Head Injury Question?

Question

My wife had a concussion 3 months ago, ct scans showed no abnormality, she still gets dizziness and loss of balance.
She has seen a neurologist who has diagnosed her with post head injury syndrome.
However she cannot work while she gets the dizziness so is currently out of work until she improves then she will return.
Question is is this normal for this dizziness to go on and on, how long should it typically last?
Also her insurance is paying her lost wages, what happens if she returns and has a dizzy spell and one of her patients suffers, they will fire her.
If anybody can please give some objective answers it would be great
Ben

Answer 1

Dizziness can be a fleeting thing, or can be the sign of something seriously wrong. It is usually caused by insufficient oxygen reaching the brain, and many things can cause it--including severe head trauma.
The CT scan ruled out any serious issues related to the brain (a hemmorage, tumor, or other internal injuries) being the cause. That doesn't mean there aren't other things going on.
This is why people get second opinions though.
I hope (and tend to agree with the neuroligist) that she may be suffering some latent ill effects from the concussion--but that is merely a guess.
Visit another doctor, and allow him to do a thorough exam to see if there might be some cause un-related to the concussion.
Make certain that her employer knows the issue, and that there may be some lingering after-effects before she returns to work. They'll accomodate her medical needs (if you are in the US, and her employer has more than 20 employees, they are required to do so by law.) This may mean that she can lie down for a few minutes every two hours, or something to avoid potential problems. The point is, she and her employer can work this out.
Best of luck to you. Visit another doctor, and get a second opinion. Talk to her employer, and explain that she wants to come back, but she has legitimate medical issues that must be taken into consideration. Be supportive of her.

Answer 2

If the neurologist did not consider vertigo, have your wife see an ear, nose, throat specialist. It may well be an inner ear problem which can be causing the dizziness. It's called Benign Positional Vertigo and it can go on for years if not properly diagnosed. I will post a link below for you to view.

I had the same problem (not a concussion, though a fall down the stairs), had ct brain scans, etc. I couldn't stand up, walk, turn over in bed. When the scan came back normal, I went to an ENT specialist and I was properly diagnosed. The condition can be corrected through physical therapy.

We have little particles inside our inner ear which can become dislodged by falling or trauma. The particles are in a little sac which help us balance. Once the particles are back in the proper place, the dizziness is alleviated. Sorry she's having a difficult time. Dizziness is a miserable condition.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/benign_positional_vertigo/article_em.htm

Answer 3

I had a head injury due to a hit and run accident I was on a moped with no helmet...I was dizzy for 6 months. It takes a while for the injury to heal and she will get better, she will know when its time to return to work, I would have her wait at least another 3 months, since the lost income isn't an issue. Be sure to see doctoe for permission to return to work, my best to you both

Answer 4

HELLO BEN,

A LOSS OF BALANCE/DIZZINESS IS OFTEN CAUSED BY AN INNER EAR PROBLEM BECAUSE THE INNER EAR HAS SPECIAL CELLS WHICH SENSE BALANCE.
HAVE HER SEE AN EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT DOC FOR THE BESTADVICE.