Resolved question:
My daughter fell one month ago and hit her head on a bench then on the floor. She was diagnosed with a concussion. The CT scan was normal. On the weekend she had a repeat CT scan, this time an enhanced CT scan as her symptoms worsened, she felt as if her vision was more blurred than before, she said her arms were tingling, and she was more dizzy than before. This scan also was normal. We have been told that symptoms can take months to go away, but in the meantime would it be beneficial to try to get into to see specialists? She has headaches daily, (taking tylenol) and has trouble sleeping. She cannot read for more than 10 min as her headache gets worse, or go on the computer for more than half an hour. Our GP seems to be taking the wait see approach, but if there is something else we can get started on or find anything else out it may speed up recovery. She has been off work now for 4 weeks and will be until the middle of March. Any advice would be welcomed.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Neurologist, Medical
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com.
I have noted your daughter's symptoms. Normal CT scan twice has ruled out any serious internal brain injury.
It is possible the she has concussion and it may take a few weeks to get better, as suggested by her doctor.
If symptoms are troubling, an MRI scan of brain may be done, which would provide more information regarding any minor injury to brain.
As of now, she can be managed with symptomatic treatment, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac tablets for headache.
Sometimes, medicines used for migraine such as beta blockers, or divalproex may also help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any more queries.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Thank you Dr. Kumar for your informative response. At what point should we be more concerned for her vision? An MRI could take at least 6 months where we live, would it be beneficial to go to a private one this week to see if anything could be seen with respect to her vision problem? Any specialist would take at least 6-8 months to get into here too, so where should we plan to go in case we need more help? Thank you.
Thank you for getting back.
It is unfortunate that both MRI and specialist consultation would take several months there. Wish you were here in India, where both can be done within one day! Cost of MRI here is about 100 US dollars, and a neurologist consultation about 20 US dollars.
In any case, there is no urgency for MRI or a specialist consultation, especially if she is getting better. We can give her a few weeks (4-6 weeks) time, if she reports improvement.
If she does not get better in terms of headache, concentration and visual symptoms, then, possibly, it may be better to get them done with private services.
I hope it helps.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist