Hello Everyone!
On Feb. 24 2010 while at work at a trucking company I was hit in the head by 359 lb Nitrogen bottle That fell from atop another skid. The blow was quick violent, hitting me in the forehead sending me to the ground immediately. 4 things happened instantly I saw a kaleidoscope of colors, my vision became blurry, and I felt like my hearing changed as to like being in a tunnel, and my had trouble walking. The hit left me with a coaster size contusion on my forehead. Over several days I had Catscans, MRI, and a visit with a eye doctor, all coming back Normal. the first 2 weeks I was in a daze with no emotion and feeling foggy and like I was in a Tunnel. Returned to work on the 2nd week doing menial paper filing for an hour or 2 for worker comp satisfaction. after the 2nd week I was out of the fogginess for the most part but was suffering severe dizzyness, ringing in my ears and balance issues as well as short term memory recall. during my 4th week I was able to start sweeping floors Trailers around the dock. All the movement around the dock along with constant bending would trigger severe dizzy spells and would usually leave after 1 hour. In my 5th week I seemed to had made big strides as my spells were less frequent and lasted only seconds. My doctor said she still wanted me to see a Neurologist anyway. 2 days before the Neurologist appt. I was on my lawn tractor mowing around my flower garden when all of a sudden the earth was spinning and I almost fell off my tractor, I got nauseated and got an instant headache along with this episode. The Neurologist scheduled a EEG and during the EEG I had another Episode in which the Doctor was called in to help. She scheduled an 72 Ambulatory EEG to which I am waiting to receive results in the next day or two. She seems to think that I may be having seizures, does anyone on here know about these?? I am a Truck Driver and know if I am having seizres I will not be allowed to drive. During this whole time I have periods of isolation and once had an episode at home where I didn't know where I was!! The constant theme has been Dizzyness, Ringing in my ears and Foggy feeling. Looking for some answers from fellow sufferers.

Miley,

First thing, you need to find a Work Comp attorney who has expertise with Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries. You do not want any doctors examining you without the oversight of a good MTBI attorney.

Check out www.tbilaw.com. He explains the problems with misdirected doctors exams. A doctor who does not believe in concussions causing long term disabilities can destroy your Work Comp case. There are many such doctors. They often work for Work Comp insurance companies. They commonly try to say your problems are psychological.

Second, you need to avoid any of the activities that make your symptoms worse or even make them return. Healing happens best when you can remain symptom free or a minimal levels for an extended period of time. Avoid completely any activity that puts you at risk of a head impact or jolt.

If you need to get out of the house, go for an easy walk in a quiet area. Avoid loud noises and bright lights. Ear plugs and sun glasses will help. Your brain needs rest.

I would suggest some serious changes in behavior. No bending or stooping. No turning your head from side to side. Turn at your shoulders. This tends to slow the speed of the head rotation.

Check my past posts for vitamin and nutrition information. Your brain needs extra nutrition as it tries to heal. The vitamin and nutrition regimen is a long term project. It takes months for your brain to start to overcome the chemical toxicity it has from the concussion.

Avoid any alcohol except light consumption, a glass of wine or an occasional beer. No getting buzzed. Limit caffeine. Avoid high sugar foods. Spiking blood sugar is not good for an injured brain. Be sure to have good meat protein. The amino acids help your brain.

Start a journal. Write down all of your symptoms and activities before the symptoms showed up. If you live with family, ask them to make notes too. They will observe things that you do not.

Go to Dr Glen Johnson's web site at www.tbiguide.com and download his tbi survival guide, print it out, and read it. Have those close to you read it too.

Consider your job for the next few months to be two fold.
1. Help your brain heal.
2. Keep good records so you can get a good Work Comp benefit.

Been there, done that, lost my Work Comp case because I did not know how to protect and pursue my WC rights.

My best to you.