADRENAL CRISIS OR ADRENAL FAILURE>>..I ;think this is what is happening with you but not sure......I hope you find some info.....blessings
monilynn
monilynn
Thank you for the suggestion! I looked up adrenal crisis/failure... I really don't think that quite fits my issue. I certainly appreciate your help though =)

I have dehydration, but it doesn't last longer than an hour (maybe a few if I don't get to drink enough). This might happen once a month, or a few times a week. The only thing that seems to come with it are intense headaches and a panic attack.

I heard from some other people in a TBI support group I attended that a few others felt over-thirsty out of nowhere as well. I was hoping someone else would know a little more about it.
hopemagnet
hopemagnet
I don't know if this will help, but my husband would get really irritable and I swear it was actually caused by the dehydration somehow. i had to coax him to drink water instead of coffee... He went thru having strange cravings for weeks at a time. First was chocolate chip cookies, then jolly rancher candies, then it was coffee and he would drink himself dehydrated and then be cranky and get a headache. I have read that if you "feel thirsty" then you are actually already dehydrated. Reminds me of that old saying "what came first, the chicken or the egg"? Sorry had to add some of my wacky humor there. I find it is best to try and laugh whenever I can. It can never hurt, and usually always helps...
monilynn
monilynn
Thank you hopemagnet.. It's funny because I'm always thinking the same thing (which came first, the chicken or the egg?) I honestly don't know. I try to stay hydrated as much as possible.

This is a conundrum to me, because it never happens in a situation where I should be dehydrated. I'm thinking my brain just likes to spice up my life from time to time =p

Oh, and I go through weird 'stages' too (kinda like your husband but less food related). It's so strange. You have the right attitude though =) Laughter is often the best medicine.