Originally Posted by gerbil

Hello all,

I mentioned this before but didn't really get much on it. It was ages ago though.

Let me start by saying:

I have had PCS (or this assumed condition anyhow) since April 2005. My symptoms are constant but not aggressive or severe like in the early days. I take 300mg St. John's Wort tablets to control depression/mood/stress - it works, may I recommend that to people by the way! Anyhow, I am living with PCS and my biggest problems are BAD BALANCE, DIZZINESS and SOME SENSITIVITY to things like loud noise and the flickering of PC screens etc. I basically work part time and have to take things 'easy' if you know what I mean. I sometimes just have to lie down!

I also have some sleep issues but they're not that bad. I suffer anxiety and panic sometimes too.


To the point: I have wondered, due to my continual bad balance.. that I might have something wrong in my ear. My head was squashed in accident so to speak. Just above the ears. I can hear FINE but I am sensitive to very loud noise, unlike before the accident. Neurologists have done many tests and they say that my balance is actually ok and that it is a 'sensation' in my head and not a mechanical fault in my body. I find that strange. The feeling makes me wobble around! Some days it is just noticeable, some days it is like I am walking on a mattress. On 2 or 3 days it has almost gone away.

So, the flying:
I haven't flown since 2004. I really want to fly again. I am wondering how it will be. Does anyone know of any reason why it might be a bad idea? I just wondered because I know that the pressure effects ears. I am due to see an ear specialist at some point because the Neurologist can't work out why I have such bad balance and thus suggested that. Could it be that I damaged my ears in the accident? Does anyone know about this happening? As I said - I can hear FINE. It doesn't hurt and despite the odd tinnitus and some sensitivity, I don't have problems.

I am an anxious flyer anyway and this sort of added to my fear. Maybe I am talking out of my butt, I don't know. Would just love to hear from others who have flown with PCS, head injuries etc. How did you get on, did you encounter any problems or increased symptoms, especially if you have ear problems or bad balance?

Thanks and get well soon.

Gerbil.