Post Concussion Syndrome

AlexFogo85

AlexFogo85

Member
Like many of you on here I am sure you have dealt with at least one if not several concussions... I always wear a helmet but unfortunately, the nature of the sport just happens to be dangerous and I have already had a few, some diagnosed, some I just got knocked out and figured it would be useless seeing a doctor when I already know how to manage it. I haven't had any that are too severe, despite being knocked out my concussions are typically pretty mild. I am now 20 and a junior and college, constantly studying and doing work and I found that in high school I could focus easily and was always on top of things, but having had a few concussions between my late high school career and now I have noticed that it has become increasingly difficult to stay focused; I often find myself losing my train of thought and having to pause, zoning out, or losing concentration when I sense any non-related stimulus, such as a person walking by. Has anyone who hasn't had too many concussions experience something similar? Is it just due to the high-stress environment and constant brain power required to be successful in college or has anyone else noticed that concussions have impacted their abilities? Additionally, I have found that my grades are significantly lower and I am more tired throughout the day and have headaches more often than ever, as well as changes in mood. I have done some research and found that PCS can be mistaken for ADHD or mood disorders, which share symptoms similar to mine that I have never experienced prior to the past few years. I am hesitant to meet with a doctor, knowing that they would not be pleased with me not seeking medical assistance after getting concussed, also not sure how much they would be able to help. Anyways... I know a lot of people have claimed Adderall actually does help them at least when it comes to needing to concentrate. Thanks for taking the time to read this because I think it is something all of us, especially those prone to concussions, should be aware of. Would love to hear your stories whether similar or different regarding the matter, also would like input on whether you think these symptoms are likely due to concussions or simply the radical change in environment from high school to college.
 
I mean, people experience a lot of things, some more normal than others, but even that doesn't mean they aren't related to your injury.

Being tired, lacking academic drive, etc is definitely a normal part of life for a lot of people your age, that said brain injuries can have a pretty major impact on everything.

If you want to see a doctor, and have health insurance or can afford to see one, go. Who cares if they say "you should have some before". It doesn't mean anything. You didn't, it's in the past, but that's not a good reason at all for not going. If you're concerned, you're having problems, and you want to know what's up go for it. They might not be able to tell you much, but you might be able to find out some things as well as getting advice on what can help you heal up etc/

Also, if you're worried about a head injury, I wouldn't start a half assed, self prescribed drug regimen in total yolo mode. I'm not saying it's going to do anything bad, but you broke your head, you're having issues that are messing with your life, you're not sure whether or not they stem from the head injury, I would definitely be careful/research anything you do.
 
it is a scientific fact that multiple concussions can have major implications on the primary functions of the brain. it can lead to alzheimer's, and depression and anxiety. what you experiencing are actually pretty common side effect of one to many hits the the head. i have adhd not incredible bad ADHD but its certainly been a factor ive had to learn to deal with over my academic career and while i have experiences some of the things you are saying, moodswings, zoning out, and trialing off and forgetting what i am saying have never been a factor for me or anyone ik of with ADHD. that said all brains are entirely different.

your best bet is to see a doctor, no one on a website will know how to show you the best possible course of action, but a Real Doctor will
 
I suffered several concussions my junior and senior year of high school, two of which knocked me out. From there on out I was less focused, unable to concentrate, had blurred vision, suffered from migraines, especially when I needed to focus my attention on schoolwork, sounds were earsplitting and I was jumpy and edgy.

Concussions are still affecting me five years later, but it is slowly getting better. Gingko helped a lot with focus and I have taken adderall but did not lie the feeling. Remember, to take adderall seldom.
 
definitley worth it to get your neck checked out by a physiotherapist or sport physician.

alot of concussions come with neck trauma and once the concussion is cleared up , prolonged untreated neck trauma can cause similar symptoms to PCS without your neck even hurting, therefore having you and your family doctor having no real reason to not call it post concussion syndrome- and its becoming more and more common to have neck trauma misdiagnosed as PCS (Sidney Crosby was out for a whole season before they realized it was his neck) i personally was misdiagnosed for months with PCS and finally got into a good sports doc who got me into treatment for my neck. after first physio treatment my symptoms were less severe.
 
i had a bunch in highschool. i was still a straight A student got into an engineering school and did well my first year. After that i pretty much couldn't focus i found myself just being distracted for an hour and not even noticing it. My grades are pretty bad and all that stuff. For me i don't feel like concussions really played much of a role. Your best bet is going to be going to a doctor but for me the only thing they really did was look for scar tissue on my brain. They didn't find anything and their advice was pretty much just stop hitting your head, concussion are bad, stop skiing do something safer. I'm pretty much in the same boat you are and i got diagnosed with adhd this semester after getting an evaluation. It is possible it's from stress or other mood disorders. A lot of people develop those problems at college. look up mindfullness and try some of that stuff. that has been really helpful for stress reduction and helping me concentration. A lot of us are so focused on the next thing we have a hard time stopping and thinking about and doing the task at hand. Improve your diet and try to get some exercise if that is something you dont normally do.

spark notes. see your doctor( they can't make you do anything), google mindfullness and try it, better diet, exercise
 
Hi! I don't have too much experience with stuff not caused by a concussion, BUT I have had a TBI, and went thru (still kinds am going thru) what you described.

For some time after my injury, the doctors ket saying it was just PCS. But then it never stopped. Hitting you head enough times 9or hard enough) can rewire your brain. Meaning, you're not gonna process things in the way you used too. PCS typically goes away, or decreases in strength, but that doesn't mean it couldn't have been covering up something more.

My doctors are amazing. I meet with them, and if they can't hep me with someting (because post brain injuries arent their specility) they drect me to someone who will listen and can help me understand whats going on.

Good luck dude.
 
I suffered a severe concusion at the beginning of last ski season and immediately noticed my brain wasnt the same. I feel like everything I do is processed differently but has eventually seemed to become natural again after about a year. I became unmotivate at first because it was hard to focus. I couldn't put forth my full effort because I would just get distracted then mad at myself for not paying attention. I still notice myself drifting off sometimes but I have found that making an effort to work in a silent place helps a lot.
 
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