Ongoing Symptoms Post-Concussion: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone,
I’m a 25-year-old male and experienced a significant car accident about two and a half years ago. Although I didn't black out during the incident, I felt disoriented and unsettled immediately afterward. Since that day, my health has noticeably deteriorated, and I'm attempting to discern whether my current struggles are commonplace or if something more serious might be overlooked.
Here’s what I've been grappling with:
I endure daily headaches that typically originate in the back of my head or neck, gradually migrating towards my temples or eyes. Conditions that intensify these headaches include bright screens, excessive light, noise, and bustling surroundings. When I attempt to power through the discomfort, I sometimes see halos around lights or experience visual static.
Mentally, I find myself exhausted very quickly. Concentrating becomes a challenge, and I frequently lose track of my thoughts or encounter difficulty finding the right words. Engaging in conversations or attending meetings can drain me significantly. Additionally, I become easily overwhelmed, especially in loud or crowded situations.
Tinnitus is another issue I face, as the ringing in my ears is a constant presence.
Since the incident, I’ve noticed weakness in my left hand; my ring and pinky fingers often curl up like claws. An electromyography (EMG) test revealed damage to the ulnar nerve, which accounts for some of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved, impacting my ability to type, grip objects, and carry out everyday tasks.
I also experience occasional facial twitching, jaw tightness, and short bouts where different parts of my body feel weak or tremble, but these symptoms are temporary.
Fatigue is a significant battle for me. I struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrested, and sometimes experiencing anxiety first thing in the morning. Even on days when the pain level is tolerable, my energy depletion restricts my activities.
Here’s a summary of what medical evaluations have revealed:
• My brain scans returned normal results, revealing only minor, nonspecific findings like white matter changes in certain regions.
• The blood vessels in my brain appeared healthy.
• EEG results indicated some slowing but no evidence of seizures.
• More invasive tests ruled out any major health concerns.
• Mild sleep apnea was detected.
• Cognitive assessments showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and memory.
• Eye examinations indicated challenges with tracking and focusing post-injury.
What has proven somewhat beneficial includes:
• Migraine medication has helped lessen the severity of my headaches.
• Telecommuting allows me to take frequent breaks.
• Engaging in occupational, speech, and vision therapy whenever possible has been somewhat advantageous.
I maintain a full-time job, but managing it drains a considerable amount of my energy, leaving little for family interactions, social engagements, or time for recovery.
I’m at a stage where I’m seeking clarification on several points:
1. Is it common for post-concussion symptoms to persist for such an extended period despite normal scan results?
2. When is it appropriate to seek an alternative explanation rather than accepting a diagnosis of merely post-concussion syndrome, stress, or anxiety?
3. Is it typical for fatigue to be the most pronounced and debilitating symptom?
4. Are there often overlooked aspects, such as sleep quality, visual processing, nerve health, or nervous system function, that should be reevaluated?
I’m not seeking a diagnosis—just some insight. I want to determine whether I’m on a reasonable track or if I should be considering different inquiries.
Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my message.
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