Hi Everyone,
My name is Christine, I'm 28 and live in Atlanta and I think I am having some PCS related issues. Last October I was on my way to work and was rear-ended at a red light. I was at a complete stop and the other woman hit me going about 30mph. I don't remember hitting my head, but I do remember that my head snapped forward. The accident seemed small, no damage to either car. I felt fine, we exchanged info and went on our way. Well about 3 hours later, I got a really bad headache and very dizzy. I felt awful- so I went to a General Practioner. He said he thought I had a mild concussion and gave me a muscle relaxer and told me to go home and take it easy! The muscle relaxer of course, did nothing. For days I stayed dizzy. I went to see a neurologist about 2 weeks later (the first time he could see me) I told him what happened and he said that I definately had a concussion and that he would have told me to take 2 weeks off and do NOTHING. He didn't do an MRI or a CT but I contined to see him. I suffered from extreme dizziness from the late October until the very beginning of December.

Well- I started feeling better and decided as my New Year's Resolution to start taking better care of my body and join the gym. I loved it and started going 6 days a week and was feeling great. Well- one day in late April 07' I woke up dizzy! I've been dizzy on and off ever since. The first thing I did was call my neurologist...whose nurse said my symptoms sounded more like an Ear, Nose and Throat problem. So- I spent 3 months undergoing every ENT test possible to find out there is nothing wrong with my ears, my hearing is fine...I do have sinus issues but I have known about those forever. Basically I was back at square one. About a month before the dizziness started I a new birth control pill...while all of this ENT stuff was going on I had been calling my OB-GYN about the possiblity that my pill could be making me dizzy (which was stated as a side effect on the pack). I was informed that the chances of that being the case were sooooo slim- very abnormal side effect. So I stayed on it. Well- I decided to take myself off finally and things were feeling a lot better for about 3 weeks and then the dizzyness was back.
I have an appointment to see my neurologist next Monday. I am trying to stay positive...it's just so hard sometimes because this has been going on for so long and it really effects my life. Things that are usually easy are so hard. I have a hard time focussing on the computer at work and I get tired a lot easier. I am a really cheerful, positive person- but I feel like I am starting to get depressed because no one can seem to figure out what's wrong with me. I have good days, and really bad days and I get upset so quickly and end up crying! My poor husband! I am just really wondering if all of this is remnants of the concussion. I want my neurologist to do an MRI to see if there is something wrong in my brain or with my neck. Some friends have suggested a chiropractor, but I want to wait until after the neurologist. I feel like I am going crazy! Sorry for the long post, but I really need some insight from people who have expieriance the same thing.

Thanks!

Christine

Christina

Yes, it sounds like it could still be related to your concussion. Is your neurologist one that can diagnosis things for dizziness and vertigo.

Even if he isn't ask him if he would send you to a physical therapist for
vertigo issues. And also to see if they can help work with your neck and
things. This is one of the things that has helped me the most.

Also do you have headaches? I would also suggest a anti depressant or
a anxiety medication because it sounds like it would really help you.

I have been taking cymbalta for more years than I have had a post concussion Syndrome, but it really has helped.

Donna

Christina,
I also think the dizziness is related to your concussion. I would back off a bit from the exercise, rest and be optimistic that you will gradually feel better. I am wondering whether you may have pushed the exercise too hard and this set off your symptoms. I think that rest and staying calm will speed up recovery. If you start feeling better, then very sowly and gradually go back to exercise. I am convinced that this is not the end of the world, just a set back and in time and proper focus, you will be O.K. The dizziness, with no other explaination, following a head injury, is classic for PCS. Many health care professionals are clueless about this.
Nancy

I know what you're going through. I had this similar experience with my neck and head. The dizziness you felt at first I did. From my experience, I believe you should invest in taking care of yourself and always act smart. If you know what makes you feel overwhelmed, I suggest you back out and don't mind what people say. Do not allow people to override that conviction you have when something's not right. Once you are free of symptoms, start exercising, slowly at first. Do some jogging everyday for as often as you can. Once you start this you'll start coming back. I must confess there will be times when you feel that life isn't worth it.But please keep going at least for me. ;-). Listen to relaxing music, during times like this. It'll help you get over this faster. It did for me. After you do this for more than 5 months, you'll feel a rush of recovery , people are different so time can vary. Keep going , your brain will adapt slowly, but it WILL. Take care of yourself. I still have a few issues, but I'm very near my old self. 1yr after injury.

Chukwudalu,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. It sounds like you have some experience with your concussion.

Please feel free to introduce yourself and tell us about your concussion. There are some good people here.

My best to you.