PCS advice scan or not to scan?
 

Hi looking for some Post conussion syndrome advice... my story so far..

I fell of my horse on the 11th of December 2013, it wasn't a bad fall at all I was wearing a hat and hit my head didn't think anything of it and got back on. Two days later I had problems with my vision becoming distorted and sparkly. It lasted for about 45mins and I had it checked out and the doctors just thought it was a delayed concussion.

I then had headaches constantly and really sore eyes from any bright lights. I stopped watching tv, going on the computer and using my phone. I also had no energy and stopped exercising as much. I saw a doctor who said I had post concussion syndrome and just do what I was comfortable doing. By the 20th of January I was only having very small headaches and my eyes seem to be ok when watching tv and browsing the internet.

I went back to work only trying to do mostly admin jobs that didnt involve a computer and half days but as soon as I started concentrating on anything reading/typing an email/ writing notes my eyes and head began to get sore. I was at work for a week and was then signed of again by my doctor and haven't been back since.

I have stopped watching tv again and using my phone and the computer until today! I dont get sore eyes unless I do any of these things. The headaches are a lot less now but I don't have the energy I used to have at all. I have a horse so have to get up every morning to feed it ect. I can exercise now with out getting headaches but I don't know how much I am allowed to do. The doctors have been so vague. I ride competitively so want to get back into it properly. I was told if I did have a bleed the doctor may have missed and fell of my horse again it could be a lot worse.

I haven't had any scan on my head as they don't think I need one. My Osteopath and physio were both surprised that I hadn't had a scan. Should I go private and get a scan? Also if exercise doesn't bring on any of the symptoms headache/sore eyes does that mean it is ok? I know that going private for a scan is going to be expensive and might show nothing but if it does will that give me the all clear to compete my horse?

I haven't had any alchol since being told I have post concussion syndrome and have been on a whole foods diet and resting as much as possible also been drinking so much water! which is sometimes a pain at night as I constantly need a wee! Are there any vitamins and supplements that could help?

I would recommend audio books to anyone else that gets sore eyes from bright lights tv/computer ect. they have been keeping me going.

Any advice would be great

Katie,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Your symptoms sound common to a concussion. Quiet rest is about all one can do. A CT Scan would likely be an unnecessary exposure to lots of radiation. You don't have any symptoms that would indicate a need for a CT Scan. Has your osteopath or physio checked your neck ? Head aches and other symptoms can be caused by upper neck injuries.

There is a sticky at the top with Vitamins and Supplement information.

You should not drink excessive amounts of water.

A clear scan will not give you an all clear to compete your horse. Your brain has been injured. There are no valid ways to determine if your brain can tolerate another impact. It is likely that your head will be moire sensitive to impacts. You should be very careful about future risks of head impacts.

Be careful. You only have one brain.

My best to you.