Time for a Second Opinion?
 

I have been dealing with PCS for 4 months. Last week I returned to work for 3 days, but after a stressful situation with my boss, I started to have a relapse in symptoms. (Dizziness, feeling slightly disoriented, ringing in my ears, etc).

This weekend I started really struggling with temperature regulation, it's really hot where I live right now. I basically can not cool off once I get hot. This happened on Sunday, even though I stayed in the AC most of the day. All of my symptoms amped up, I ended up with a migraine, double vision (new symptom) and felt VERY confused and disoriented.

I went to the ER where they treated it like a migraine and didn't really care about my PCS. However, after some medication I felt slightly better and they sent me home. I followed up via phone with my neurologist this morning. This was the result:

He told me that the temperature regulation stuff, he's never heard of before and that it's not a PCS issue or a neurological one for that matter, so he doesn't think he can do anything about it. As for the relapse of symptoms, (I told him I feel like I'm back to where I was a week after the accident), he said that this is just normal stress. That even with a HEALTHY brain, I would STILL have these symptoms. I said understandly the stress might cause a headache, upset stomach, as I have experienced these before with "normal stress". However, I have never had ringing in my ears and double vision with "normal stress." He said that its just normal stress and with a day or two of rest I'll be fine. (I'm on day 6 of rest and still fee like garbage).

He also said it was a "normal stress" causing the new symptoms (double vision).

I basically ended the conversation feeling that this is "all in my head" and that the relapse or new symptoms aren't possible.

I really don't know what to do... but I know I certainly do not feel "normal." Do relapses this bad happen? New symptoms?

Should I want a second opinion? I have no one with experience with PCS in my life, and my family thinks that it's not really a big deal that I feel this bad again or have new stuff going on, so any and many responses from people who understand PCS would be great appreciated, so I know whether I'm going crazy or not....

I am not a doctor so my opinion can't be weighted heavily, but pre-concussion I had complex migraines and have experienced stroke-like symptoms during these migraines. I would say what you described sounds like a migraine. That doesn't mean it's not PCS related. Not sure how far a second opinion will get you but if you feel your doctor is not managing your symptoms well, then go to someone else.

Hmmmm thats true...

Would I still have ringing in my ears and double vision a few days later, without the migraine though?

I've not had double vision but i've had ringing in my ears all the way through PCS. I've been ignoring it. YEs, it's a loud ringing, but my concern is to fix the fatigue and headache. That's what personally bothered me the most.

I also had had ringing in my ears with PCS.. it was pretty much gone until this incident late last week. However the double vision is completely new.

It just seems weird that I have "new" symptoms this late in the game.

My terrible symptoms started only after 5 weeks. Ringing in the ears, constant dizziness, facial pain etc., I can't believe your neurologist said double vision is in your head.

I had been recovering quite well but had a setback at about the 12-day mark (caused by overexertion I think, in part from lifting my 45-lb nephew up a few times). I gradually bounced back from the setback, but I now have ringing in my ears. This is a new symptom - I didn't have it before the setback, which is frustrating.

However, I'm in the same boat as freezerdoor. My main concern is the other symptoms (mild but persistent headache, limited energy, waking at night, sometimes feeling a bit out of sorts), although I seem to be improving over time. The ringing in my ears is less troublesome to me, although I hope it recedes over time as well.

SmilinEyes,

What you have experienced from your neurologist is quite normal. Neurologists are often quick to discount concussion issues. If they cannot image it with a CT scan, MRI, EEG etc. They decide it does not exist.

All for your issues could be hormone related. Specifically thyroid and maybe the sex hormones.

It is unlikely that you will find a neurologist who is any better. There are very few neuros who really understand concussion.

A physiatrist may be helpful but it is a crap shoot. You will find them listed under Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine or vice versa. A physiatrist may be able to diagnose any lingering upper neck injury that has gone untreated.

Welcome to the club. Almost all of us have been where you are right now.

Yes, it is all in your head. Except it is physiologically in your head, not psychologically. Doctors just tend to get that mixed up.

My best to you.

The hormone thing is a possiblity. How would I check that out? Would I see my OBGYN or someone else?

The neck injury makes sense. Neck pain, etc was one of my prime complaints post accident. I had been given some steriods and it seemed to get better. But I get this weird crunching feeling when I turn my head certain ways, or sit certain ways. It seems that area where this sensation occurs, gets really tight when my symptoms are really bad.

Thank you so much for your suggestions. Both sound like things I should look into!

Check out the referral link I have posted many times at https://www.womensinternational.com/..._referral.html My wife uses this company. I needed supplemental Testosterone for a short period and DHEA for long term. The Thyroid hormone function is a common issue for heat regulation.