Last October, a common soccer slide tackle changed her life. She went down, later said she was a little dizzy, got up and continued to play. No hitting head against anything or anyone.

We have been to a concussion clinic, physical therapy, MRI of brain, neurologist, chiropractor, optometrist. She battles with daily headaches, dizziness, anxiety, unable to sleep without waking up several times through the night and depresssion.

I was also set to make an appointment with John Leddy at the UB Conussion clinic since we are only one hour from Buffalo when I began reading some of the posts and saw this from a fellow member. “I'm back from Buffalo. Here is the short version: I'm no longer suffering from PCS. My symptoms are mostly caused by an upper cervical neck injury. Dr. Leddy is a really nice guy and a fellow cyclist to boot! He also said that 90% of the people he tests have problems due to neck injuries, not PCS.

A very athletic young woman cannot exercise without getting an extremely elevated heart rate. We are now encouraging her to just at least walk for 20-30 minutes a day.

So 90% of the people have problems due to neck injuries. We decided to try this first. Tomorrow she is going for a spine and cervical xray and then back to the chiropractor on Tuesday. I pray this will be the answer we have been waiting for.

Kepakids,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Yes, upper cervical injuries are often a problem with PCS symptoms. In my experience, normal chiropractic adjustments are often too aggressive. An upper cervical chiropractor may be more help. Or a physical therapist with good cervical skills,,, gentle traction with mobilization.

It is also very important for her to be disciplined with good head and neck posture, especially when sleeping or resting.

She can reduce the impacts to her head and neck with a bike or stationary cycle. Walking can transmit a lot of pounding into the vertebral column. Have her wear foam ear plugs so she can hear the impact of her foot plants.

I suggest she take some extended time off from soccer. The risks are just too great. When she returns, she should avoid heading the ball and be very careful during corner kicks.

Did she head the ball during that game ?

welcome. I wish you the best of luck. let us know how it turns out. is she taking anything to help her sleep or being treated for the depression until this thing passes

Thanks Mark. No direct contact with a person or ball. Just a slide tackle. She will be definitely be taking a break from soccer and it may be a permanent break.

Thanks for the input about walking. Today she went on a bike ride with her brother. We all try to encourage her to exercise.

The most difficult part is finding the right doctor.