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Diagnosis: Post Concussion syndrome and Syncope

My Daughter is 17 and got a concussion almost a year ago. She starting passing out 5 days later. She passes about 5 days a week with no warning or symptoms beforehand. She also has lots of nausea, dizzyness, fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite, and sometimes shaky hands. We have had multiple MRI's, MRA, CT scans, full cardio work ups several times including tilt table tests, heart monitor, stress test, ultra sounds of kidneys, bladder and ovaries, blood work. All coming back normal.
Been seen by Cardiologist, Neurologist, Endocrinoligist, Nephrologist with full work ups multiple times from two different hospitals.
Do you have any ideas in another direction we should pursue? Or additional testing to figure out the cause of the syncope?
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Avatar universal
I had a mTBI four and a half years ago and was diagnosed with pre-syncope.  I know all that jazz with headaches, dizziness, shaky legs/hands etc.,   I live in Washington D.C. metro (right now in Bangkok - taken flight after 4 and a half years).  
Been to many Neurologists, Neuro-Otologists, Endocrinologists etc., and many therapies, meds, treatments like Neuro-feedback (insurance covers only some what).  It is a very long list and don't want to bore you all :)
When it comes Post Concussion Syndrome/mTBI - many doctors don't have much clue.  All they can do is try different meds.  I found my own med but is addictive med but I take minimum dosage mostly and works for me. (Xanax .25mg/day).
Things did improved but still I get bad days.  Overstimulation (sound and too many people talking, busy streets, mall etc.) puts me in a dizzy/panic attack mode.  That is where xanax helps very well.  I also take Verapamil for headaches.  Not sure how much it works but some people has success for dizziness.
Unfortunately there is no single med or therapy and what works for me probably not work for others.  Well Xanax definitely works for many with no side effects but brain can get very addictive.
In the beginning the only advice is rest but after 6 months to 1 year and most people recover with few weeks.  Some unlucky ones (like me) didn't recover that well.  I personally know some people who had severe head injury than mine recovered well and back to their life.
Now you have to go after all kinds of stuff and there are many available.  No guarantee whatsoever which works and which doesn't.  
Yes, it may be a long journey but keep seeking.  I still am.  
Good luck.
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Avatar universal
I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter.  My husband is going through something very similar to your daughter.  We haven't gotten any answers either and its very frustrating.  I would be curious to know what they end up finding...maybe her diagnosis could be helpful to my husband....and if we hear anything further from his doctors, I would be more than happy to pass along the info. Good luck!
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Avatar universal
OMG! My 16 year old daughter had suffered a concussion also. She has been fainting/passing out and had similar work up including EEG's. We have been trying various doctors and asking Neurologist if they are familiar with the syncope and most of the time they are not when it is with a  concussion. They do not rule it out, but she has been tested for seizures, epilepsy and all EEg's come out normal. Currently they are considering an overnight EED.  We have been told you can have post concussion seizures, migraines and at this time they believe it is "Vestibular disorder" and "Basilar" migraines. She gets awful migraines, light bothers her  and then faints with out warning also. I was told she needs preventive migraine pills to stop the fainting. If you have good insurance do not give up, keep going to Neurologists until you get answers. I hear Boston Childrens is the best and we may  try them. She is currently on DHA, Magnesium and we are not going to try "Butterbur" a natural migraine supplement.
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351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your daughter’s medical problems. Since she has these attacks about five times a week, please ask for round the clock blood sugar, and holter monitoring for 3-4 days. In all probability she has severe fall in blood pressure or blood sugar close to the attack. Also, it may be helpful to get an EEG as well. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
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