[fast2furiousxx55]

Hello, So here's the story....

So a month ago at work I suddenly got very lightheaded, dizzy, anxious, and my vision went horrible. I ended up leaving work to go home and sleep. I woke up with a headache and a pressure in my forehead and behind my eye sockets. My vision was still not normal. To make a long story short the symptoms stayed the next couple days and I went to the ER and they thought it was vertigo and gave me pills that didn't do much. I've been to an ENT that did a full exam and said everything was fine, I've been to optometrist who said my vision was fine, a neurologist where I took 3 MRI's of head, optics, and MRV that were all fine, and a nuero-ophthalmologist who said everything was fine.

Out of all that, the neurologist thought it was a migraine and gave me medication that helped remove the headache (because of family history), but my vision is still not right and still get headaches on occasion. My vision almost feels almost as if I'm drugged. I'm feel very spacey and have problems concentrating and focusing. Sometimes dragging vision. The headaches are on occasion and I have constant pressure around my upper eye sockets.

However, a week before all these symptoms occurred I did hit my head pretty hard on concrete where I was slightly bleeding. I was at a friends party at the time so I walked it off and thought nothing of it. I was essentially fine the upcoming week until the sudden symptoms that happened at work as explained above. I told this to the neurologist but he said it could not be a concussion/post concussion syndrome because the PCS symptoms didn't follow my "possible" concussion right after, it occurred a little over a week later.

I don't know what to do at this point. I haven't worked since because of my vision and occasional headaches. I'm young and very healthy besides this. Could this be post concussive syndrome? Any suggestions on what/where I should go next?

[NormaW]

Just after my accident I was actually able to work somewhat and as the week progressed my symptoms got a lot worse.

I was told at the time that symptoms can take up to 2 weeks to materialize.

I might look for another opinion, although there always seems to be confusion over diagnosis for concussions since it is a subjective diagnosis.

Good Luck, maybe other will have some ideas.

[DFayesMom]

1. Did the neuro ophthalmologist put you through about two hours of testing? If not, I would get a second opinion.

2. I don't think your neurologist knows what he or she is talking about. Obviously, that Dr. is ill informed about concussions. Symptoms often don't present directly after an accident. I would definitely seek a second opinion. Try to find a doctor who has more experience with concussions!

[fast2furiousxx55]

Originally Posted by DFayesMom

1. Did the neuro ophthalmologist put you through about two hours of testing? If not, I would get a second opinion.

2. I don't think your neurologist knows what he or she is talking about. Obviously, that Dr. is ill informed about concussions. Symptoms often don't present directly after an accident. I would definitely seek a second opinion. Try to find a doctor who has more experience with concussions!

To add on my first post, I also had a CT scan which was fine. I had some sort of optic nerve test that I think tested the timing it took for the optic nerve to send info to the back of my head. Had nodes over my head and flashed lights in front of me.

1) I had a field vision test, other small test, and he observed my eyes. At the optometrist I had my eyes dilated and they checked pressure and a couple other things.

2) From doing some research and looking at these posts I think I may have to. Thanks!

[Mark in Idaho]

First, Find a new neurologist. Concussion symptoms can be delayed by a week or more. The brain struggles to go on with the injured brain cells, etc but eventually, it may give up and let those brain cells die. This is when the concussion symptoms can rear their ugly head.

There are also many triggers that can cause symptoms to manifest a week or longer after a concussion. Just about any stressful event or effort can cause symptoms to manifest.

Now, you need quiet rest. Read the sticky at the top under Vitamins. It has most all the start up toward recovery issues addressed.

You may need your upper neck evaluated. Upper cervical injuries can cause a myriad of concussion symptoms. To start, try to use good head and neck posture when sleeping or resting. Sleeping with a minimal pillow so your neck is straight is good. I curl my pillow so it holds my head from rolling to the side. If you must sleep on your side, make sure your pillow holds your head up. Ice your upper neck frequently.

This should be a good start for you.

Keep us informed so we can offer support.

My best to you.

[fast2furiousxx55]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

First, Find a new neurologist. Concussion symptoms can be delayed by a week or more. The brain struggles to go on with the injured brain cells, etc but eventually, it may give up and let those brain cells die. This is when the concussion symptoms can rear their ugly head.

There are also many triggers that can cause symptoms to manifest a week or longer after a concussion. Just about any stressful event or effort can cause symptoms to manifest.

Now, you need quiet rest. Read the sticky at the top under Vitamins. It has most all the start up toward recovery issues addressed.

You may need your upper neck evaluated. Upper cervical injuries can cause a myriad of concussion symptoms. To start, try to use good head and neck posture when sleeping or resting. Sleeping with a minimal pillow so your neck is straight is good. I curl my pillow so it holds my head from rolling to the side. If you must sleep on your side, make sure your pillow holds your head up. Ice your upper neck frequently.

This should be a good start for you.

Keep us informed so we can offer support.

My best to you.

Thank you I appreciate it. I will look for another neurologist. For the neck injuries you are talking about, do you usually feel pain or some discomfort? I'll mention it to my new neurologist but my neck seems okay and I have full movement without any issues.

[DFayesMom]

Originally Posted by fast2furiousxx55

To add on my first post, I also had a CT scan which was fine. I had some sort of optic nerve test that I think tested the timing it took for the optic nerve to send info to the back of my head. Had nodes over my head and flashed lights in front of me.

1) I had a field vision test, other small test, and he observed my eyes. At the optometrist I had my eyes dilated and they checked pressure and a couple other things.

2) From doing some research and looking at these posts I think I may have to. Thanks!

I had thAt test you talked about--very cutting edge apparently--measuring the strength and speed of the signals from your optic nerve to your brain. I'm not sure that it would catch everything though. I honestly don't know! I'll ask my doc if I get the chance. Other than that, a visual field test would not catch concussion-related vision problems, so the other tests you had are important. If you could tell me about those, I could advise about whether or not a second opinion would be potentially helpful. (It usually doesn't hurt!) as you now know, not all doctors know what they are talking about and even if someone is supposed to be good, they are useless to you if they are not well versed in treating patients with concussions!

[Mark in Idaho]

You do not need to feel very symptomatic for your upper neck to be a problem. Touch behind your ears. Do you feel any tender spots ? These are often muscle spasms due to upper neck injuries and inflammation. You may sense some clicking and other noises as you move your head around.

Most neuros don't have much to offer for concussions. Other than vestibular and vision issues, there is not much that can be done for concussions other than quiet rest. This means limiting visual and auditory stimulation. Simple activities with minimal cognitive effort are best. Just enough cognitive effort to keep blood flowing through the brain.

[mouse1]

Like yourself, I had delayed symptoms, but I went back to work and my symptoms gradually increased over several months.

Apart from tiredness, I am over PCS. My advice is get some sunglasses to reduce light, reduce noise, reduce all stimulation like TV, computer, reading, conversation with others for the next few weeks and get plenty of quiet rest indoors. Go to sleep for an hour in the afternoon, rest your brain and body, relax - this will all pay off in the end.

[fast2furiousxx55]

Originally Posted by DFayesMom

I had thAt test you talked about--very cutting edge apparently--measuring the strength and speed of the signals from your optic nerve to your brain. I'm not sure that it would catch everything though. I honestly don't know! I'll ask my doc if I get the chance. Other than that, a visual field test would not catch concussion-related vision problems, so the other tests you had are important. If you could tell me about those, I could advise about whether or not a second opinion would be potentially helpful. (It usually doesn't hurt!) as you now know, not all doctors know what they are talking about and even if someone is supposed to be good, they are useless to you if they are not well versed in treating patients with concussions!

Thanks for your help. I looked through a book with hidden letters in different colors that I was told to read out loud. I also looked through a red glass that had a line across it. The doc flashed a light and asked if the line crosses through the light, which it did. Also a test/machine that checked if I needed glasses. I didn't do anything but the machine had an image I looked at and then a buttoned was pushed and the image got blurrier, but everything was fine they said. Besides that I can't think of anything else besides the basic reading letters back from far away, following his finger in different directions, and flashing lights in my eyes while the room was dark.

Idk if I'm going to see another neurologist. I've been to so many doctors already and I'm thinking he can really only tell me that I had a concussion and I have post concussion syndrome right? There's not much that can be done besides resting and giving it time. Although I did hear about neurophyscology (not sure if thats the correct term) that can help a bit. Any experiences with this? any other possible recommendations? I truly appreciate all the help so far