hello
I was assaulted by a patient last year kicked in the head times.i have
a number of symptoms headaches deafness dizziness emotional lability anxiety depression etc.saw a neurologist who stated I was suffering with long term concussion does anyone have any experience of this?also has anyone suffered ptsd as a result of an assault brain injury.
Many thanks
Hi Nimby, I wouldn't be surprised if you experience PTSD following a assault of this nature. Whether you describe your injury as long term concussion, or a brain injury is a matter of perspective.
It is common following something like this to experience depression, this could be as a result of the experience, or because of the injury. Either way it is not to be brushed aside. You will need support to manage the symptoms of depression, and of PTSD. I would normally advice neuro rehab, and I would still advice on engaging with this service, but because of the nature of the event you may need specific trauma support.
Check out the Headway website, it has information and contacts, details are pinned to this page.
This is not an acceptable event in the course of your work, I hope that you have pressed for legal action to be taken, and that your Union is aware of this, and is supporting you to claim against employers liability. Both actions are necessary. The patient must be sanctioned, plus this demonstrates an Index Offense. The employer has a duty of care to you and the patient.
We often see this as "just one of those things" , I certainly did more than a few times when in forensic services, but with hindsight I realise the importance.
I really wish you a good recovery. This can be a lengthy journey, keep in contact here. I wish you well 🍀
Thank you for your reply unfortunately struggling with GP they seem to think it's just depression this is way more than that. I feel so down sometimes tired sick ill headaches etc.
If you are not having any luck with the GP, that can be difficult, they are like the gatekeeper to other services. It might be worth asking for a referral to a neuro-psychologist, usually attached to the stroke or head injury service. Don't worry about the long job title, they can help in getting to the route cause. You may still have contact information from your hospital stay, and the may except a self referral. They won't attempt to make it all a psychosomatic symptoms, but will get to the impact it is having. It is about having the right ear to listen. They sorted me out, with referring on to the appropriate help. See if you can bypass the GP, worth a try. Many of us have had similar battle's to get the right help after ABI or TBI, and we are all here for you. 🍀
That makes me feel better means more than you know
Hello Nlimby, so sorry this has happened to you, it sounds like a very horrible experience, but welcome to the forum, it's very friendly and supportive.
Concussion is interchangeably termed Mild Traumatic Brain Injury or MTBI, and the effects can be anything but 'mild' in terms of their impact on you. (Mild in this context tends to mean that it isn't life threatening.). The thing is, no two injuries are the same, and no two recoveries follow the same trajectory. Concussion can clear up in a c couple of weeks or take many months. As Pair of Boots says, it wouldn't be a surprise to have PTSD in your circumstances, but be aware that many of the symptoms of MTBI and PTSD do overlap. (An extreme example is that shell shock now seems to be caused by exposure to blast - even without other injuries - which causes a particular and distinct pattern of brain injury, but again there will likely be an overlap with PTSD also). MTBI tends not to have any visible problems on CT or MRI scans. Though in recent times, more powerful scanners in research settings have identified differences in the brain after MTBI.
A neuropsychiatrist specialising in post concussion / MTBI can be very helpful. Also do talk to the Headway helpline in office hours on 0808 800 2244 for support and information.
When did the assault on you happen? I'm glad you have a neurologist - were your scans clear?
Thank you for taking time to reply feel like I'm going mad cry all the time and feel anxious too as well as the physical symptoms
Oh I'm so sorry that you feel like this N, it's perfectly understandable, so be a bit kind to yourself. You aren't going mad, it was a horrible thing to happen without any extra problems from a MTBI.
Don't try and do this in your own though - ring up the Headway helpline to start with today (0808 800 2244 during office hours - it was the best thing I ever did). Apart from the emotional support, ask then how you might be able to get further support and referrals from your GP and neurologist.
Virtual hug from me x
Hi Nlimby - I have recently discovered that I have this long term concussion after a fall and cut to the head on a street. So it exists.
Really sorry to hear that it was a patient who assaulted you. Address your primary issues first, though, before jumping into taking legal action. I have done this once on someone else's behalf - emotionally exhausting. Clearly merited, but I am wondering if you need the hassle before addressing the PTSD.
The Headway helpline will actually help. They will know timings, and what needs to be done by when.
I joined this forum not expecting much, but I have received immediate and specific help on how to rest, given the heavy head after small inputs. Fatigue seems to be my problem. Very practical help. And from people who have been there, and know that it works.
I don't know why you think that suddenly being attacked should not qualify as traumatic.... It's just as unexpected as any accidental event isn't it.
Wishing you luck and a speedy recovery. You have already taken the first step and joined a forum like this. It's full of others who are recovery-bound.
Thank you so much means another do feel I'm going mad sometimes x
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