Ann.without.an.e Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 (edited) DD14 is a little clumsy. She took quite a fall last spring and hit her head. It caused some ongoing headaches (nothing like she is facing now). Just as she was finally getting over that (4 months later) she took 2 consecutive hits from a volleyball that gave her headaches for a few days. Then, just after that she ran straight into a car door. She suffered a concussion. It has been 3.5 months and she is still struggling. She is still light and noise sensitive, her headaches are still terrible. She can't even take a decent walk without increased pain. She is beginning to get depressed over it. The neurologist sent us to a PT who was so obsessed with the tightness in her neck that he treated her neck and is convinced that her pain is coming from muscle tightness. We've tried chiropractor visits, PT, we've seen a neurologist, and I've seen her pediatrician several times. She's still struggling. Does anyone else think 3.5 months is too long? No one seems to think there is any reason to do a CT scan? No scans have been done. Edited February 11, 2017 by Attolia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 I would want a scan in your position, for sure. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jen3kids Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 I don't think 3.5 months is too long and I'm not sure a CT scan is needed. A neck xray might be needed to check on the alignment of the neck vertebrae. When my son got a concussion from a lacrosse hit, he saw a concussion specialist who diagnosed him with a strained neck muscles. When examining ds, he simply applied pressure on a few spots on ds' neck and ds nearly went through the ceiling because it was so sensitive. The neck xray confirmed it, showing mis-aligned vertebrae. Basically, the neck muscles and tendons get pulled, cause tension and pain, and they pull the vertebrae out of alignment. The pain makes getting into a deep, restorative sleep difficult and that is what allows the brain to heal. Surprisingly, ds never complained about much neck pain. He said his neck hurt, but not terribly. However, he slept a lot, but he never seemed rested. Ds had to wear a soft collar, was put on a 3 different meds (a muscle relaxant, pain reliever and ??) and he had PT for months. To this day, ds still has 'extra' movement of his neck vertebrae which is a bit of a concern to the dr, but nothing seems to 'tighten' it - I personally think it is just how he is, and the dr acknowledges that without a 'before' xray, we will never know. I don't know the next step for you, but is there a concussion specialist in your area? I'd try to find one. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted February 11, 2017 Author Share Posted February 11, 2017 I don't think 3.5 months is too long and I'm not sure a CT scan is needed. A neck xray might be needed to check on the alignment of the neck vertebrae. When my son got a concussion from a lacrosse hit, he saw a concussion specialist who diagnosed him with a strained neck muscles. When examining ds, he simply applied pressure on a few spots on ds' neck and ds nearly went through the ceiling because it was so sensitive. The neck xray confirmed it, showing mis-aligned vertebrae. Basically, the neck muscles and tendons get pulled, cause tension and pain, and they pull the vertebrae out of alignment. The pain makes getting into a deep, restorative sleep difficult and that is what allows the brain to heal. Surprisingly, ds never complained about much neck pain. He said his neck hurt, but not terribly. However, he slept a lot, but he never seemed rested. Ds had to wear a soft collar, was put on a 3 different meds (a muscle relaxant, pain reliever and ??) and he had PT for months. To this day, ds still has 'extra' movement of his neck vertebrae which is a bit of a concern to the dr, but nothing seems to 'tighten' it - I personally think it is just how he is, and the dr acknowledges that without a 'before' xray, we will never know. I don't know the next step for you, but is there a concussion specialist in your area? I'd try to find one. We saw a concussion specialist and they assigned us a PA and she just talked to DD and sent her to PT. That is it. It seems silly to go back if all they want her to do it PT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jen3kids Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 We saw a concussion specialist and they assigned us a PA and she just talked to DD and sent her to PT. That is it. It seems silly to go back if all they want her to do it PT. If your dd is not getting any relief from the PT, I'd insist on seeing the doctor again, not the PA. What does the PT say about dd not getting better? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted February 11, 2017 Author Share Posted February 11, 2017 If your dd is not getting any relief from the PT, I'd insist on seeing the doctor again, not the PA. What does the PT say about dd not getting better? He has just been so focused on her neck and spine muscle tightness and I get it, it IS an issue. She has scoliosis. It has been ongoing issue. He lost sight of her headaches right away and became obsessed with her neck and back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
displace Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 PT was the primary treatment. It didn't work so you should follow up with a physician. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 What Jen said. My experience has been the pain issues and ongoing sensitivity is soft tissue damage and muscle spasms, not neurological. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 (edited) She could have a TBI/concussion syndrome and problems with her neck and spine. I would go back to the neurologist or get a second opinion. Second opinions are a win win. They either give you new info or reassure you that you are on the right track. Edited February 11, 2017 by Starr 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 I would want a scan, for peace of mind if nothing else. :grouphug: to you and your daughter. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matrips Posted February 12, 2017 Share Posted February 12, 2017 Once the medical issues are taken care of, you may want to consider an evaluation by an OT. A head injury can mess with the primary or infant reflexes and cause problems, including balance/vestibular issues. We're just starting MNRI therapy with my kiddos; I had never heard of it before a few months ago, but I can see the benefits already. I hope you find some answers and that she gets better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted February 12, 2017 Share Posted February 12, 2017 I second getting another opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in KY Posted February 12, 2017 Share Posted February 12, 2017 :grouphug: I totally identify with your worry. These guys helped my son after TBI: http://www.neurolifeinstitute.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artichoke Posted February 12, 2017 Share Posted February 12, 2017 (edited) With a head injury, 3.5 months is not too long for healing. As others have suggested getting help with the neck and spine adjustment is crucial to help with healing. Personally, I prefer a chiropractor who uses an activator and massage therapy to help with these issues. i've had three conclusions in the last twenty-seven years, and it's taken months to get over each one. The first, a blow to the back of the head was the easiest recovery. The second and third, which involved the front of my head, were much harder to recover from. OTOH, I've always been treated in the ER for these concussions and a CT scan has been the first thing ordered. If these haven't been done for you, I'd go ahead and request them. If your ped balks at this, then you can decide if a trip to your children's ER is in order. That would probably get the scan done. Edited February 12, 2017 by Artichoke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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