Blown pupil and headaches/inability to concentrate

[deenalv]

On 3/16/10, my son (15 1/2) bent over to pick up a baseball & as he stood up & turned around was hit with an overthrown ball.  He had an orbital fracture.  His eye pressure after 1 1/2 months was finally down to 19 (60 was the highest) and inflammation is down.  However, his pupil is still dilated, and ophthamologist feels that at this point, it is permanently blown.  Since the accident, he has suffered from headaches (some to the point where he has vomited), an inability to concentrate, feels "out of it," has had ringing in his ears, etc.  Primary care physician feels that he is suffering from post concussion syndrome.  Has referred us to a neurologist.  Can you tell me if the way his brain is taking in the information from one constricted pupil and one blown pupil could be causing headaches and making him feel out of sorts?  Alternatively, could it be because his pupil is continuing to "try" to constrict?  Also, how long does it typically take (if there is such a thing as "typical") to recover from post concussion syndrome?  Recent MRI shows no bleeding/bruising.  Any info you could give me would be helpful.

[SamPCS]

That was a very good suggestion from caregiver22 about going to a teaching hospital than to one Neurologist.

I am suffering from Post Concussion Syndrome for a year and have been to many Neurologists, ENT specialists, Neuro Surgeon etc., and no help so far.  I have similar symptoms like your son and more.

Neurologists mostly likely put your son on antidepressants (especially Elavil for headaches).  Of course some have success but it is all trial and error approach since PCS is very tough to treat because of complex symptoms.

I am planning to go for some vision therapy (Developmental Optometrists) and may be you can try that since your son has vision issues.

The good thing is your son is young and he will most likely come out of it but you may have to be proactive and find suitable therapies rather than just relying on drugs.

[caregiver222]

You have my sympathies and prayers.

You need to consult an attorney as soon as possible. People are very reluctant to initiate actions, but there is a chance this may cause long-term problems.

Keep copies of all of his medical records.

I urge you to seek a teaching hospital for an evaluation that has a staff of neurologists, rather than seeing one individual.