rocksrock.

Yes, he will be more sensitive to a second concussion. Although this has been studied and known for decades, most Physicians do not fully understand concussions, especially the seriousness of multiple concussions.

< I've just noticed that he is tired earlier in the evening and is a little more sensitive or emotional about some things. His attention seems a little lacking as well, >

Your son's symptoms sure sound like a concussion. The emotional lability (sensitivity and emotion responses) is a common PCS symptom.

< but that could be restlessness from missing so much school and not being able to do any of his favorite activities. He's learned that unlimited video gaming isn't such a great thing after all LOL. >

What symptoms are causing you to keep him out of school? Is he doing any academic work at home?

I was knocked out on Sunday, released from the hospital on Wednesday and back to school on Friday with scabs all over my face and hands.

< He's good about wearing helmets when necessary. One of the Drs stated that helmets don't necessarily protect the brain from concussion since it is the movement of the brain within the skull that causes concussion. But in my opinion, anything that softens the blow is worth wearing. >

You are right. The Dr is dead wrong. He does not fully understand concussion or the laws of physics. A helmet that deflects (crushes from the impact) 1/8th of an inch decreases the impact by about 50 percent.

< I have also been told that mouth guards protect against concussion but not how. Do you know how mouth guards protect in this way? >

I have heard the same. Here is an article with some theories. http://www.sportsdentistry.com/concussion.html

I know that the cushioning of the lower jaw from the rest of the head is a valid point. Again, that 1/8 of an inch deflection reduces impact forces by 50 percent. I have done the physics calculations myself. I had an 8 inch drop onto a hard surface. The formula shows that I hit with a 65 G's force if my boot had an 1/8th inch deflection. If it was 0 deflection, it would have been 130 G's.

< You stated that you have had 13 concussions since age 8. It would seem that they have a cumulative effect. Because he's had one, is he predisposed to suffering more? Is he more likely to suffer another concussion because he's had one, even if this one is given time to heal completely? >

He will never heal completely. You may not notice any residual symptoms but the brain will still be weaker. It will just not show up as symptomatic until he is under stress. High altitude, low blood sugar, high fever, emotional stresses like when taking an important test, and other factors that put an additional load on the brain may cause a minor to major decompensation (relapse of symptoms).

He should be brainwashed into fear of alcohol and any drugs. Alcohol is a definite antagonist after a concussion.

He is your precious little boy. Love him to pieces but let him experience life with some reasonable cautions to protect his head. I found other sports after I was restricted from contact sports. I became a champion distance runner. Maybe he can try speed skating. With a good helmet of course.

Our minor league( ECHL) hockey team (Steelheads) has mitey-mites play between periods. I would love to see them set up a speed skating contest instead.

Fortunately, he is young and has a very plastic brain. It can do miraculous things to overcome his injury.

As he gets older, the brain gets less able to accommodate the injuries. He will need to be very careful when he is going through puberty. The brain is undergoing major maturing then and any interruption can be more problematic. Some parts of the brain may not mature properly if it is recovering from an injury. The judgment skills the brain learns between 12 and 20 are very important.

Give him a hug for me. Tell him Grampa G says Hi.