vertebral dissection

[kwaj]

My 20 year old daughter fainted (for no obvious reason) and hit her head.  She had severe headaches and dizziness and short-term memory loss.  The contrast MRI diagnosed vertebral dissection.  The headaches ended in a week.  The dizziness and balance problems took about 2-3 weeks to get back to normal. Her one pupil that was 2.5 mm larger is now only .5 mm larger, (Ophthalmic exam was normal) but it has been 10 weeks and she still has short-term memory problems.  Her memory is getting better.  At first she couldn't remember going to work the day before or anything she had studied for a test, but now she just can't remember things people say to her, appointments she makes, etc.  As an example, we can remind her repeatedly of an upcoming event and then on the day of the event, she won't remember anything about the event.  This is completely out of character for her and she is frustrated by it and says some days or hours she feels like she is in a fog.  She is on an aspirin a day and has another MRI scheduled in 4 months.  Is this memory loss normal and how long will this last?

[Princessdaniella]

You are welcome hun

[kwaj]

Thank you Dr. Srivastava and Princessdaniella for your comments and suggestions.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. Usually, such headaches, memory loss and dizziness may result due to post-concussion syndrome and may last for weeks or months after the injury that caused from the injury of a fall, vehicle accident, or sports injury. In addition, patient may experience either migraine type or tension type headache. For treatment approach, first it is essential to get (MRI) done to detect the brain abnormalities after that injury. Treatment commonly may be suggested for headaches such as pain killers, some antidepressants, physical therapy and regular exercises. If you suffer continuous headache, please arrange an appointment with a neurologist right away who will evaluate the possibilities here and can provide you an appropriate treatment. Further referral to a psychologist may be also helpful in order to treat usual anxiety or depression after such injuries (sometimes one may have) that may be one of the aggravating factors for persistent headache. Hope this information proves helpful to you. Take Care & Regards!!!

[kwaj]

No, I have not.  I thought he ran the EEG for that, but he didn't mention that there was any other way to test for seizures.

[Princessdaniella]

Have You mentioned to a doctor about having all the correct tests for Epilepsy done, the doctor should be able to test for it and have it all done

[kwaj]

My daughter had an short EEG that turned out negative and there is no family history of epilepsy, but that is something that was suspected.  I'm not sure what else needs to be done to test for this.

[Princessdaniella]

Is there Any chance that Your daughter could have epilepsy, has she been tested for this and does it run through any of Your family lines?
My sister has epilepsy and it seems as though a lot of the symptoms she would have during and after a seizure
Best of luck