[blackzest]

Hi guys,

I went to my neurologist for only the second time (health care in Canada is a joke as it takes half a year to see a specialist.) Let me just go over the hell I went through with PCS.

On October 30th, 2009, I was struck in the side of the head with a hockey stick while playing hockey. Initially, I did not even know what horrors were soon to follow.

Starting that very night, I could not sleep. Little did at know at the time, I did not sleep (insomnia) for 8 months. After two weeks, I was prescribed sleeping pills in which I had to take twice a night to fall asleep (two pills every four hours).

Approximately three days the initial blow, I experienced extreme nausea, the most I had ever experienced in my life. Two days later, all of a sudden, my vision went completely messed up, with an extreme case of tunnel vision in which it would take me approximately two-three seconds for images to come into focus, and even then I was able to see a very little amount. My vision issues would soon prove to be one of the worst and debilitating symptoms both physcially and emotionally. I suffered extreme amounts of pain in my eyes for a week. I also experienced pain from ringing in the ears.

Within two months of my concussion, depression onset. It was the lowest time of my life in which all I would do is stare at the clock and cry. I suffered depression for approximately two months, and unfortunately did not recieve anti-depressents (horrible family doctor as well.)

Some other symptoms I experienced:

nausea
blurred vision and sensitivity to light (extreme amounts of each)
slurred speech or saying things that don't make sense (even months after my injury, I still had issues pronouncing some words)-
difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
difficulty with coordination or balance (such as being unable to catch a ball or other easy tasks
feeling anxious or irritable for no apparent reason
feeling overly tired
lack of libido
anxiety (at about the fourth month, I suffered an anxiety attack after which I suffered constant anxiety for over six months)

I'm sure there are other symptoms i'm forgetting.

Now, 15 months later, the only remaining symptom is blurred and delayed vision. This symptom has improved INCREDIBLY but it is such a slow process that I am still suffering some issues. I look forward to being healthy more than you could imagine...

I have also seen an optomologist (eye doctor) twice during that time period. Both times they did a multitude of tests, and concluded that my eyes are physically fine.

Anyways... I went to my neurologist yesterday. I explained all my symptoms and what I was still experiencing. His answer? "You are not experiencing symptoms of a concussion and you have no neurological issues. Go see your optomitrist."

Needless to say, I was initially very angry and sad. How can my ONLY lifeline to such a horrible expeirence deny the existence of the injury symptoms? Apparently because I wasn't initally "knocked out" I can't still be experiencing symtoms of it. Hello... it doesn't take a neurologist to conclude from my issues that it was due to the blow. I was PERFECTLY healthy before the injury. But no... not concussion related...

Also, he said that because I wasn't experiencing headaches or hadn't due to the concussion, that it can't be that serious. In my entire life, I have NEVER had a headache. The fact that I didn't get any due to the concussion doesn't suprise me.

What do you guys think? Yes, it has been a year and three months, and most documentation (that I have found) states that concussions rarely last that long (especially without initial knockout). My neurologist said the longest reported symptom of a concussion was 18 months and that I in NO way qualified. Please give me your opinions. To me, it's clear. This is my final remaining symptom, also my worst initially (which makes sense). I have very slowly made progress over the last 15 months, including my vision. Please reassure me that my neurologist is mistaken, that this symptom (like the rest) will dissappear with time, and that this damage is not permenant (my progress indicates this should go away with time.) I believe this to be true, and I am extremely frustrated with the medical system.

[Mark in Idaho]

blackzest,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your struggles with both your concussion and the Canadian Healthcare system.

Your neurologist has no legitimate understanding of concussion. His reasons for ruling out concussion have no basis in medical science. There are no commonly used medical tests to diagnose a concussion. Your neuro needs his head examined.

Yes, your eyes are very likely fine. Your brain just does not know how to regulate your eyes. Others on this forum have had good results with neuro-ophthalmologists and vision therapy. You may need to spend some money and come down to the States to get care.

You might also contact the professional hockey leagues and ask if they can direct you to some good concussion care. They often have access to the best because they do not rely on the Canadian health care system.

Rest assured that you are not alone in your experience with doctors. These same problems are common all over the world.

Do some online research for neuro-ophthalmologist and vision therapy. Check the spelling of ophthalmologist (I spelled it correctly). It will help you get better google search results.

And, I don't think I need to tell you this, but, stay off the ice. Maybe coaching will keep you connected but your brain will never recover the ability to take your next hit without even more serious consequences. This was probably not your first concussion and likely one of a multitude of sub-concussive impacts. They have accumulated to leave your brain in a severely weakened state.

Let us know how you are doing. We are here for you.

My best to you.

[blackzest]

Thank you kindly Mark. I greatly appreciate you're insightful response. I will definately look into those two types of avenues you mentioned. I have not played hockey since the day I put together that I had a concussion in the first place (unfortunately it took me a month to realize this.) The very odd thing about my case is that I have never (to my knowledge) had a concussion in the past. This is my first and will quite likely stem two years. This is perhaps the most unsettling feeling of all.

In your experience, do you believe that my vision will return to normal in time? There is no question that I have improved over the last 15 months, however, the duration is really starting to tax on me. I want to be "normal" again, and although I believe I will one day in the not so distant future achieve that status, I get down about it on my off days (when my vision is worse due to fatigue/triggers.)

Once again, your advice and knowledge are highly appreciated.

[Mark in Idaho]

I have no experience or specific knowledge of the visual problems you have. My worst visual symptom is getting overwhelmed by too much visual stimuli. I have had times when it appeared that the world around me was moving.

Hopefully, one of the others who has experience with vision therapy will post. I think PCSLearner has some experience with it with her daughter.

Do a search on this forum for vision therapy. You may find some interesting posts.

[Dmom3005]

There are neurological opthomalogist. I've been seeing one for many years.

He has helped me with dizziness and other things. I have experienced some of this all my life. But its been much better since I've been treated
by him. One of the things he did was send me to physical therapy were they did vision type physical therapy.

Donnna