nf2055,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

What you have experiences is quite common. Nobody can say for sure but usually, these bumps are not a concussion. If they were a concussion, you would usually experience some immediate sensations of visual, cognitive and/or vestibular disturbance. Your post does not explain whether you experienced any of these or whether the symptoms were more of a delayed manifestation.

More often, they trigger a set of memorized symptoms from the previous concussion. If you stopped during a stressful day and tried to 'find' if you were experiencing any symptoms, I almost guarantee that you would. The power of suggestion, especially after recovering from a concussion, is very strong. " I just bumped my head. Am I feeling dizzy? Oh yeah, just a bit." It goes away because you forget about it.

In some cases, there are true physiological symptoms. They often have nothing to do with a concussion but rather a strain to the upper neck. A lot of concussion symptoms are caused by subtle trauma to the upper neck. This causes inflammation that disrupts blood flow and may cause muscle spams that lead to headaches. The vertical bumps to the top of the head are rough on the upper neck. Sudden head movements, like a basketball hitting your head can cause a whiplash like trauma.

As Bud, one of our other participants pointed out as he struggled with these bumps: If you would not have given these bumps a second thought prior to your concussion, you should not get concerned about them now.

This does not mean you can engage in risky activities. Scaling back the intensity of a basketball game can be worthwhile. If playing soccer, NO ball heading. Many of us have chosen to just eliminate these activities and replace them with less risky activities.

It can also help to learn to be more purposeful with body movements. The previously concussed brain has often lost some of the subconscious coordination skills. Instead, we have to slow down and be purposeful with our movements.

This same concept should be considered regarding alcohol. Alcohol can affect the concussed brain in more intense ways. A bit of balance and coordination loss from a concussion can be a big loss when a bit buzzed. The doctor examines a concussed patient the same way a cop does a sobriety check. That 'follow the light/my finger without moving your head' test indicates brain impairment. "But officer, I'm not drunk. I'm recovering from a concussion" does not work without a blood test. I failed some parts of a roadside sobriety test once even though I do not drink. Research suggests a single serving of alcohol is tolerable but more creates a risk.

I bet previous to your concussion, your reactions would have allowed you to dodge the basketball headed toward your head/face. Those slowed reaction times are a common prolonged, even lifelong concussion symptom.

So, reduce your risk of a real concussion and remember that these bumps are something you would have ignored before your concussion. If you let anxiety about these bumps take over, that anxiety will make your life miserable.

Stay sober. It would be helpful to look into a brain health diet/supplement regimen. College is stressful. Brain health vitamins help the brain tolerate stress. See the Vitamins sticky at the top for a good regimen.

btw, A lot of concussions happen from head colliding in basketball, soccer, la cross and especially rugby. If you ride a bike, get the best helmet you can and be sure it fits correctly.

My best to you.