Got hit on head by a concrete wall, Tinnitus now :(
 

Hello All,

I am 27 years old got hit on the top of my head by a concrete wall 6 weeks ago while playing soccer. I didnt lose consciousness but my body went into a shock for a moment and felt numbness like feeling in both arms and legs and somewhat on the right part of my face. All this subsided within 2 days and I had also undergone CT scan on the same day and it was normal. After about 30 hours of the impact, I felt the ringing started in my ears and its present till date. I went to several ENT doctors and all of them were helpless and just said it will settle down slowly and I shouldnt pay any attention to it or register it in my mind.

I dont have any other symptoms of the concussion luckily except increased floaters in my eyes in bright light I have observed ( Not sure if this symptom is actually present, maybe I am paying too much attention and anxious about it ? ) Well, I can deal with the floaters and its not a problem in my life except for this Tinnitus. I also have mild hyperacusis and the light sensitivity was long gone in the first 2 weeks. I am feeling weird pressure, pain and sensations in my ears because of this and struggling to find out what actually has happened with my ears! Is it a symptom of PCS or the inner ear concussion ? I guess both are different and have different outcomes ?

The standard audiometry test and OAE test were both normal with no measurable hearing loss. My Tinnitus also seems to be slightly better than before now, atleast more tolerable than it was in the first 2 weeks. Have been to 2 Neurologists but they were of no help at all. I am undergoing some Ayurvedic treatment now and its supposed to calm down and repair the nerve damage, if any in my ears. But I am not very hopeful in that and want to do more more for my concussion and Tinnitus. I dont find comfortable travelling and even the slightest jerk on the road gives pressure like feeling on the top of my head. Its hard to believe that one incident like this can change your life forever! I am trying to be positive and giving myself ample rest and sleep and avoiding much travelling. What else can I do for this ? Nobody cares to investigate what has gone wrong inside my ears and they just say " It will get better " . The ENT doesnt feel the need for an MRI and said even if I do, nothing much can be dont about Tinnitus :(

Sorry for the long message, but I am very anxious and having scary thoughts about future. What else can I do about it ? I am not doing anything special for my concussion I feel. I have slowed down a lot and am scared to go anywhere now. Should I consult some super specialist or just want and watch ? Any therapies or nutritional links ? I will appreciate any help and advice. Thanks :)

rrring
 

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Yes, tinnitus can result from brain injury. I've had it since my MVA in 2007. Don't panic. My injury was very severe. I was deaf in one ear for quite awhile and still loss hearing when my symptoms flair.

As far as I know, there is no "cure" for TBI induced ear ringing. It is a good sign that yours seems to be improving. Otherwise, it becomes a matter of learning to live with it, so it doesn't drive you bonkers. I use white noise.

Mark, another TBI patient, knows a lot about coping with tinnitus. He even used a piano to pinpoint the key in which his ears ring. Anyway, I'm pretty sure he'll see your post and weigh in with something helpful.

Your doctor is right about the MRI. Conventional MRIs are not sensitive enough to identify subtle - but significant - damage to the brain. If you want to know how you're doing, a neuro-psych exam is a better bet.

Hang in There