Hi all,

I'm new here. Over the past two years, I have suffered from five concussions. The most recent one being in November 2011. My symptoms include headache, fatigue, sensitivity to light and sound, and lack of concentration. In January I also developed ringing in the ears.

I have had most of these symptoms for more than a year and my doctor is just now reffering me to a neurosurgeon. My question is, is there any point in me going to see a neurosurgeon? I would have figured I would be sent to a neurologist......

So far I have tried migraine medication and an antidepressant to help with my headaches, but they made no difference. I have also been going for IMS treatment for several months while trying to fix my stiff neck and shoulder muscles

That's really strange.

At one point, my neurologist wanted me to see a neurosurgeon, but I didn't want to have any neck surgery! So I didn't go... I've actually significantly reduced the amount of pain I was in since then with with Physical Therapy.

Did you ask to see a neurologist?

Have you been given an MRI or anything like that?

Maybe your Dr. thinks that some of your issues could be taken care of by seeing a neurosurgeon. Did you ask them? I imagine they are sending you because of the pain you are talking about in your neck and shoulders.

Maybe the neurosurgeon will send you to see a neurologist.

Sleeping..

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

The symptoms you mention all fit in a PCS diagnosis. I agree that a neurosurgeon is going over-board.

Even a neurologist will not necessarily be much help.

A physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) may be your best choice.

Tell us more about your symptoms and what you are doing to try to reduce them. There are plenty of people here who can help you with ways to help with your recovery.

My best to you.

EsthersDoll,

I asked the doctor to send me to a neurologist, but he reffered me to a neurosurgeon instead. I have never had a MRI or anything like that.


Mark,

The headaches are the most troublesome symptom. When I have a bad headache, I try to go somewhere dark and quiet to rest, but that isn't always an option. I also sometimes take Advil or Tylenol for the headaches. The IMS treatment helped reduce the severity fo the headaches for the first few months, but since then I have felt little change.

I wear sunglasses to deal with the light sensitivity. Nothing really helps the fatigue except sleeping, but I am still at school full time so I can't really do that.

I try too tune out the ringing in my ears. As for the lack of concentration, I just hope it gets better soon. Grade 12 is difficult enough as it is without all these extra problems.



I also have TMJ issues that started about a year ago when I got my wisdom teeth removed. I now wear a nightguard for that.

Sleeping,

Try some ice on your upper neck and/or forehead and see if it helps with your head aches. And, stay away from end of the year partying and booze.

If you have a soreness behind your ears, you may need some therapy for your upper neck. The muscles that attach to the skull behind the ears can get caught in spasm as a result of minor upper neck injuries and instabilities.

Have you tried closing your eyes to help yourself concentrate? It can be a big help.

My best to you.

Mark,

Thanks for the advice. Staying away from the booze and partying should not be an issue for me!

I have noticed some soreness behind my ears. What sort of therapy would you recommend for that?

Some have had success with Upper Cervical Chiropractors (NUCCA.org) or a physical therapist who has good skills at gentle traction and gentle manipulation of the upper cervical vertebra. You want to stay away from chiropractors who do the "head twist and pop" treatment.

Using ice and good neck posture when you lie down will be good. I have to lay flat on my back with a pillow that just holds my head from tipping either direction. If I am on my side, the pillow needs to be thick enough so my neck stays straight.

Do you ever have nightmares or stressful dreams?

Do you have some mornings when you wake up really disoriented?

Mark,

I have not had any nightmares or stressful dreams for quite a while. I occasionally wake up feeling disoriented, but not very often.

On those morning where you wake up feeling disoriented, try to remember what position you were sleeping in or woke up in. If you wake up early and start to toss and turn, try getting up. Trying to sleep in an agitated state can be a negative to your brain.

I woke up at 6:50 am and realized I was agitated so I got up. I was up very late last night or really this morning (3:45 am). I know that if I tried to sleep to 8:30 like I normally do, the rest would not be good. I'll probably take a nap before dinner time.

Quality sleep is very important so if you can find a way to get good deep sleep, try to sleep that way every night.

For me, I need cotton pajamas and soft cotton sheets for the lack of tactile stimulation. Most synthetic materials do not have a uniform feeling all over my body so I do not relax well. No collar tags in the tops. I also usually shave at night so my face is softer against the sheets. When I get rid of all of those little annoying feelings, I sleep much better. As my wife says, I sleep like I am in a coma

Hope this helps.

My best to you.

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