I'm learning that sometimes you just have to find the right audience when you describe your symptoms.

Last week we had a routine eye doc appointment, after a nightmare neuro opthamologist visit a few months ago. After a very thorough exam, comparison with previous exams, and lots and lots of questions, our eye doc described how my daughter's optic nerves are miscommunicating with eye muscles and gave us some eye exercises to try at home. He said her vision is similar to the feeling when you try to watch a train go by...the jumping sort of sensation.

He would say, "does it feel like X?" "Ok, then does it feel like Y?" And so on. It doesn't hurt that he has been our family eye doctor for 20 years, goes to our church, and has a vested interest in seeing her get better. He has seen lots of head injuries. I just didn't think he would be "specialist" enough back in the beginning.

Her vision is still 20/20. He said her optic nerves took a shock and now are re-learning to communicate with her muscles. He said it would heal on its own eventually but the exercises will help for a speedier and more complete recovery.

He then went on to explain how the calcium crystals in the inner ear can get dislodged and cause vertigo. I mean no offense, but I read about "dislodged crystals" on this forum months ago and completley dismissed it. Being the medical professional that I am NOT I wrote it off as some weird, imaginary, mid-evil sounding idea.

I was WRONG! This is a real, treatable condition. We have an appointment with an ENT to check into BPPV or other vestibular issues on Friday. BPPV can lead to nausea, lightheadedness, lack of concentration, panic attacks, nystagmus, migraines, etc. In other words, all of the lingering symptoms my daughter is currently experiencing.

Lesson learned: just because she never used the word "dizzy" doesn't mean she might not have a vetibular issue. And just because I never knew I had rocks in my head doesn't mean I don't