Hi guys,

I had a concussion at the end of August 2014 and have been dealing with post-concussive syndrome ever since. One problem that's been persistent for me is headaches, dizziness and vertigo when I look at computer screens for too long. Clearly the ideal solution would be to avoid computer screens as much as possible; the problem is that I'm in grad school, which is not exactly the most stress-free environment to recover from a concussion in (to say the very least). Most assignments require me to type things up or look at a computer screen, and I'm expected to keep up with email correspondence for classes and work.

I've taken some steps like printing out readings, lecture slides, etc. and dimming my computer screens, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice for dealing with the headaches and dizziness (which can honestly be really scary, sometimes I'll start to feel really disoriented after a while!) I'm taking time off school after this semester, so I only have to get through one more month or so, but any tips to get through the remaining month would be appreciated!

Also, the point of impact was at the outer edge of my eye socket, so I'm wondering if I could have damaged my vision and if seeing an optometrist might help.

If this is useful information, I'm taking B-12, a daily multivitamin, D-3, and eating fish fairly regularly for Omega-3. I've stopped drinking all alcohol but still have a cup of coffee in the morning because it seems to reduce my headaches.

Thanks so much in advance! I've been lurking on these forums for several months, and it's been one of my best sources on information about PCS recovery.

Computer screens can be brutal. Working with a smaller screen may help by reducing the amount of your field of vision that is a computer screen.

I encourage you to read the Vitamins sticky. A multi-vitamin is likely just a bit better than nothing with some vitamins. Fish does not provide nearly enough Omega 3, especially if you are not eating cold water fish. A supplement would be good. The injured brain needs far more than the usual dietary amounts.

A opto visit may be worthwhile, especially if you look for an opto who understands eye strain after suffering a concussion. You could inquire with a question such as " I suffered a concussion and get head aches and am concerned that they may be vision oriented. Does the opto have experience with this ?" You could also look for a behavioral opto.

pugmug,
I've learned that no two experiences are the same, but sometimes one can teach you something. So I will tell you I have had difficulty with computer screens since my accident to the point I had to leave my job about a month later. I can get very nauseous within just a few minutes of working at one and my headache and dizziness increases. My smartphone works for small bursts somehow (I think the smaller screen).

In my case, we think the culprit is convergence insufficiency, which I had diagnosed by a neuroopthamologist. It wasn't until one doctor over a year later that someone noticed what he says was very obvious, surprising him that past doctors (especially the neurologist) had missed it. So just saying it is always worth getting more opinions. That has been changing my life recently.

Anyway, now I have prism glasses for reading and the computer with special tint for light sensitivity. I will also work on vision exercises. This is supposed to help me get back on the computer. I may need to find something for my daily headache before this is all doable but that's an aside.

I wish you luck

Hi Pugmug and welcome.

A few thoughts -

I have found a smaller screen helps a lot.

I used a therapeutic tint on my glasses for a little while which helped some. It was for overall light sensitivity. But it's a mild improvement - it's not going to manage your problem.

If you decide to see an optometrist, you may want to see someone who also specializes in vision therapy and rehab from TBIs. This is who I went to. Have not started my vision therapy yet, but the doc is super. I had to go farther for a place like this, but it was necessary.

Sleep or lie with your eyes closed whenever you're not working, to recover as much as you can.

Grad school is grueling. Glad you can take a break after this semester. Hope you can get some help to get you through the next month. We are here for you ongoing!

Be well.
Julie

During your recovery have you gone on a screen fast at all. My husbands doctor would allow no screens until he was symptom free. Now, of course, that isn't always possible if the symptoms do not abate for a long time.

Even after my husband had a setback and the symptoms didn't last as long, we were very strict about any screen time. He couldn't completely eliminate it again as he was back at work.

I read an article from a doctor who treats concussions in mostly kids I think. He takes them completely off of screens and when they follow it, they show improvement. He only had one kid who didn't improve as much but, turns out, he was using his phone and didn't realize that was a screen. I don't know the severity of their symptoms compared to your but, even as a person who doesn't have PCS, too much screen time affects my eyes and gives me more brain fog.

I hope you feel better soon.