newbie
 

Hi
Introducing myself. Sue from Wales and experiencing Week 9 of PCS following fall off a computer chair whilst holding my disabled child, so nothing to stop my fall onto my head. Am worried given length of time this is taking and having read your threads am now suicidal!! Just wondered if anyone has had similar - hit my head top right hand side, have severe pain whilst sleeping in bottom right hand side which is like a pulsating pain (builds and builds and then falls) and makes my hands have pins and needles. Only happens at night but scary and keep thinking Im about to die. Has the original injury caused something else to happen in my cerebrum? Should I have an MRI? CT scan clear at Week 6.

Am slowly recovering, very slowly but each week or 2 another symptom gets better although the dizzyness is fairly dehabilitating and I have black eyes to go with the 2 stone in weight I have put on. But at least I can now use the computer.

Any help very much appreciated!
Sue

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your struggles.

It sounds like you have a neck injury that should be treated. The pins and needles is more likely to be neck related than concussion related. A chiropractor or physical therapist may be able to help you with your neck.

Have you tried sleeping on your back or reclining in a reclining chair with your neck in a straight position? It will likely allow you to sleep without the problems.

Hope this helps. My best to you.

So sorry to hear about your injury. Welcome to the board! It's good be among people who understand.

Pins and needles in the last two fingers of your hand is almost certainly related to something in your cervical spine (neck). It would be good to consult a physical therapist or physiatrist about it; it probably can be treated with exercises to release the pinched nerve.

I also had much less problem with this after I got an ergonomic pillow with a "bump" to support my neck in a straight position.

Neck?
 

Hi Sue,
I also think that it would be a good idea to get your neck checked out. What are your other symptoms (apart from the pain at night)? If you don't have any symptoms through the day I suggest that post-concussion symptoms are unlikely. If it only occurs when you are lying down then it could be due posture. Does the pain seem related to your position?
There is also the possibility that you might be having a build up of pressure in the head. I think that you should ask a doctor about this. Also, you may find help from the free phonelines available for Headway and also Brain and Spinal Injury Centres. They have helpful people on their phonelines and are free to phone in the UK. If you can find a physiotherapist who specialises in the neck, that might also be beneficial, but it is a specialist field. Most physios are not trained in this. I was referred to one by a neurologist but I don't know if there would be one available in Cardiff.
Good luck,
CS

support
 

Many thanks, will certainly check my neck with the doctor and I think you are right, there is a build up of pressure. Some days I struggle to sleep as wherever I lay my head, it feels like it is in a vice. I also cant hear very well due to the woolly head and tinitus in my ears and my right eye is very difficult to see out of, constant water running. However, I refuse to be beaten by this and some days are better than others. How lovely of you all to spare some time to help me, really appreciate it.

some phone numbers
 

Hi Sue,
The phone number (from the UK) of the Spinal Injury Association is 0845 678 6633, and that of Headway is 0808 800 2244 - definitely worth a couple phonecalls. I found that it was a help to talk to someone and I was sent some informational material too. You can also check out their websites. Give them a ring.
Good luck.
CS