NeuroTalk Support Groups - What should I be asking the neurologist?

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- - What should I be asking the neurologist? (https://www.neurotalk.org/traumatic-brain-injury-and-post-concussion-syndrome/204287-neurologist.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevbo887 (Post 1070295)

Yah, the ear thing has sort of been addressed and he knows about it after the last appt.

I just came back from my normal physician for an annual checkup. They asked how my head was doing ect ect. I told them about the current thing, and as suggested, asked if maybe it was a seizure going on. The dr said she couldnt give me any advice on it since it was a workmans comp case and they dont do that and I have not been under their care for it. BUT, she did highly recommend that I tell the neurologist about it (which I already had) and demand some sort of MRI to look into it, but thats all she would say on it.

My wife has been researching it too after reading this discussion, and she seems to think I could maybe having them as well. Im still not convinced, nor will I be until the neurologist tells me otherwise.

Also with the workmans comp, yah its a hassle. Especially since I was sent back to work part time and now im back out completely. The dr wants me to do stuff like go for walks and cut my grass (small yard) ect ect. I just feel as though if I do, someones watching and waiting to report me. Obviously I know whats going on in my head and the pain im dealing with, but to the naked eye you would never known unless you tried to hold a conversation with me. Slight paranoia I guess.

The pressure in my head this morning has been huge and im catching myself zoning out now. I sort of seem to know what to look for. I get insanely angry or moody, then Ill do something weird like silently scream or start singing a random song furiously, then I zone out. Im noticing though, im frozen in my gaze with my mouth wide open, but im able to think. Usually I can snap myself out of in about 10 seconds. Those first 10 seconds though its just my voice in my head telling me to snap out of it, then finally im able to. Not really sure whats going on, or if its just really my mind playing tricks on me. Usually after this happens I go lay down. Also, when I do it I notice my hands and wrists get really really weak, like I cant hold them up. So I like to say Im doing a velociraptor and limp wristing it. Weird I know.

Sorry, Kev, but those sound just like the seizures I experience. Besides, you said you have a history of childhood seizures.

Inability to hold your arms out from your body is another common symptom of neurological damage. When you're examined, the doctor should ask you to extend your arms and time how long you can maintain that position. Also, how quickly can you wiggle your fingers?

The doctor who told you to cut the grass, etc... sound like a first class idiot. And you're NOT paranoid - he is working for the other side. You might find yourself in a position where you're going to have to pay to get a truly objective evaluation.

Sorry to always seeming to be delivering bad news. However, I've learned from experience. I wish I hadn't been so naive about the medical establishment when I was first injured.

Isnt it weird though to be five months after the accident? Or do you think the going back to work for a week played a role

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevbo887 (Post 1070312)

Isnt it weird though to be five months after the accident? Or do you think the going back to work for a week played a role

Yeah, I don't think that you were ready to go back to work. That's especially true as your job involves demanding physical labour.

Also, recovery from TBI is seldom linear. Most people experience ups and downs and setbacks. It can be frustrating.

The "happiest" time after my MVA were the first four or five months, when I was too "numb and dumb" (as my PT said) to realize just how badly I was hurt.

I second Hockey... I think you may need to go and get an objective point of view... if the doctor is working for the other side then he is NOT working for you...

What you described sounds like seizures that my nephew has...

What was the doctors explanation of the fluid from your ears?

Well the dr just called me back to ask whats going on. I told him, and then he asked if I had any family history of seizures. I said I wasnt sure, but I used to have them all the time as a child. After hearing what was going on he said they do sound like classic brain injury seizures and that he wants to order an eeg on me. I said ok, but who knows when it will be because workmans comp has to approve it and they take forever.

So how does this work? What happens if it comes back normal? I mean obviously that would be a good thing, because I obviously dont want seizures. Little confused though since I have no clue what any of this entails.

I'm afraid I don't have anything constructive to add here but I just read through the whole thread and my heart is going out to you Kev! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. One thing that I did think of, and it may not be an issue anymore but if it is, ask to talk to a nurse instead of the receptionist. They're too busy doing the front office busy work most of the time that they don't have time to deal with the actual problems patients might have. I bypass the receptionist whenever possible at any doctor's office, regardless of the specialty, unless I'm just setting an appointment.

And it certainly sounds to me like you could be having petit mal seizures. My nephew gets those occasionally and he does the same thing - just staring off into nothing. Completely zoned.

Good luck! :hug:

I am so happy you got a call back... I wish I could help with your question but I really don't know... I know when my nephew did his study it was for a full 24 hours...

Wow scary. Wife left with baby to run errands. Dr told me to cut grass ect 30 mins at a time. I did. Felt really horrible afterwords. Next thing I know its an hour later and im a half mile down my street parked on side of the road. No clue how I got there in my truck. Neighbor got me out of daze and drove me home and took my keys until my wife gets home. What the heck is a matter with me. My god.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevbo887 (Post 1070781)

Poor man, you need real medical help. Get your neighbour to document this incident.

You know you shouldn't be driving and/or left to mind your baby. Frankly, you shouldn't be left unattended, yourself.

You need a neuro psych exam and some serious scans/tests, ASAP.

Oh no!!! I am so sorry!!!

Please have your neighbor tell your wife what they saw so that your wife can tell the doctor what is going on...

Please, please, please go see someone soon and get some scans... I think this is getting worse and do not want you to get in an even more serious situation..