Question
hi Mr Ryan just a quick question bit confused really, i fell over on a wet floor april 2006 fell backwards think shoulder hit floor first hit back of head occipital mastoid region think jarred upper neck i was out drinking at the time so was a bit tipsy after getting off the floor i was a bit spaced was nearly sick acting a bit strange, after this came home felt a bit strange had horrendous headaches a week later thought it was severe sinus infection couldnt stand flashing scenes on tv and bright lights and my brain was a bit hard to get going sometimes felt spaced light headed and giddy i have had standing view x ray of neck was was showing bit of minor degeneration of c6 and c7 but normal alignment of neck was what they said i had a brain mri 9 mnths later can you believe and this was normal then i had neuro physio on my c2 joint because they said my upper neck was out of kilter which didnt quite understand then i went round 3 ent consultants they said my sinuses were normal even though had horrendous ear and right sided congestion that kept building and clearing couldnt get rid of it something is still affecting my balance and i have now just had a moving flexion extension view of my neck i am so confused what the hell has gone on really

Answer
Although I am not a physician or neurosurgeon, your symptoms (headaches, dizziness) sound like you have had a concussion from the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  This type of brain damage isn't always visible on MRIs.  In fact, it is often overlooked or misdiagnosed.  Many of the soldiers currently returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are having similar problems.  You may also have a vertebra out of alignment in your neck which can add to the problem.

I suggest that you talk with your doctor about the possibility of a concussion.  I also recommend seeing an osteopath or chiropractor for the neck alignment.  Both of those types of doctors specialize in vertebra problems and bone alignments.

Thank you for your question, Alison.  I hope that my answer was helpful.