Hello!

My name is Skylar, and here is my story. About two years ago (When I was 16) I got into a terrible car wreck. I got knocked out with a ceramic plate that was in my backseat. I was knocked out a good amount of time. I do not remember the wreck all I remember is waking up, very confused and scared. Well, that was two years ago, today I suffer from headaches, def tones ( My hearing goes out in myy right ear and all I hear is this awful shrieking noise) severe dizziness, insomina, feeling of being detached from reality, memory issues, anixety, panic attacks, and getting my words all mixed up, and I cannot lay on my right side without being sick from the dizziness. I was diganosed with Bi Polar disorder before the wreck. I have been to the doctor, he said I had PCS and should go away soon. It never went away, and I wonder are these permanent? My mother said I was a hypochondriac but this is real!!! I am scared and confused.

-Skylar

Skylar,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sounds like you suffered quite a head injury.

What diagnostics and treatments have you had?

There are inner ear injuries that may need to be treated.

Any doctor who says you have PCS and it should go away soon does not understand PCS and the myriad of complications from a head injury.

Some more information about your symptoms and diagnostics done will help us point to toward some help.

Many here have experienced similar symptoms. You are not alone.

My best to you.

The fact that you have amnesia of the accident and your current symptoms 2 years later are classic symptoms of PCS. Glad you found us, no one here is likely to call you a hypochondriac.

Mark is correct, many doctors, particularly family medicines/GPs don’t understand TBI/PCS. Consider getting an evaluation by a clinical neuropsychologist, they can evaluate your deficits, what symptoms may be PCS and what are related to BPD. For example, your hearing/speech disorders are not likely to be from BPD but are very common with PCS. Rehab sessions with speech and/or occupational therapists may be helpful but you would want the evaluation prior.

Best to you as you recover.