Hi,
I had a fall Oct 15th while out hiking. Results were fractured skull in 2 places, left orbital socket and along left temple/side of head. CT scans revealed bruising of brain and blood pooling and hematoma on my right Temporal Lobe. Numerous contusions to my back, neck and hip.

Up until last week I was making steady progress. Headached had diminished from a 7-8out of 10 to a 5, and improived clarity of thought and improved memory and speech. But around mid weak I started to regress back to symptoms that were the same I had in week 3-4 of the injury. I do theraputic yoga twice a week ( very good results and relief ), massage therapy once a week, and light chiropractic treatment to my lower back.spine once a week. All provding measurable relief and improvent to my symptoms

Here is where I am unsure of a treatment that aligns wiht the time line of my regression. Last Wednesday I had work done by my Chiro on my atlas, the most aggressive treatment and moves/pressure to my neck I have received. My Chiro said I would certainly feel discomfort after that treatment. I also want to state my Chiro is a total body/mind health practioner and an excellent care give.

My questions to the group:
1. Has anyone expereinced a set back as a result of neck/atlas manipulation?
2. What is the groups experience of recovery time from my type of injuries. I was told 3 months before I can return to work. Today is day 59.

Images from injury.




this image is flipped, inujry is left side.



Thank you

and some humour from a photoshop friend...

good as new..on your way....

Don't know anything about the technical stuff, but I would say try not to take too much notice of projected recovery times. In my experience they don't know enough about the brain to predict these things accurately, and it's better to just take things as they come, make a plan, do everything you can to get better and try not to stress about it (stress is bad for the brain).

My injury was different from yours but I was told 2 days, 1 week, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months...... many people do get better in short time periods, but some don't, and they don't seem to know much about what makes the difference. Making plans for 'when I'm better in 3 months' is very disheartening if it doesn't happen. Best to just try to chill out about it if possible.

Love the band aid pic!

The time line given by your doctor, at least in my mind, shows how uninformed he is about mTBI. As klaus said, there is no way to predict recovery timelines.

The atlas chiro work may possibly be the cause of your regression. Especially if the chiro did the twist and pop treatment. This can be traumatic to the tissue surrounding the facets of atlas/occipital condyle. Inflammation in this area can cause decreased vertebral arterial blood flow.

btw, I prefer to use baling wire. It holds better than duck tape. LOL

I've been told at the beginning of my injury, "In three months you'll be feeling much better." Then I was told "In a year this will all be a bad dream."

Well I'm five months in....and I was told a severe concussion can take up to six months and the person who did my nueropsych test said 12 months to 18 months.

I think they just talk out of their a&& sometimes. They dont know how long. Like I said it's been five months and they are now finally getting around to sending my to therapist to learn how to cope...