Nutkin,

I think you have been mislead with a diagnosis of Diffuse Axonal Injury. It is not a specific diagnosis but more of a catch all for a non-focal injury with the supposition that the injury is diffuse in that it is all over the brain. There are only a few very rare imaging systems that can image a DAI to the diagnostic point.

I think you have a focal injury with maybe some specific injury to your right orbit causing eye muscle dysfunction, maybe with nerves or muscles that control the eye being damaged. You also may have an undiagnosed upper neck injury as has been discussed in other threads. Your neuro's claim of 5 to 10 years to recover suggest to me that he is not very knowledgeable about your cluster of symptoms.

Have you been examined by a physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) with a focus on your upper neck ? Have you been examined by an ophthalmologist or maxilofacial or facial reconstruction surgeon with special experience in the orbit's and the surrounding muscles' proper function ?

I would not give up trying to find a specialist who can tell you if there are other problems needing attention. From your exercise routine, you sound like you have the fortitude to persevere to find some more answers.

Are your speech problems due to oral coordination or due to speech processing issues inside the brain ? Or are they word finding or getting the right words to come out of your mouth ? I know people with just about every brain injury caused speech disorder. Most are able to do amazing things beyond the perceived limits of their speaking abilities. Your posts suggest you are a very capable person. You should feel encouraged.

Keep up the fight to find answers. I would bet good money that there are still things that can be done top help you improve. My experience at recovery from many concussion set-backs tells me that there is always more to come. Many of my improvements have not been physical healing but rather skill development at working within my limitations.

My best to you.