Hi,

I am now almost a year post-concussion and I am still experiencing mild symptoms but now I finally have some closure as to what is causing it. I was symptom free (tinnitus, hyperacusis, mood disorders, memory and concentration problems) at 6 months and the tinnitus and hyperacusis returned at an intensity far more severe than I ever experienced following the hit to my head accompanied by headaches and dizziness. I returned to my hometown to see my Doc and I passed all of the balance, eye-movement, and cognitive tests. Two ImPACT tests indicated that I was functioning in the 90th percentile of speed and memory, which is better than baseline scores. I am still able to perform intense economic calculations as a college student and even made it on the Dean's List last semester. Turns out that most of the post-concussive symptoms that I experienced were caused by a Perilymph Fistula, a tear in the membranes in the middle and inner ear, a physical injury, not a neurological dysfunction, that was initially caused by the concussive impact and then re aggravated by the loud music at the concert. I want to post some tips for those that may be suffering from these similar symptoms.

1. See an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat). They can confirm if this is the cause of your post-concussive symptoms (vertigo, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, hyperacusis, fatigue, mood problems).

2. Eat right and take vitamins. Blueberries, strawberries, spinach, onions. Anything that helps to reduce inflammation. Also stay hydrated and avoid smoking. Smoking restricts the blood vessels, there is only one small vessel that provides blood and essential nutrients to the ear.

3. Avoid excessive noise, but do not plug your ears for everyday noises. The torn membranes need to be gradually worn in again by normal sounds. If you are at a concert, wear ear plugs. I suggest silicon gel ear plugs that can conform to the shape of your ear.

4. Changes in air pressure will make your symptoms worse. Prepare for the worst when it is a cloudy, rainy day. Do not fly in an airplane or go into the mountains.

5. Exercise. Light jogging and light weights are key to making my symptoms as mild as possible, but do not over-do it. No bench presses or squats. Don't run in a marathon and avoid contact sports until you are symptom free.
If this makes your symptoms worse, then stop.


Post-concussive symptoms are strange and frightening, but they most likely have a physical cause and is not an indication of brain damage. If your ears are fine, look for problems in the neck as well. The vibrations of such an impact that causes concussions are not absorbed exclusively by the skull. All of the systems surrounding it are subject to damages as well. Good luck!