Hello again. I've been away for a while trying to avoid the computer as much as possible, as it and television screens seem to exacerbate my symptoms. I have made improvements since my concussion ~8 months ago, but still have all of the main symptoms; they are just less pronounced. I'm wondering if anyone has any strategies for vision, or whether it's worth seeing an or some similar type of doctor?

Also wondering if anyone else experiences their symptoms worsen when their heart rate goes up?

Finally, I wonder whether taking medications for migraines does more harm than good by masking symptoms?

It is not uncommon for increases in blood pressure and heart rate to coincide with increased cognitive struggles. An over-stimulation can cause a increase in adrenaline which causes the blood pressure and pulse to increase.

The migraine medication question would depend on the type of migraine medication.

Have you had any upper neck work done to help with neck to skull muscle spasms that may be causing your head aches?

Hi Mark,

I haven't had any "upper neck work" done, I don't think. What does this entail? Any insight into the vision stuff?

Upper neck work would be by a Upper Cervical Chiropractor (NUCCA.org) or a Physical Therapist who does a little gentle traction with gentle manipulations.

You did not explain what the vision issue you have other than struggling to watch TV or a computer screen.

Do you have a hi def TV or old normal resolution tube TV?

Is you computer a flat screen or a CRT display (big box old TV like monitor)?

Do you have surround sound with your TV?

Hi,

Regarding your vision issues, I would see an eye specialist. I took my son to a very good eye specialist in Boston because he complained of blurred vision about a month after he got a concussion. The eye specialist says it's common to have vision problems after a concussion and typically your eyes do go back to normal as you recover and so it's temporary.

In my son's case, he prescribed glasses for him to wear in the meantime. He likes wearing them and says it really helps. I asked the doctor about vision therapy but he felt in my son's case that it was important to relax the muscles because he's been straining his eyes trying to see. He also felt it might help his headaches.

So far, it's only been a week and it's working out well for my son.

I know there are different types of vision problems you can have from a concussion but if you find a good eye specialist, I bet he could help you.

Good luck!

Thanks MomandSon.

Mark, my vision issues are as follows. My eyes are very sensitive to light and fast moving objects, particularly on screen. My eyes begin to "hurt" and my headache becomes more intense the longer I engage with moving pictures/computer screens. My overall sense of well being goes down as well.