Dystonia from severe head injury
 

My diagnosis of Dystonia came after I suffered a severe head injury many years ago.

Here is how "it" happened. After bumpin' my dresser and findin' that my eyeglasses had fallen under the dresser and while on my hands and knees searchin' for my eyeglasses, I accidentally bumped the dresser again and looked up to see what I heard fallin'. A small metal cash box full of coins hit me right between the eyes, severing a vein, causin' blood to gush all inside around both eye sockets. I had a small cut but the internal damage did its share of injury deep into my brain and caused severe vertigo for more than a year. The box had also broken the bridge of my nose away from my skull internally. Little did I know at the time this injury changed the direction of my life forever. I ended up havin' to eventually leave university because I just couldn't participate or keep focus. A few years later I was diagnosed with Dystonia after resulting nerve damage in my right index finger. That was the first clue somethin' was just not right. Then I realized my gag reflex was extreme and my eatin' habits had to change. I had to begin fixin' my food differently. I could no longer enjoy a regular meal like everyone else. But....after all that I endured for all these years...I have learned to live with Dystonia. I adjusted quite well I have to say for myself. But the lingering signs are still there from that fatefull injury. I will always have severe vertigo but I have to do something for it to show up. So I limit my activities. I will always have nerve damage in my right index finger. I have muscle weakness in random places. But I am alive and well. And I won't allow Dystonia to rule me. I am proud of that accomplishment in attitude! I hope that all who endure Dystonia to know that my thoughts and prayers are with y'all. And just know that Dystonia is usually easier than the hurdles that life throws at us at times.