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Suggest Treatment For Sensivity To Sounds, Numb Face And Ringing In Ears

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Posted on Mon, 3 Aug 2015
Question: Dear Doctor, I am a 28 years old male in good health. I got into a fight with my dad and smashed my head against a concrete wall in March 2014. I have paid a huge price for it and have been dealing with a lot of problems since that accident. My limbs and the right side of face became slightly numb as soon as my head came in contact with the wall. I didnt have any immediate symptoms and looked fine afterwards. MRI of brain and cervical was negative. Tinnitus started after about 24 hours after the hit and is present till today non stop. I have done what not to search for the answers to know what's going on but it seems there are no answers and no treatment for my condition. I am also not able to tolerate loud sounds like sharp crockery and utensils sounds in the kitchen and traffic horns outside. The constant ringing in my ears since 16 months has devastated me and I am scared and uncertain about my entire life ahead. Once more weird symptom that started after my concussion is that I am not able to run or jump because this would send shocks to my brain/head. My brain has become very sensitive to bumps , jolts and fast movements. It's very difficult to even ride in a car because speed breakers potholes and vibrations in the car seems traumatic for my sensitive brain. Leaning forward helps to absorb some impacts in the car. Also I have to keep a thick cushioned pillow in the car and sit on it to absorb the bumps. What does this symptom mean sir? Living like this is very difficult as day to day normal activities have become challenging for me and my brain seems too fragile and sensitive for daily life. I have to go to work and support a family so sitting at home is not an option. I don't have any other symptoms otherwise. I recently had XRAY cervical and it showed loss of cervical lordosis probably because of muscle spasms. There was no subluxation and the report was normal. Is the problem in my neck or my brain sir? What should be my next step ? My symptoms have been improving very very slowly and it takes months to see minor improvements. I maybe about 70% recovered in 16 months.

Brisk walking, yoga and light gyming give me confidence to go out and get used to the bumps and jolts. Anything that increases the blood flow to the brain reduces the symptoms I feel. Is it some kind of inflammation that's the culprit? Also I feel anti inflammatory foods like green tea, berries and turmeric maybe somewhat helping me. Please let me know if you think anything else or any therapies will help me
In continuation to the above) I had severe exhaustion and felt easily fatigued after slight activity after my accident for the first 6 months. After walking a mile, I brain would become very tired and with no energy left. I gradually because better and my brain regained stamina and tolerance as the months went by. After about 10 months after the hit, I developed random muscle twitching in my body while throughout the day and also jerks and twitches in body as soon as I fall asleep at night. But I manage to fall asleep after about 15 minutes
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Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Gradual recovery would occur.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXXXXX

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your details. It is unfortunate that your symptoms have been persisting for about 16 months. However, it is good to note that about 70% recovery has taken place. Another good news is that MRI of brain and spine are normal, which rules out any significant damage/injury to brain or cervical spinal cord.

Treatment is most non-medical, with good diet, regular exercises, and physiotherapy. You are already following most of these. Neck extension exercises and vestibular adaptation exercises are particularly useful. For tinnitus, tinnitus maskers (not easily available though) are quite helpful.

Shock like sensations may be minimised with medications such as pregabalin or gabapentin capsules.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (3 hours later)
Thank you for your time and replying sir. I will soon look into physical therapy as you said.

Another thing that worries me is that is it OK if I encounter the bumps and shocks while travelling in a car or running/jumping while exercising? These bumps and jolts are impossible to totally avoid as you know given the terrible condition of roads. I seem to be OK though after passing over moderate bumps but huge bumps make me feel uncomfortable in head. I am concerned if these will give me another concussion as my brain is very sensitive. Should I be worried about these shocks ?

And what should I do about loss of cervical lordosis ? My neck muscles always feel tired and stiff.
It feels as if my neck is not able to absorb the shocks like it should and my brain slightly moved inside the skull when I come across a bump. Can it be a feeling of some nerve damage ?
Also one last thing, I have been taking B6 and B12 for almost a year now. Is it safe to continue with fishoil and vitamins for some more time ? Should I get a blood test done for B vitamins ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You should not worry about the shocks.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

I agree, we can not totally avoid the shocks. However, there is no need to worry about them, as we do not expect any major nerve damage due to them. Other option is to use a cervical collar while traveling.

For neck problem, physiotherapy with IFT/ultrasound, and neck extension exercises would help.

Vitamin supplements can be continued.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (41 minutes later)
Thank you for positive and encouraging reply sir. Your solution will be very useful and helpful for me. I appreciate your taking out time to reply me. Regards.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Best wishes.

Detailed Answer:
I would be pleased to be of help in future too.

Thank you and best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Sudhir Kumar

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Suggest Treatment For Sensivity To Sounds, Numb Face And Ringing In Ears

Brief Answer: Gradual recovery would occur. Detailed Answer: Hi Mr XXXXXXX Thank you for posting your query. I have noted your details. It is unfortunate that your symptoms have been persisting for about 16 months. However, it is good to note that about 70% recovery has taken place. Another good news is that MRI of brain and spine are normal, which rules out any significant damage/injury to brain or cervical spinal cord. Treatment is most non-medical, with good diet, regular exercises, and physiotherapy. You are already following most of these. Neck extension exercises and vestibular adaptation exercises are particularly useful. For tinnitus, tinnitus maskers (not easily available though) are quite helpful. Shock like sensations may be minimised with medications such as pregabalin or gabapentin capsules. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist