Neck Injuries can cause cognitive deficits?
 

I read in another thread that someone who went to a concussion clinic in Buffalo for athletes was told by a physician there that their cognitive deficits were cause by a neck injury.

Could some PCS symtoms be caused by bulging disks or whiplash, etc.?

I know I didn't have neck issues before the accident and an MRI taken of my neck after the accident shows that I now have bulging cervical disks.

Here is an article about research done with this in mind.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1431958

The only thing is, it could be minor axonal injury or concussions *in addition to* the whiplash.

I find the idea very interesting. Maybe some of our symptoms could be relieved with some PT or surgery or something...?

The upper neck injuries may be treatable with some physical therapy. Surgery is a risky procedure if there is not a strong indication of a specific repairable injury.

Bulging disks could be caused by the injury or that could have existed for a long time. Research shows that minor bulging disks have very poor relation to ongoing symptoms.

The two concerns about neck injuries are simple.
Inflammation can cause a change in blood flow to the brain and brain stem with resulting symptoms.
Nerve impingement/radiculopathy can cause muscle spasms and pain to the areas effected by the specific nerve, i.e. head aches. The muscle spams can also effect blood flow.

I have some minor bulging, too. Nothing was suggested. Physical therapy with light traction can sometimes relieve this.

Personally, I don't think I have minor bugling disks. I've been told by Dr.'s who've looked at my MRI's that it's bad.

When the first Dr. looked at the MRI of my neck at the hospital and asked me about it, my boyfriend told him I was in a very bad car accident he said, "That must've been *some* accident!"

Then the neurosurgeon came to my room to talk about it and he wanted me to meet with him after I was discharged to discuss getting surgery.

The disks are pinching nerves, etc. etc.

My PCP also recommended neck surgery.

I've had oodles of PT for this since I was released from the hopsital. It helped, but I still have occasional pain in my neck and shoulders and different parts of my arms, hands and fingers go very numb and I have spasms.

I don't want to have surgery, it freaks me out! But after reading that the neck can cause problems with the brain, I might consider it at some point in the next few years if I don't continue to improve.

Its interesting that you mention this, because last week i had a patient who was having cognitive/physical issues for quite some time after a fall in the bath tub and a concussion. His symptoms werent getting any better....this included some dizziness issues, walking imbalances, headaches, and numbness in arms and hands. An MRI showed bulging or herniated discs throughout his cervical spine and a neurosurgeon believed this was contributing to opted to do a laminectomy and discectomy on c3-c7 i think. Post-op, his headaches, dizziness, numbness and gait disturbance were all better. So in that case, they believed some of his PCS symptoms were directly caused by these herniations and nerve compression.

That's AMAZING nightnurse! (Or are we calling you day nurse now? ;) )

Thanks so much for posting!!

DAY NURSE, lol...because she's working the day shift now...too funny.

One thing I haven't tried yet is getting a work-up done on my neck. When I was in the hospital, I had a neck brace on and my neck hurt really bad. So I know my neck was screwed up in some way, shape or form.

I had an appointment to get the work-up done awhile back. I ended up not going because that day was HORRIBLE, I didn't feel up to doing anything...and I never rescheduled.

If I ever get around to making that appointment and getting the work-up done, I'll be sure to post about it and let you know if anything improved.

This is very interesting. I had a small neck disc bulge about 5 years ago with some radiculopathy all left sided - no headaches or other symptoms - I was in a rear end collision this summer - now with several disc bulges in neck and suffering PCS – Are Neurologist or Orthopedic doctors receptive to this possibility? I know Chiropractors do not seem to be

night or day nurse: Yes it is interesting. I have mild degenerative disc disease at C3/C4 and one Neurosurgeon says let us do the surgery. He is at a big hospital and did a complex surgery on back for someone I know very well and person doing very well and back to work.

But other Neurosurgeon completely against it. Even my Neuroligist, PCP also against it and says it can do nothing for my symptoms.

Very confusing........Whom to believe? I am planning to try some shots in the neck before I go to that route.

This was an extreme case where they ruled out every other therapy as being ineffective so it was his last home and chance . it doesnt mean everyones situation applies to this type of treatment, But just that ive seen it

EsthersDoll,

I just wanted to let you know that I get relief from my cognitive symptoms after my NUCCA adjustment. It lasts about 24 hours then they slowly start coming back. My neck and back have been screwed up for so long that I'm not holding my correction that long.

You should look into it. It's worth a try.