Concussion & PCS
 

I've got a few questions.

I was recently about 8ft from a massive chemical explosion. I went to hospital by ambulance and was diagnosed with concussion and pcs. I follow up today. This is a workman comp accident. Since the accident I have terrible headaches which get worse everyday. Hearing loss, neck pain and severe nausea. I'm dizzy, can't sleep and have to stay still as possible. I vomit riding in a car. Is this normal?

I feel horrible, I can't sleep at night. Im scared this is going to cost me my job.

How long should I expect to be out of work? I have insurance to cover my pay (work comp, short term/long term disability and accident insurance)

I feel like this has changed my life!

Welcome to the Forum.

I'm sorry about your injury.

The symptoms you are describing are common to TBI.

I wish I could provide you with a timeline for recovery. However, every concussion is as unique as the person who sustains it.

For now, one of the best things you can do to maximize your recovery is to get as much physical and mental rest as possible. The less stimulation, the better.

It is also advisable to abstain from alcohol and to eat a proper diet. Many suggest vitamin supplements, and you can learn a lot about your options by reading through the sticky on that topic.

Don't be shy about advocating for care.

Keep a journal of all your symptoms/odd behaviours. As brain injury can rob one of self-reflection, ask your spouse/friends/family to do the same.

Consider taking a family member with you to medical appointments, to ensure that all your questions are asked and that you understand/remember the answers.

Push for a neuro-psych exam and for any cognitive and occupational therapy it indicates might benefit you.

Do not be ashamed to seek psychological help. Many TBI patients find themselves battling depression, anxiety, panic attacks etc...

Listen to your body and don't let ANYONE try and push you past your limits. Overdoing things is the surest way to suffer setbacks and slow and/or compromise recovery.

Good luck, and remember, you are not alone.

Thank you so much, I can't even describe how I feel.


I'm a commercial truck driver I haul hazardous chemicals. I can't drive because I get sick and I'm so scared this workers comp doctor is going to send me back to work.

Sadly, I think you're right to be wary of the workers' comp doctor. Workers' Comp should be renamed Employers' Protection Scheme. Are you unionized? If so, turn to your steward for some advice and support.

As a professional driver, hauling dangerous cargo, you are well aware of the importance, to public safety, of your being in top condition. You're the guy behind the wheel. Don't let anyone put you back there until you're able.

If you go back, too soon, and are involved in an accident, it's not the Workers' Comp doc they'll be coming after.

I'll add getting a proper amount of sleep. It's taken till my concussions and the aftermath for me to finally regulate my sleep schedule and get a good night's sleep. Prior to this I was all over the place. I am on medication (amitriptylan) to aid this, though, because at first I couldn't sleep more than a half hour at a time. I feel much better now after a full 8 hours.

And I second the advice to have someone with you at appointments. Because my mom was with me we were able to catch my neurologist in a slip-up that I probably would have forgotten had I been on my own.

Good luck!

Welcome to NeuroTalk. You have been given good advice. You likely need to prepare yourself for a Work Comp struggle. Check out www.tbilaw.com and www.subtlebraininjury.com . They are put together by a very knowledgeable attorney.

Be sure to get diagnostics and treatment for your neck. Neck injuries and concussion go hand in hand. Many concussion symptoms are magnified by a subtle neck injury.

Please keep us informed with your progress. We are here to help.

My best to you.

I am not unionized. I am going to see what's said today. I'm currently unsure if I should consult a WC attorney. Workers comp is already questioning how I have a concussion from a explosion without hitting my head. A explosion that was heard and felt 3.5 miles away, I was 8 ft away when it happend. I feel lucky to be alive!

I will not drive like this, I hope I get a good doctor, I vomit just riding I don't think I could drive. Headaches are getting worse everyday meds don't help at all :-(

The military calls them Blast Concussions. Concussion for the blast force of an explosion are very common in the military due to road side bombs. Google "blast concussions." You will find plenty of information and government research supporting the damage done by blast concussions. Here are two good articles, http://www.washingtonpost.com/nation...GUU_story.html and http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/about-traumati...ary-concussion.

You might even print out an article to take to the doctors in case they try to minimize or doubt your symptoms.

Hope this helps.

My best to you.

To think one has to hit one's head to get a concussion is complete rot -and WC darn well knows that. For example, many, many people get concussion from whiplash. The damage is done by the brain getting slammed into the skull's INTERIOR.

For an analogy closer to your situation, look at the number of DOCUMENTED cases of soldiers, serving in Afghanistan/Iraq, getting TBI - without striking their heads - when they are in vehicles when roadside bombs explode nearby.

Thank you all. I will read the articles as I gather myself, I'm feeling bad but I have a 5:30 appt. I will keep everyone posted.

I'm so glad I found this website.