Concussions

[tigeraid]

So, the Honda oF Doom got in a fender bender last week. Got rear-ended coming to a stop at a red light.


http://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10374526_10152054629922352_8916755329550023037_n.j pg


Amazingly little damage considering the Honda Fit at hit us seemed to explode and send shrapnel all over the road. Her's might even be a write-off. Guess they don't build Hondas the way they used to.


While it felt like a very small impact to me, it clearly wasn't, because Tara was diagnosed with a concussion a day later. It's now been almost a week, and her symptoms are still coming and going. She sleeps a full night, then also sleeps from like 10am to 2pm most days. Severe reaction to light, can't read a computer screen, can't watch a TV too long, can't read, etc... without a lot of pain and dizziness.

The doctor just checked that her site was alright, that she could walk a straight line, and talk without impediment. Her memory seems okay now. Doctor sent her home with nothing, just said to sleep a lot and rest, do nothing stressful of straining on the eyes or brain.


Anyone else had a concussion before? I think we should probably go back to the doctor tomorrow, it's been a week. But it seems like there's no medicine or drugs to prescribe... It's kind of terrifying and I'm worried sick, but the logical side of my brain notes that she hasn't lost any memory, can talk just fine and carry out day-to-day tasks. She basically just hates light, and seems to get tired easily. :(

On a side note, I assume insurance will cover her time lost at work? I hope.... :|

[Random]

Friend of ours got a severe concussion from tripping and smacking his head on a piece of furniture--he still isn't 100% over a year later. :| It's a long process and you pretty much just have to work your way through it.

[Yw-slayer]

I got one from being whacked in the head at Sonisphere on the edge of the mosh pit (someone who had been pushed came flying at me with their elbow in the air and it landed around my left temple). Didn't feel great that night, although it was partly because I was exhausted. On the plane the next morning to London, then transited to HK, felt crap and as though my brain was swelling and being pressed in by my skull, so I went for a scan when I went back to HK. Apparently I had a low-level (Level 2 out of 5? Don't remember exactly) concussion and it wasn't a great idea to fly afterward, but I was otherwise lucky in that there was nothing permanent. It did take me about 2 weeks to get over it, although part of that may have been psychosomatic.

I hope Tara's OK, although it does sound like she will be. One reason the Fit may have exploded is so that the car, rather than its occupants, absorb the force. I'd obviously rather have to replace a car.

[thesameguy]

Jag got rear ended yesterday, however neither we nor the car can tell.

Keep up with doctor's visits and be sure you're thorough in reporting symptoms so that they can give full evaluations. In the US, the at-fault driver's insurance would be responsible for damages (lost work, car repair, medical bills). Depending on the victim's driver's insurance, it may be up to them to pursue action or their insurance may pursue it on their behalf. I don't know how things work in Canadia. I'd talk to your insurance first and get their opinion, depending on what happens then go talk to the other driver's. Definitely stay on top of this, but my may opinion is that you are both pretty young and the damage not too awful, so I'd not let the symptoms get you down and wait 'em out.

[Godson]

As far as symptoms go, stay on top of ANY changes.


I have had several concussions from water polo and general shenanigans (some of the shenanigans that should have killed me). I can tell you that they do suck, and there isn't really anything we can do on the medical side to help besides rest and letting the body work it's magic. This is largely due to the way a concussion does and does not affect our brain. did they do an MRI or any scans?

[tigeraid]

No scans, which is what bothered me. On the one hand, she doesn't have any of the SEVERE symptoms (severe, severe headaches, can't walk straight, can't remember things, eyes all glassy, etc) ... But on the other hand, we went to the damn HOSPITAL clinic rather than a general walk-in clinic specifically for them to scan and they didn't. Oh well, maybe they will today. Thanks guys...

[Godson]

I did some quick research and hers sounds like a moderate or a Level II concussion. Sadly, most of the time a scan won't show anything on a CT or MRI because of the complicated nature of a concussion.


She sounds like she is having what is sometimes called post-concussion syndrome. I may be wrong and I would leave it to the doctors, but you might bring that up when you go in for her visit. I will supply information where I can.

[pl8ster]

Tara was not prone to migraines prior to the concussion, was she?

[tigeraid]

No.

[pl8ster]

That's good. If anything, it won't confuse the issue with regard to any symptoms. Hope she gets over it soon...I know from experience how much it sucks to watch someone you love suffering from the effects.

[tigeraid]

Doctor basically didn't help at all. Did a full physical and determined she's not suffering from about 70% of concussion symptoms. Balance is fine, motor skills are fine, nervous system is fine. She can see perfectly fine, but any use of her eyes for reading, or any real light in the room, and it brings forth a massive headache with some dizziness.

Going to see a concussion specialist tomorrow. She seems better tonight so far. Nothing was stopping her from watching Game of Thrones. :hard:

[Yw-slayer]

HELL YEAH

[Godson]

Ok, so the signs appear to be waning some, which is a great sign. Take it easy and just keep an eye on her. Truth be told if the signs are starting to get better, she *should* be in the clear from concussion complications.



Keep us updated tiger

[Dicknose]

At least ... It's not a tumor.

GBM sucks.

[tigeraid]

Specialist confirmed concussion, nothing else. Symptoms still come and go, severe one minute, almost normal the next. Has her scheduled for a bunch of physiotherapy, which looks to all be covered by insurance.

I'm 50/50 on that since one of the first things they mentioned was acupuncture--even if I did believe in that witchcraft horseshit, my wife is terrified of needles, so that was out. Oh well, guess we'll see how it goes.

[Fogelhund]

My daughter got a concussion playing soccer last year. We went to get her tested that day, and she passed the test, they didn't think she had a concussion at all. The next day she competed in the school track meet, winning the City 200m dash. After the race, she started to feel dizzy... so we took her to the doctors and they concluded she had a concussion after all. It took her about six weeks to be completely symptom free and it would come and go. Concussions and head injuries are a bitch, and unpredictable. Hopefully she recovers well, and soon.

[Godson]

Specialist confirmed concussion, nothing else. Symptoms still come and go, severe one minute, almost normal the next. Has her scheduled for a bunch of physiotherapy, which looks to all be covered by insurance.

I'm 50/50 on that since one of the first things they mentioned was acupuncture--even if I did believe in that witchcraft horseshit, my wife is terrified of needles, so that was out. Oh well, guess we'll see how it goes.



I can say with experience of patients with acupuncture and acupressure, that stuff CAN work.

[tigeraid]

Baby steps... She can go out during the day now with sunglasses on and function reasonably well, but the loud noises are still ruining her.

To assist with her recovery, we bought $360+ Bose noise cancelling headphones. The best headphones they sell.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/bose-bose-quietcomfort-15-noise-cancelling-headphones-qc15-qc15/10173935.aspx?path=ed6a53d35c4f73f030f1c1dcef38cd5 aen02


http://www.bestbuy.ca/multimedia/Products/500x500/101/10173/10173935.jpg


I thought it was a little ridiculous, but sure enough, the noise cancellation is literally perfect. As long as she has something quiet playing, like nature sounds or listening to an audiobook, they completely shut out the outside world, AND rid her of the ringing in her ears.




And listening to metal on them? Sweet jesus. Listening to Blind Guardian's Valhalla live right now.... All I can think of to describe it:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xgx4k83zzc

[tigeraid]

1 month in. Still has fairly severe symptoms in regards to noise. I worry she might just be conditioning herself, which the physiotherapist warned of. She wears the headphones almost non-stop during the day because of the sounds of the city, people mowing lawns, etc etc...

On the bright side, her light sensitivity isn't as bad, and she isn't getting nearly as tired as often. Balance is slowly improving, and the tingling/numbness in extremities has gone away. Progress of a sort I guess.

We both just hope she's cured by September 1st for our big East Coast trip! :sadbanana:

[pl8ster]

Continued signs of progress...that's awesome :up:

[tigeraid]

Took her to that stupid "independent medical examiner" (read: quack paid for by the insurance company to prove you're lying) for what I hope to fuck is her last dog and pony show. Had her jump through a bunch more hoops all over again, standing on one foot, walking in circles, trying to bring up memories she either doesn't have or doesn't want to remember. Combined with an INCREDIBLY rough elevator ride that made her fall to her knees both up and down to his office, and it was like the last month of recovery didn't even happen. She was a quivering wreck the whole time.

Needless to say, it "convinced" them and she now has the full $50,000 coverage from the insurance company for her therapy. So there's that, I guess. She then had to spend a whole week RECOVERING from the examination. :smh:

[Godson]

Not saying I know exactly what happened, but the sad truth is that sometimes the tests needing to be performed are in no way pleasant.

Best simple example I can give is a lumbar puncture, know by most as a spinal tap. This procedure cannot have any sort of anesthetic, not even topical as it may affect results. The stylus (needle) used to puncture the spinal area is a decent size needle on top of it all and the procedure is not pleasant by any means. Doctors would much rather anesthetize the patient to aid in comfort then put someone through that experience, but it can't really be done.

The reason why I say this isn't to say the experience wasn't negative or the treatment wasn't performed in a caring manner, but merely to try and ease a little of the frustration you two are going through. As you are learning, concussions are a very complex thing and people do take advantage of the system. Because of those people, the general populace that just wants to feel better and get treatment and move on with life may not be treated in the most caring manner and it sucks.

I am not defending any actions or experiences you two have been put through. I am only trying to explain that sometimes there is not a cheap/easy/simple/comfortable manner to gain needed information.

I don't know if my point comes off in the way I would like it to via the text medium, but I hope it does.

[tigeraid]

I get your point. And I realize lots of people take advantage of injury insurance. It just angers me that they wouldn't take the word of an ER doctor, our own doctor, and a concussion SPECIALIST that she indeed had a concussion.

Oh well. Onward and upward, she's feeling a little bit better every day.

[Godson]

Yeah, it is shitty. I am happy that things are progressing in a positive manner. Here is to hoping no more BS!

Also, don't be afraid to be an advocate to her to medical staff. Sometimes we do get caught up in work mode and forget about the human element.

[tigeraid]

Just realized I haven't been keeping people updated as I said I would, sorry guys.

As I posted about elsewhere, we went on our Maritimes vacation despite her PCS, and frankly, it helped her immensely. Having a solid 19 days with very little TV, very little computer use, minimal social interaction and a lot of time with nature and the sea really helped her head get straight.

Only twice were there issues, the first being going to our first live UFC event, UFC Halifax. We were worried since her symptoms are hugely aggravated by noise, light, and lots of people, which is exactly what this was. She put on her noise-cancelling headphones, her big old-lady dark glasses, and did her best. What we didn't know at the time was that, because UFC fights are based around Las Vegas time, the MAIN CARD didn't even start until after 11 PM in Nova Scotia, which meant the main event didn't go until almost TWO in the morning. The card ended up sucking except for the main event anyway, she even slept through one fight, but she made it out unscathed.

The second was dinner with my family in St. John, her first major social interaction since the accident. She was great, carrying conversations well, everything fine, for maybe 2 hours. But after a brief visit to a relative's apartment afterward, she crashed like she's coming down off a cocaine high and could barely stand. Had to get her back to the hotel room to sleep, and apologized to everyone.

But other than those two times, she had a great time and as I said, it helped a lot. She's steadily improved since then, including a Christmas that mostly went well. She can watch TV fine, no longer needs the noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses. She still gets fatigued more easily after activities, but is noticeably better. The only thing she still struggles with is reading (she's been listening to audiobooks since the Summer, instead), and long social interactions.

The Occupational Therapist started working with her in January, and she officially goes back to work this Monday, almost 10 months since the accident. She starts with only 2 hours a day for 3 days a week, with the hope of increasing by an hour every week. They're keeping her away from her normal receptionist position for now, since talking to multiple people still kind of shuts down her head.

But we're just happy to be digging up out of the mess, after a year of doing almost nothing. Does anyone have input on suing the other insurance company for lost wages and pain and suffering? As a Canadian (lol :D ) I've never even considering suing anyone for anything, but after seeing what my wife went through, I'd at least like to know what it involves. From what OUR broker says, it is literally the same as any other lawsuit, I have to get a lawyer and go through all that bullshit. Which is not how I originally understood it when this mess started, he basically had said "we can go after the other company for wages lost, but wait until she's recovered." The story changed. :smh:

She basically lost about $5000 in wages over the year, plus pain and suffering. Is it worthwhile to sue? Is it kind of an open and shut case in these situations? I sure as hell can't afford lawyers...

[thesameguy]

I would need to assume Canada isn't that far off from the US, although I understand (coincidentally from a very recent conversation) Canada has significant limitations on personal injury claims. You will need a lawyer, you will make a demand for an amount, there will be a bunch of legal paperwork filed, if no agreement can be reached you go to court. Here there is a statute of limitations which limits how long you have after an incident to file an action, so people can't be sued out of the blue for something that happened ten years ago. I assume that Canada is similar there, too, and contacting a lawyer can help protect an SOL. You generally won't be charged for asking questions, so I'd do a little research and find someone reputable to talk to. PI work is usually done with no direct cost to you - I can't imagine it being done another way. Legal fees are generally worked into the settlement or verdict. You guys have endured a lot (happy to hear it's getting better!) - I'm not sure pain and suffering is a thing in Canada, but you certainly have tangible losses as a result. I'd find that attorney.

[Yw-slayer]

You might also be able to find someone to do it on a contingency fee basis, if that's allowed in Canada (it is in the US but not generally in the UK). I'd stick with a lawyer, though, rather than a "claims company" as at least in the UK several of them have questionable practices.

My cousin is a litigation lawyer in Toronto, and while I think she mainly does Family work I can see if she can recommend anyone for PI if you'd like.

[tigeraid]

My cousin is a litigation lawyer in Toronto, and while I think she mainly does Family work I can see if she can recommend anyone for PI if you'd like.


If she has connections around Southwestern Ontario as well yes, please, let me know.

tsg: the statute is apparently 2 years past the incident, so we're still in the frame.

[Godson]

Great news!

Try not to go to fast, the plan laid out seems to be quite effective and on a gradual basis. Just remember there will be highs and lows.

[Yw-slayer]

OK, I'm checking. If it's no use then I can ask solicitors who I work with in HK who may have contacts in Ontario.

[tigeraid]

Figured I'd do an update. Tara is now back about 80% work. I think it's 6 hours a day, every day.

I would say her symptoms are now 90% gone. She still comes home quite fatigued from work, and bright fluorescent lights for long periods still give her headaches.

Other quibbles will probably stay with her forever now, I would think. She has a tendency to replace words in sentences that make no sense, and not realize it. "I went to the grocery store today and bought a pineapple" while pointing at bananas, weird things like that. I just try to correct her nicely when I can. It's not badly affecting her life.

And now hopefully her weight loss can take over, since she doesn't have to sit around the house anymore.

So, moral of the story, even a very slight impact in a car accident and cause whiplash and completely ruin someone's life for just over a calender year. Lessons learned.

[thesameguy]

Working in my job I see a lot of people seriously messed up some apparently innocent collisions. I cannot overstress how important it is to drive a safe car whenever possible, and stay the eff away from everyone else when you're not. Very glad to hear she is getting better - recovery is always a long road, but be grateful she's on it. Some people never get the chance.

[tigeraid]

Thanks.

[Godson]

Glad to hear. She still might return to 100% over the period of a year or so more. The brain is a fascinating thing.