OpenHealth Q&A

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.

Answers (1)

2/8/2026, 6:10:35 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experience; it sounds like you have been through a lot since your accident. I understand how frustrating and tiring it can be to manage persistent symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Let’s address your questions while acknowledging your desire for clarity and insight.

Main Points:

1. Persistence of Symptoms: It is not uncommon for post-concussion symptoms to last for an extended period even with normal imaging results.
2. When to Seek Further Evaluation: Consider seeking alternative explanations if new symptoms arise or if current symptoms significantly worsen despite treatment.
3. Fatigue as a Symptom: Fatigue can be a prominent and debilitating symptom post-concussion, often exacerbated by other factors like sleep issues or sensory overload.
4. Overlooked Aspects: Yes, areas like sleep quality, visual processing, and nerve health are essential to evaluate further.

Explanation:

1. Post-Concussion Syndrome: Many individuals experience ongoing symptoms for months or even years after a concussion. This condition, known as post-concussion syndrome, is characterized by headaches, cognitive difficulties, and emotional disturbances. Normal brain scans do not necessarily correlate with the presence or severity of symptoms.

2. Exploring Alternative Diagnoses: If your symptoms do not improve with standard treatments, or if you develop new, concerning symptoms (such as significant weakness or changes in vision), it's reasonable to seek a second opinion or further evaluations, including testing for conditions such as migraines, anxiety disorders, or other neurological issues.

3. Fatigue: It's common for people dealing with post-concussion syndrome to report fatigue as a significant symptom. The brain can take a long time to heal, and demands like work and social interactions can contribute to exhaustion.

4. Further Evaluations: Sleep quality, cognitive function, visual processing, and nerve health are indeed crucial areas to reassess. Symptoms like facial twitching and the ulnar nerve issue you mentioned could warrant further investigation by specialists in neurology, sleep medicine, rehabilitation, or a multidisciplinary concussion clinic.

Next Steps:

1. Focus on Symptom Management:

   • Continue with therapies that have provided some benefit (e.g., occupational, speech, and vision therapy).
   • Schedule regular breaks during work to prevent overstimulation.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a detailed symptom diary to identify any patterns or triggers for your headaches, fatigue, or cognitive difficulties. This may help healthcare providers tailor your treatment more effectively.

3. Reassess Your Sleep:

   • Explore interventions to improve sleep quality, such as establishing a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and discussing sleep apnea management strategies.

4. Consult Specialists:

   • If you feel your current treatment plan isn’t adequately addressing your symptoms, consider seeking out a neurologist or a concussion specialist with experience in chronic post-traumatic symptoms.

5. Mindfulness and Stress Management:

   • Techniques like mindfulness, gentle exercise, or relaxation strategies may help manage anxiety and stress, which can often exacerbate cognitive and physical fatigue.

Your concerns are valid, and ongoing communication with healthcare providers about your symptoms is essential as you navigate post-concussion recovery. Take care, and please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional support.