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What are the most common tests done in an ER after a head trauma, and why? The reason I ask, is that I experianced a head trauma and did not go to the ER. Several months after the fact, I experianced ear problems, vision disturbances and tightness all over my skull. I get dizzy, short of breath and have occasional heart palpitations. My neck, chest, shoulders and upper back are as stiff as a rod and are painfull to move. My doctor has simply stated that I likely have some nerve issues. I want to know more than that. I did have an MRI, of which the results were "unremarkable" and a couple of neck x-rays that show a simple whiplash. It's been three years now and the symptoms are still present. I want to do the tests that will diagnose the problem, so I can get some relief. Therapy, drugs and Chiropractic are not fixing this. Thank you for any advice.

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 35

Already Tried:
Chiropractic, massage and physical therapy. Antiflammatory and Muscle relaxer meds

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Dear Cynthia,

After a head injury, a full neurological exam is performed to determine any neuro deficits. Your pupils would be checked for equality and reactiveness to light. All of your extremities would be examined to determine if there is weakness, loss of sensation, or other deficits. Some simple Q & A would be done to rule out any memory impairment. A thorough history of the events prior to and after the injury would be evaluated. After that, radiology studies such as a CT scan would be done to determine if there is bleeding or swelling in the brain.

It would have been a good idea to go to the ER following a head injury, and it's not impossible that some of your symptoms are related to that earlier injury. Most likely the whiplash is a result of the head injury as well. Whenever you are experiencing these symptoms of dizziness, visual disturbances, and "head tightness" you should go for further evaluation and give a detailed history of what happened to you and what you have done since then. Shortness of breath and heart palpitations could be unrelated, but should also be evaluated. Best case scenario could be anxiety-related symptoms, but better safe than sorry. I strongly encourage you to see your physician ASAP.

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Thank you for your response. Would the MRI I had rule out bleeding and brain swelling? I am sure the heart palpitations and shortness of breath arre related to my fall, as this is the very first sensation I experianced upon standing up. In fact these symtoms caused me to faint and hit my head. It was accually a two part fall; the initial fall, and then a fainting fall that caused the head injury. The doctors that I have gone to so far have been reluctant to order other tests due to my uninsured status at the time. So, finding out what test to get is only the first step. I also have to find a doctor willing to order these tests. I have been evaluated for weekness in limbs by an Orthapedic specialist before. He determined there is no problem there, but I insist I have lost most of my strength in my arms. The problem here is that he is not aware of the strength I possessed before the accident. Doesn't that matter? You say to get medical attention when I experiance those symptoms. It's every day - all, day. And I have seen several doctors who do nothing, or just want to try different drugs on me. Half of which are being sued right now, and I'm glad I refused. How do I get a doctor to listen and respond?

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