Hi Everyone!

So glad to find this forum!!!

2 weeks ago today I passed out in the shower and landed on my head and face. I was out for about 45 seconds. My DH got me out of the shower and then I passed out again, hitting the back of my head. I cant remember much except seeing him calling to me and then thinking I was going to be late for work. We went to the hospital, and I spent 3 nights as I was dehydrated and it caused low blood volume. They did a CT and an MRI which came back normal. I had terrible headaches in the hospital and dizziness as well. I also notice the first night an annoying loud ringing in my ears!!

My GP recommende no work last week or this week for me. Im still experiencing dizziness, extreme fatigue, sleeping alot, ringing in the ears, balance issues at times and headaches at times although they are not nearly as intense as they were.

So on Thursday, Im going to a concussion/vestibular specialist. What would I expect to happen in that appt that is different from my GP? or what I did in the hospital?

Also, my bruising is almost gone, but it was across my forehead, bridge of my nose, under my eye, under my chin, on my neck, collarbone and hip. Like a diagonal line where I hit the edge of the tub. I also had alot of pain in the back of my neck. Im thinking of getting a massage???

Thoughts? Help???

Thanks, Wendy

Wendy,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. You fall sounds awful Ouch.

What you are experiencing is common to concussion. You are still very early in your recovery so try to take it easy and not worry.

The concussion specialist may have more skills than your GP or not. The vestibular assessment will be good. Rather than a simple neck massage, ask the concussion specialist about a referral to someone who can properly examine your neck. Neck injuries often make concussion symptoms worse. Getting neck issues resolved will be a big help in your recovery. A physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ) may be helpful.

Let us know what the concussion specialist says. Then we will have some better understanding of your situation.

In the mean time, get quiet rest and avoid stress.

Check out the thread Vitamins and supplements, It has some good links at the bottom of the post.

My best to you.

Thanks Mark!!

Question - does anyone find that they have good days and bad? It can be so weird?? Also, anyone experience car sickness post concussion?

Yes, the Post Concussion Syndrome roller coaster can be quite a wild ride. It helps to look back and try to identify triggers that may have cause the relapse.

Car sickness is also common. There can be too much sensitivity to the physical movement of the car or a sensitivity to the movement of the visual objects outside the car. It helps to focus on things that are far from the car. Those things within a few car lengths will challenge your brain's ability to visually process.

I rarely had problems with sea sickness. I could relax and even lay down in a rocking boat. Now, I am very sensitive and have mastered the behavior know as 'barking at the seals.'

FYI, If you use the Post Reply button at the bottom left, it will not quote the previous post.

Hi Everyone!

I saw the vestibular guy, and they said I have migranes which cause vertigo instead of pain like we usually think of them. They started me on a 10mg dose of nortriptalin to help...not seeing any change yet.

Last night I tried a yoga class, and I think it has thrown me for a loop! Im super duper tired today and my vertigo has increased as well. Maybe I should wait on doing that again!

So, aside from seeing a neurologist in the hospital, my GP and the vestibular guy (who is a neuro ent), do I need to see anyone else? I do have a name of a Dr who specializes in concussions, Dr. Bley in wilmington, DE....but it looks like he does alot of sports concussions. So I dont know if I need to bother with that or not?

They have recommended 2 more weeks off of work and then 2 weeks of part time before returning full time to work. Does that sound reasonable? They approved it as FMLA.

THanks for any advice, Wendy

If you want to get better as quickly as possible you need to be resting. At your early stage if you strictly give yourself cognitive and physical rest you will likely be fine in a couple weeks based on statistics. That means no yoga, tv, reading, computer, smartphone, radio etc. You need to keep noise and visual stimulation down.

Its best probably NOT to drive around seeing this doctor, or that massage therapist or chiropractor because all the driving around is too much stimulation and not resting!

Rest! Good luck.

CC