I am an academic working at a European university. I apologize for writing a way too long text. I guess academics really aren’t good in writing straight to the point. Anyways, here is my story:

Until this summer I was pretty much the healthiest person in the world (at least I felt this way). Then, in July, I tripped over a root while running. I fell and hit my head. I think the impact was quite significant although I don’t think I was unconscious (at least not for more than a couple of seconds). For a couple of days, I did not feel particularly funny – just had strong pains in my shoulder. After about three days things changed dramatically. I first noted a significant headache in response to vibrations while cycling. This is when I first thought I might have head a concussion. Then a range of funny symptoms started to kick in.

- A strong fatigue, at the beginning I felt I could not walk for a couple of hundred meters
- A double vision, which initially made it impossible to read on the computer (as I am wearing glasses it is now a bit better)
- A strange feeling of dizziness / light-headedness, sometimes similar to sea sickness
- Breathing difficulties, as if I had to concentrate to breath normally

After seeing various doctors and doing various tests (all normal) I ended up talking to a doctor at the local university hospital who told me that I was most likely suffering from a post-concussion syndrome. He told me to take it easy workwise (I could not work anyway, so this way an easy recommendation) and, do yoga, autogenic training, go for walks and runs (essentially impossible as I was feeling too weak).

It got a bit better in October, when I went back to work. But it got worse again in November. Since then I am on sick leave. I had an operation in December to remove a cyst in my sinus (was accidently discovered on an MRT scan). Since then I have been going for short runs. I have also started doing yoga. I am feeling physically a bit better. The fatigue isn’t as strong it used to be, although my arms and legs still feel weak and not normal. Sensitivity to noise and light got much better (almost normal now I would say).

However, I am still seriously struggling with trying to do work (which is essentially all about writing codes and papers – or teaching in the classroom). As soon as I work on the computer for a while, the dizziness keeps coming back and I start feeling really funny (there is a kind of pressure in my head). Even the breathing issues then tend to come back. I cannot tell how annoying this is. I am getting really nervous as this has been going on for so long now.

The most frustrating part is not to know how long it will last and what I can do to support the recovery. Also, I am wondering whether this all can really be due to a post-concussion syndrome, or whether it is more likely to be something else? From talking to doctors I feel that the PCS is not very well understood, so I would value very much your opinion.

BTW – some people have suggested that I may be suffering from a depression. I am extremely frustrated about my incapacity to live my normal life, but other than this I don’t feel depressed. I love my job and I am motivated to do on with my research. Things with family and friends are also all well.