Hello all,

Wish I didn't have to post here, but am sure glad I found this site. My story is as follows:

Exactly one month ago, I hit the top of my head very hard, in a moment of self-inflicted stupidity (I jumped up and hit my workout bar which was screwed into the door frame). The impact of the trauma went straight down my head into my neck and spine. I didn't black out, but my vision did go black for a second. Immediately after, I had all of the normal symptoms of a hard head knock: headache, pain on the head (no bump), etc. Later that day I was feeling better and decided to go jogging.

I later developed my most disturbing symptom either later that day or the next (can't remember): my ears were plugged, like I was in an airplane. They went away after that day, but reappeared a week later (maybe because I tried to return to working out?). Since then I've had good days and not so good days regarding the pressure in my ears. Sometimes it feels so heavy that I feel like I have tunnel vision and will pass out, other times I barely notice them. Along with the pressure is almost always fluid running down the back of my throat, which drains into my stomach/lungs as I sleep, giving me an awful cough, and suppressing my appetite. Oddly, the symptoms do subside greatly when I am laying down or sleeping.

My other symptoms include: intermittent headaches (hardly ever severe), a feeling of unsteadiness, but not full-blown vertigo - more like I'm less confident and agile on my feet. Also brain fog, noise sensitivity, restless sleep (always wake up before the alarm in a panic), difficulty concentrating, and difficulty focusing my eyes on objects, especially moving objects.

I had a CT scan done in the ER two weeks after my injury and it showed no bleeds. A week later I went to an ENT and he gave me antibiotics and a steroid nasal spray. Both the neurologist and the ENT seemed unconcerned.

I currently live in mainland China which is making things more difficult (I don't speak the language, and finding western specialists is not easy or cheap). I am a school teacher on contract, so taking time off from work is not a realistic option at this point. I have been watching my lifestyle choices though (no alcohol, MSG, caffeine, sugar or artificial sweeteners).

Anyway, thanks for reading my ramble... I'd really like to hear from others who share my symptoms (especially the ear pressure thing, as it is driving me nuts).

It does sound like it could be a sinus infection, on top of a head injury. When you hit your head, things swell up, making drainage of anything in the head more difficult. try alternating heat and ice, look up the vitamin thread here (it was bumped to the top recently), and remember to take it as easy as possible. I'm sure some of the more veteran member here will have more advice!

When are you suppose to come back to your original country?You might want to look into a vestibular therapist for the balance issues etc.A vestibular therapist helps if you did knock your balance off.I wish the best to you.Acupuncture could help you possible while abroad.

I hadn't ruled out a sinus infection or allergies, but the fact that I have no other symptoms (ie, runny nose, itchy eyes, etc) makes me think otherwise. Plus, the symptoms appeared so close to my injury that I feel like it cannot be coincidence. If the symptoms persist I will attempt to get a scan of my sinuses to check, though.

This is not my first hard hit to the head, but it is the first that created symptoms that have lasted a while... the ones in the past I've shook off pretty easily. I've been on Google the past month self-diagnosing myself with everything and anything imaginable...

I'll be back in the US in July... so I'm still a few months off. When I do get back I'll be uninsured until I can find another teaching position, so my best bet may be to try and find care here. I am going to try to investigate acupuncture and therapeutic massage. When my headaches first appeared, I was able to control them with self-massaging my neck (many of my headaches radiated upwards from my neck).

If anyone has any advice on my symptoms, and what I should be asking for from a doctor if/when I go to visit I would appreciate it greatly. The past two times I've gone I've been brushed off (very frustrating), and I want to make sure I'm getting the proper scans and diagnostics done!

Have you been assessed for a CSF leak?

Count,

Is there an American compound anywhere near ? My cousin worked in China and lived in an American compound with full American services. His compound was for the petroleum industry.

The spinal fluid leak is a valid concern. You may also have injured your upper neck. Try icing your upper neck.

I suggest you plan ahead and arrange for health insurance to start upon your return. You should be able to apply for Blue Cross or something else online with overnight mail for signatures.

Hi,

I am confused here:

The symptoms subside greatly when lying down or sleeping.

However, does the drainage occur most at this time? or - Is the drainage occurring more during times before then and then subside after you lie down??

I ask because of my next few questions.

Was a Radionuclide Cisternogram done - a mainstay for CSF Leak evaluations.

--What is a Radionuclide Cisternogram ?

Was any CT testing done, with or without contrast? - again more useful for CSF leak evaluations per studies.

I know you are in a foreign land, and won't be back in the U.S. until July - hopefully you will have all films in hand and get follow-up at home for comfirmation when you get home.


Sitting up with symptom increases could reflect the csf leaking increases which slow to stop when reclining, which are reflected by your symptoms subsiding when you lie down.

Best Wishes...........

Quick update... so far I've seen 3 neurosurgeons and 2 ENTs regarding potential CSF leak. They are all in agreement that there is none presently, or if there is one, that it is so small that it shouldn't be causing my ear issues.

I feel as if my 'classic' concussion symptoms are largely subsiding. I can read, concentrate, go outside and places with lots of sensory stimulation, and my headaches are very mild. For this, I am very thankful.

However... my ears remain plugged. It is not a 24/7 thing. They flare up and subside. They can go from 0 to 10 in a few seconds. Popping will open them up, but they close back up. Basically they don't go away until they are ready to. I believe they flare during physical activity, talking, eating, etc the most. I am not a stressed or anxious person usually, so I feel like that isn't a contributing factor.

I plan on visiting a chiro in the near future. I doubt if there are UCC's here in China, but there are well respected general chiros in my city that I can visit.

Hi,

I too have a noticeable ear pressure thing going on - I did not mention it to my Dr. as I was not sure if there was a connection - Probably won't mention it either as she has not been any help with my concussion.

Curious if there is a connection???