[Railwayboi]

hey guys! I am getting over a TBI suffered a month ago, but I have been having alot of residual issues. Double vision seems to be the only issue that will not go away, but as a result of this I have become nearly OCD about sufferring another TBI. My neck sometimes seems like it is weak and my head jerks, at which point I am compelled to jerk my head again to the side (in a way almost snapping my muscles into place). I keep having anxiety over this doing serious harm but I have no idea if it is just me freaking out or a serious concern. Thank you guys for your time!

[Mark in Idaho]

Railwayboi,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

It is near impossible to cause a concussion from head movement alone unless you continually repeat that motion to the point of dizziness and nausea. A simple back and forth would not be such a movement.

The neck injuries that accompany a brain injury can be aggravated by head jerking. That is not a brain injury issue. You should work on stopping this behavior because it will prevent your neck from healing.

You did not give us any details about your injury. Understanding how you were injured and the diagnostics and treatments you have received since would help.

You say you are having a lot of residual issues but the double vision is the only one not going away. Does that mean the others come and go ?

What are the other issues ?

Vision issues are often treatable with the proper assessment and therapies. A behavioral optometrist is a good place to start.

[Railwayboi]

Thanks Mark. I got injured (this is my 2nd serious TBI btw and by that I mean one that caused residual issues) by getting a whiplash type injury when I caught the back of a door at church. It didn't hit my head but it it my back. I swore I was fine but that night I had nausea and 3 days later I noticed I had double vision. This is part of the reason why I am so paranoid now. I get scared to chew ice, ride my back, or even go over a pothole or use a hammer now. I did get a mental evaluation and have an appt. scheduled for a psychiatrist but that is week off.

[Railwayboi]

Not to mention as well, I didn't really get a headache which made me skeptical to say the least of a concussion. But my eyes beg to differ. Truly feels like life has gone off the rails for me!

[Mark in Idaho]

I think you need to find a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) or physical therapist skilled in whiplash to assess you. You may just have a subtle upper neck injury. It can cause all of the symptoms you are experiencing. Physiatrists are often affiliated with Neuro Rehab hospitals and clinics. Upper cervical chiropractors can also help.

In the mean time, you need to take care of your neck with good head and neck posture discipline when you are sleeping and resting. Inflammation in the upper neck can disrupt blood flow to the brain and cause the symptoms you are experiencing. Icing it would be worthwhile.

You do not have a TBI. Even most moderate to severe concussions are just categorized as mTBIs, mild traumatic brain injuries.

What was your previous 'serious TBI' ?

I bet you saw the movie Concussion. It and other media presentations on concussions have scared plenty of people such that they are afraid of even minor head bumps or jarring.

Check out the Vitamins sticky at the top. It has some good information.

[Railwayboi]

Last one I know for sure was a mTBI. Chair hit the back of my head and I saw the flash of light. Within that month or two a piece of plywood also slammed down on my head althought I dont remember that one being too bad at all. I have been a lucky dog not to have it worse I must say, however. My vision is def the most finicky. strange thing was after two days of being outdoors/biking it improved greatly.

[Mark in Idaho]

The flash of light does not mean a concussion. Many get that during a hard sneeze.

The chair incident was a sub-concussive impact. If you got hundreds of those during a football season, you would have a problem. The brain can tolerate an occasional sub-concussive impact with no problem.

I don't think either was a concussion. Your anxiety about concussions is taking you for a ride. And, drop the TBI and even mTBI concept. That just feeds your anxiety. Stop checking for symptoms. The brain is very susceptible to the power of suggestion. If you ask yourself "Is my vision OK?" You will notice something that appears to be wrong.

If your vision feels off, get an assessment by a professional. Don't try to self-diagnose. Take care of your neck and things will get better.