Four days ago – On the morning of Thursday, January 8 2015 I suffered my first concussion, as a result of me slipping and falling back on and hitting my head on my driveway. From that point on the events of the last days have been very difficult for me. I am sharing them here so I can later read and for future understanding.
So lets go over the events as I can recall them.
My wife had asked me to start our minivan so that it would be warmed up for her. After starting the van I recall closing the door and turning to walk towards the front of the van. This is where I slipped and fell backwards (my drive way is somewhat on a slant). I completely lost balance and fell back.
I remember the air being knocked out of me as I also hit my head on the ground, there was a dull clunk sound like a glass bottle and like a flash of bright lights. I was embarrassed about falling and attempted to get up right away and could not. I recall reaching up to the back of my head to feel for any bleeding and looking at my hand. I couldn’t find a sense of direction; left- right, up – down, everything was spinning and I guess this is where I blacked out
Black out period – despite trying hard to do so, I do not recall these events properly
Now when I say black out, I am referring to loss of time or memory of events taking place.
The short version my wife found me outside, called 911. The local township police arrived followed by EMT’s who evaluated me and got me on a stretched and into the ambulance where I was soon after taken to the hospital. I was admitted to the ER for evaluation.
Hospital
While at the hospital server tests and evaluation were done included a CT scan. I was later diagnosed with a concussion after the results of my tests and scan and later in the day released. I was instructed not do things that involve physical and mental activity. I have been trying to do this.
Symptoms – Monday, January 12, 2015
- Feeling tired
- Feeling like I’m half asleep
- Falling to sleep during the day; can’t keep my eyes open
- Having issues concentrating, distracted
- Off balance – when moving my head or walking around I get the spins (dizziness), when in bed the sensation of falling when on my back
Looks like its time to see what the Neurologist I’ve been put in contact with has to say
Update – Thursday, January 15, 2015
I went to the Neurologist office yesterday morning. Amazingly I was the first person in. The doctor did some evaluation checks and matched them with the notes and info sent over from the hospital. She had indicated that what I was feeling is relative to that of my injury and will subside.
Awesome news as I will be able to return to work on Monday and perhaps ease back into my daily activities. Frankly I am going a little nuts sitting around the house.
She said I am currently suffering form Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) which is caused by fluid in my inner ear and this should subside in time (week to weeks, even up to a months time and if it doesn’t more tests and treatment can be done. She offered me some medications but I declined them as I don’t wan’t anything which is going to make me wan’t to sleep or be zoned out.
Symptoms I have
- Dizziness when moving my head – But this seems to happen only when I quickly turn my head
- Dizziness when turning quickly while walking – I guess similar to that of turning my head quickly
- Off balance – I still be a bit off balance but no more sensation that I am going to fall. Perhaps I didn’t mention that prior.
Overall I am feeling good.
Oh and I must give a thumbs up to my niece “Jessica” who I spoke to about my symptoms; The issues I am experiencing are related directly with the “vestibular system”. I guess all those years in school getting her Masters in Occupational Therapy you did learn something.
Update- Friday, January 23, 2015
I’ve been back to work this week. Monday which was a hard day for me and took a lot to make it into the office, work the day and make it home. I kinda jumped in feet first and was overwhelmed.
After working from home the next week days I was able to make it into the office for a full Thursday and Friday work day. Admittedly I am very drained mentally but keeping up. I am looking forward to a weekend of rest.
Symptoms Remaining
- Dizziness when moving my head
- Dizziness when turning quickly while walking
- Off balance