I was wondering if anyone had any sinus issues after your concussion?

I get a dull and sharp pain from time to time on the right side of my head, somewhere between the eye socket and the nasal cavity. At first I thought it was a head cold, but then as the weather changes, it comes and goes.

I can also smell a foul smell. Doctors say it might be old mucus but it hasn't gone away. It smells like either my brain is burning or iron-like (like from blood). It gets marginally better when I drink more water.

I don't know if I had it before the injury or not, but when I had a CT scan it showed I had sinusitis. I get weird mucus drains in to my throat sometimes and some pressure and a little pain by my eye sockets.

bh_pcs,

It sounds like you may have a sinus infection. The simple trick is to first try a neti-pot. It is a system for rinsing your sinus (lower at least) to help it purge of infectious mucus.

A sinus infection can become embedded into the tissue and cause meningitis and other issues. An ENT can take a look and prescribe some antibiotics. Some sinus infections can become antibiotic resistant or at least need a longer course of antibiotics than usual. Since the infection may not have blood supply through it, the tissue can heal but leave a surface contamination in place to cause a re-infection.

Sinus infections next to the brain can cause concussion like symptoms and even psychosis.

Taking a decongestant for an extended period (week or so) with lots of water can cause you sinuses to drain hopefully getting this mucus out. You will need a box of tissue handy but it may work.

Hope you find a solution.

My best to you.