hello, I am hoping this forum can provide some information(I have already found some), encouragement, and understanding. I am 60+ female, fairly active, upbeat as a rule.

At the end of Nov. 2012, I missed a step, fell down a flight of stairs. I was unconscious for a short time. I was taken to ER, had xrays/CT scans=concussion, huge hematoma on back of head, broken finger, broken rib, tingling in arms. Xrays also showed bone spurs in C5-6, 6-7 that I did not know where there.

I fully expected to be 'well' in a week--little did I know. I have seen my PC dr. several times, neurologist once(Jan.)neurosurgeon(Mar.). Diagnosis=PCS, told to take it easy, but no specifics, cleared to start PT for back pain 8 weeks ago. Have been doing PT 2x week with therapist, plus exercises daily.

I had what I refer to as 'brain fog' for all of Dec., where I pretty much sat, read a little, listened to more than watched TV. Also had severe vertigo, continued mild tingling in arms--mostly at night when I was tired. As I felt better, would do more, but still nothing like my usual activity.

Mid-Feb. I developed tingling, electric like shocks when tilting chin/head down.These travel down both arms, spine, into the tops of my thighs. PC sent me for MRI, then neurosurgeon, who after performing extensive physical strength tests, and going over Ct scans/MRI, said wait a couple months, see if goes away.

I also have trouble in stores with what I call 'sensory overload'. Hard to describe to others---just not feeling right.

While back is much better, I still cannot stand or walk for long periods, so am only so active. I do spend time on computer, read, TV in between short periods of light housework. I have periodic spells of depression, sadness, pity party, oh poor me, I'll never get my life back. My husband has been true rock throughout all of this. He tries to get me to focus on how far I have come, but I still get frustrated, and down with no real time limit, list of instructions, or diagnosis as to what is causing the new nerve involvement.

Both PC and neurologist said it could take up to 6 mons. for symptoms to resolve themselves. Husband's doctor said maybe a year when he told him what happened. I think I will go crazy before then.

Thanks for listening. I hope that this has not been too long, or too depressing.

Welcome to the site, we are all here to help each other.

This is a very good place to start.

First, and foremost, many practitioners have their own idea on Concussions - how long to do whatever in a plan - I also had my biggest Concussion in my 60's, and am still dealing with its turmoil, approximately 3 years later.

Forget the numbers of a plan - 6 weeks for this, 2 months for that, etc.

1. REST - means give your brain stimulus free time, even if that means do not read for a day, week, or so.

2. I know we grandparents love our grandkids - tell the kids we have a need for a time-out, and will let them know when its over; explain why, and take some time-out.

3. If you are a working senior, make sure your docs are completing a FMLA form with Undetermined timelimits, and Intermittent time off needs... for Concussion injuries - and list the complaints succinctly.

4. In the Links section at the top of these threads is one from Markin Idaho for a video series that is very useful for any level of Brain Injury that we all recommend victims and family members view to gain some understanding of what is or can be occurring.

Please, keep you head up, you spirits high, we are all here for each other.

Best Wishes,

frustratedislander,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. As Concussion said, rest is important. Check out the Vitamins thread for some guidelines and excellent online resources.

I am concerned that your PT and neurosurgeon have missed an upper neck injury. The joint at C-1 to base of the skull is easily strained. It can remain unstable for quite some time. An MRI will not likely show the neck injury unless the head is turned sharply to the left and right during the MRI. This can help expose the instability.

You also should be icing your neck and upper back whenever possible. Bone spurs are a common excuse for symptoms. It is not always accurate. Some have found help from upper cervical chiropractors. www.NUCCA.org and www.atlasorthagonal.org have referral system.

Generic chiros are usually too aggressive for these neck injuries. PT's are a hit and miss help for the same injuries.

The sensory overload is very common. A hat and sunglasses can help with bright lights and foam ear plugs can help with sound. Many of us just have to avoid these places except during low traffic periods when the stores are quieter. I keep foam ear plugs handy all the time.

The x-ray/CT-scan=concussion is confusing. There is no normal imaging to diagnose a concussion. As Concussion said, most practitioners have wildly varying ideas of concussion. Most are rather clueless.

You might want to try sleeping on your back with minimal pillow lift. Keeping your neck straight during sleep can be a big help.

Please feel free to tell or ask us anything. We have heard it all.

My best to you.