Hello,
First to clarify: neither a CT scan nor an MRI can actually show a
concussion, it is a diagnosis based on symptoms. Concussion is becoming a bit of an outdated term these days and the preferred terminology is a "mild traumatic brain injury" bc that is essentially what a concussion is. a mild concussion does not show changes on an MRI.
That all being said, concussions (mTBIs) are very real and can be disabling. Typically the symptoms resolve within a matter of days to weeks. However, once you have had a concussion, you are more susceptible to get a second concussion which is what happened to you. repeat concussions have a greater chance of resulting in a post-concussive syndrome which can include one or more of the following:
dizziness, nausea, confusion,
memory loss, loss of concentration, mood changes,
headaches, sleep changes, vision and hearing changes.
You are describing one part of the syndrome and while you may not have the a full post-concussive syndrome, you are likely suffering from post-concussive headaches, which are no at all uncommon. The headaches may have migraine-like features with moderate intensity of pain, sensitivity to lights and sounds and sometimes nausea. If the headaches are only occasional you can try taking over the counter analgesics like
tylenol or
ibuprofen,but do no take them more than about 3 days per week or you risk becoming habituated to the medication which results in worsening headaches. If the headaches are daily and very bothersome, then sometimes a preventative medication for headaches can be used. Another technique you could use is to do daily neck stretches as often with head injuries there is strain that is put on the neck muscles which then result in headaches.
Try to avoid excessive caffeine, and sleep well as poor sleep and caffeine can precipitate headaches and make them worse. Avoid too much screen time on electronic devices as that can also result in worsening headaches. Remember to rest as when there has been an injury to the brain it can result in becoming mentally tired more easily. Exercise is always good for the body and can also help with headaches. Don't go too long between meals either.
I do agree that you need to see your
neurologist to help out with the pain though.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Janne Nissinen, Neurologist