Hello All,

I am a 27 year old male who works as a correctional officer in a CA state prison. Back in August I was injured at work during a cell extraction. I was thrown backwards resulting in my head hitting a stainless steel toilet then hitting the floor as well as injuring my spinal cord from the combative inmate. I was rushed Code 3 to Kaiser ER where numerous CT Scans and X-Rays were performed, all of which were coming back as normal. I was later discharged from the ER and sent back home and then later going back to the ER for 10/10 head and back pain. I was given many IV pain killers and narcotics all of which lasted only minutes. The doctors prescribed me Percocet, Norco, Motrin, Reglan, Valium, and many more to list. Basically no medication worked for relieving any body pain or headaches.

I recently had an MRI of my back (thoracic and Lumbar), which was normal and X-Rays of just about every joint on my body that hurt also, which was normal. I am seeing a neurologist and waiting to have an MRI of my neck done. I started acupuncture about 2 months ago which so far has been ineffective for me. I have a headache almost everyday, with a duration of atleast 6-12 hours.

Prior to my injury I have had no illnesses or headaches. I am in good shape, worked out 3-4 times a week and ran 6-7 miles a week.

I am still seeing an occupational health doctor and he just checks up on me every 2 weeks. I am still off from work as I am considered temporarily disabled right now.

Any advice? And again my accident occurred Aug 15, 2013

Thank you

49ers,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your struggles.What part of the Bay Area are you in ? I am from San Jose. It sounds like you need a specialist to check out your upper neck. An Upper Cervical Chiropractor, NUCCA or Atlas Orthogonal chiropractor may be able to help you. Generic chiros are usually not skilled in this specialty.

A simple way to tell if you have an upper neck injury is often tenderness behind the ears. That bony part will be tender from muscle spasming due to an injury/inflammation in the upper neck. Gentle traction and cervical vertebra manipulation/mobilization may give you temporary relief. If it does, continued treatment with icing between treatments and disciplined posture 24/7 may slowly help your upper neck heal.

There is a thread from a few weeks ago with a Neck Exercise Program for upper neck injuries. Here is a link http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread198627.html

Sometimes, a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation known as a Physiatrist can be helpful. Occupational health doctors tend to be hire guns for the Work Comp agencies. They are not much help with healing injuries like yours. Be careful about volunteering information to them. They like to get patients 'signed off' as recovered.

What other symptoms are you having ?

I too had the tests, same results and symptoms. My success for treatment is from a Neurorehabilitative specialist (far and few between). A physician trained in all facets of the proper diagnosis & needed therapy for recovery. Many of your symptoms are controlled by different parts of your brain. Check teaching hospitals for MTBI staff. It can be a long journey finding proper help. NEVER GIVE UP!

Many doctors incl. neurologists have heard of TBI but know very little esp. treatment options. Treatment is new and hard to find. Often insurance refuses to pay. Prepare for a workers comp. fight too. Here both claim no studies show it works but believe me I know it does. Your symptoms are NOT psychosomatic. Become educated on the brain and how it works. The physical evidence of a concussion cannot be seen on at test. Except for certain parts related to physical damage. Damage is in disruption of the neuron connections.

Mixed transmissions are re routed making many new changes to your life. Sleep, nutrition, Omega 3 (1,000 mg) Folic Acid is vital. Many symptoms can appear mos. & years later. Younger heals faster but be patient-Best wishes, Lori

Mark and Lori thank you for your input. The information you guys gave me is very valuable. You guys are truly right about the workers comp doctors, they are already saying that I am ready to head back to work and I had to remind the doc that hey I work in a prison and I am not 100%. I am always seeking more care. Mark I am in Walnut Creek not too far from San Jose.

My symptoms are:

1. Severe headaches (almost all day)
2. Light and sound sensitivity
3. Confusion
4. Dizziness
5. Nausea
6. Weakness
7. Insomnia or over-sleeping
8. Diminished appetite
9. Short term memory
10. Fatigue
11. Trouble concentrating
12. Disturbances to my taste buds (can't stand spicy foods anymore)
13. Psychological Problems such as depression, anxiety, paranoia

Lori,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your injury and how you are doing. We love to hear success stories.

Neurorehabilitation specialists are also called Physiatrists or specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. There are many affiliated with NeuroRehab Hospitals and Clinics who are great with severe brain injuries but who are clueless with lesser injuries like prolonged concussion symptoms.

I was assessed by two different NeuroRehab Specialists and neither saw my symptoms as meeting the level of concern for their diagnostics and treatment. We with PCS tend to complain about symptom levels that are the rehab goals of more severely injured patients.

Again, Welcome and my best to you.

Hi there,

From what I've read, this certainly infers post-concussion syndrome, though the problem with the condition is that there is no single specific method of treating the condition.

From migraine medication to regular exercise to reduced caffeine consumption to complete rest and avoidance of stimulation, it is important to (like Lori says) never give up. Trial and refine as many different possible treatments as possible through discussion with highly qualified medical professionals.

I wish you all the best with your recovery - and with you working in a prison, it's right that you don't rush back.

49ers, have antidepressants come up as a treatment option? I don't know if the meds you listed are antidepressants. My neuro started me on nortriptyline for migraines and also emotional pick me up. But I'm still working on the functional neck problems with a nucca chiropractor.

Vanilla Bean,

I was put on Nortriptyline and was it was stopped by my Neurologist and then he prescribed me Amtriptyline because of my sleep patterns. But even with this new medication I have not seen any relief yet. I have another appointment with my Neurologist next Monday. Will keep you guys updated on my progress!!!

Nortriptyline and amitriptyline are both only to help with head aches and sleep. They are not effective with any other symptoms. Quiet rest is what the brain needs. A low stimulation environment with no extra physical exertion is best. The Vitamins sticky at the top my list brain support regimen. Nothing has an immediate effect. It just takes time a discipline to keep stress low to see recovery. It may take 2 weeks of a new behavior/therapy before any worthwhile results are seen. Trying to track day to day is a losing game.

I am sorry your Neuro rehab specialists did not deal with you properly and provide you with proper treatment. I had that experience with a neurologist who wouldn't even believe I was having seizures. I guess I am very lucky as my symptoms were very similar to 49ers and I was dealt with very seriously. My physician is trained in neurology, psychiatry and traumatic brain injury. He is not a physiatrist he does not deal with nerve, muscle or bones, I was sent elsewhere for that. I was diagnosed mild traumatic brain injury a year ago from an impact to my head. The ER totally missed it as my injury also involved my neck. My physician is an advocate for MTBI/PCS awareness. My biggest step from his treatment is finding new ways to live my new way of life. I am permanently disabled. I only share my experiences. Physical therapy was in PT at a University hospital not chrio.. He didn't believe in it. I take no pain meds just seizure, migraine and sleep. He referred me to correct Dr.'s for each treatment of my symptoms incl. a top notch University for my seizures. My rehab. consists of cognitive, visual, life skills, recreational, etc. The improvement is slow, but I will be a success story. My philosophy: accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative. It doesn't always work. But it is good to have goals. Thank you so much for your kindness and knowledge. I am so sorry you have had such struggles and hope healing is quick. You are lucky to find a chiropractor who has been good. Especially since the medical professionals failed you terribly. God works in mysterious ways. Best wishes Lori