Quote:
Originally Posted by Magpie76
Hi Mark!
Thanks so much for answering. Didn't want to over-share initially. Here are answers to the questions you asked:
Concussion: Hit my head twice in 48 hrs; unsure if both were concussions, however the second definitely was. We're renovating our house and both blows were caused by hitting a wooden support beam just put in. The first incident on Mon, I walked full-speed into it not even realizing it was there. Hit across my forehead. It was enough to ice and stop for the day but no other symptoms. Then 2 days later on Wed I dropped a tool and as I came up with all my force, rammed into the same beam; where my hairline meets my forehead. That one I knew was different instantly. Was nauseous, disoriented and said some strange things (kept saying the opposite word I meant without realizing it). But felt better by that night and assumed that was the end of it.
Diagnostics: I pushed through until Fri, when I finally had to leave work for urgent care because I was so sick. Until then I was thinking maybe I was getting sick or a migraine. They first diagnosed concussion, and connected the fact that there might have been two in a short period. Symptoms kept increasing over next couple days, so went to ER. They did a CT scan and showed no “acute findings” (CT Head without contrast). Since then I’ve seen my primary care dr every 2 weeks; no ENT or other specialist. I live in a fairly small town, so when I hit the 2 month mark and was referred to neurologist, I asked for anyone in the SF Bay Area who specializes in PCS. That’s who I’m seeing on Feb 8.
Sinuses: Unfortunately cannot take anti-inflammatories. Have an ulcer caused by anti-inflammatories from when my discs first started going out and was still competing. But I’ve been doing daily saline rinses and using a vaporizer at night since Nov, just in case it *could* be more directly sinus related.
Blood pressure: I’m not sure how to check my BP, but will google it. I tend to have low BP (usually 95/70 or something like that). Unsure if that’s relevant.
Please let me know if you have any other questions or suggestions. I’ve learned so much reading everyone’s posts the past few weeks, and am so grateful to be able to talk to someone about this!
Maggie
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Maggie,
I'm sorry to hear what you have been going through. I experienced a head injury and still have residual dizziness, with similar triggers that you described. I obviously am not a doctor, so please recognize the following is not medical advice. However, it was a long road for me to find doctors who could set me up for sound treatment. Surprisingly, a lot of neurologists aren't very knowledgable about mild brain injuries. During my time, I've learned quite a bit on how to talk to doctors, and in regards to what treatment options are available.
First off, for your doctor's appointment, make sure you write down your current symptoms and any questions you may have (on paper, doctors aren't a fan of someone looking at their phone). When the doctor asks you to explain your symptoms, speak clearly and concisely. Studies show the doctor will give you about 20 seconds until he/she starts to jump to conclusions.
Dizziness can be caused by a lot of different issues: neck (cervicogenic), inner ear/vestibular nerve damage, or a mild brain injury are some of the big causes. A brain injury can affect the integration of your vision, vestibular system, as well as somatosensory system. When there is a problem with the integration of all that causes dizziness.
Here are a couple links that are worth a read for you. I know some people have posted them as well.
It turns out I can't post links yet, so Google:
"PPPD"
"Post concussion syndrome recovery blog"
If I were you I would:
Ask for an MRI
Test to rule out cervicogenic dizziness
Ask if you should see an ENT
Ask if you need a VNG (tests the functioning of your vestibular system to determine if it's your inner ear or brain causing the problems)
Ask if you would benefit from a collective effort of Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech Therapy. These therapists could help recovery in visual, vestibular, and cognitive deficiencies.
I'd also think about taking fish oil supplements with high DHA, magnesium supplements (with food), and vitamin B complex. Also ensure you are getting a good night's sleep, 6 hours at the minimum.
Good luck with your appointment. I'll check back here for updates.