Soccer14,

You should consider your brain permanently injured. It may heal to a level that will allow you to function at a very high level, but you will suffer from occasional "decompensations." Another term you may know would be relapse.

As the others said, NO MORE CONTACT SPORTS. Basketball and baseball are contact sports. Soccer is as dangerous as football.

Your primary focus should be to avoid "second impact syndrome" or "multiple impact syndrome."

FYI, The average soccer player has an IQ that is 10 points lower than non-soccer players.

From what you have said about your symptoms and decompensations, I would suspect that you will be very sensitive to any second impact. Keep in mind that as concussions go, impact can be cumulative. The studies show that a heading drill in soccer is more damaging that a single corner kick header into the goal.

You may find that you get car sick or other motion sickness much more easily. These events should be considered mini concussions.

You also MUST avoid alcohol at any level.

For your reference, my history is:
8 years old, minor bump from fall.
10 yo, major concussion from bike accident, severe personality change
academic problems start and come and go
11yo, concussion/nausea from riding bumpy roller coaster
played soccer from 12 to 15 yo
15 yo, suspected minor concussion playing soccer
developed seizure disorder, absence seizures and mild cognitive impairment
serious academic struggles, dropped 1 grade point, seizure meds for 2 years
17 yo, recovered academic skills, graduated with Honors
18 yo college, struggled with stress load of coursework
19 yo college, second semester, minor concussion and severe high fever (above 104.7), almost flunked a few classes, had to drop dream of dental school, eventually left school completely before graduating
20 to 42 yo various minor head bumps with decompensations requiring brain training to regain mental skills,
43 yo concussion, developed severe motion sensitivity, insomnia, head aches
44 yo, concussion from assault by slug to the head from behind, personality change
46 yo, very minor concussion, severe mental confusion, memory problems, had to stop driving, more personality changes, inability to tolerate bright lights, noisy environments, seizures returned, work limitations,
Now, 54 yo, on permanent Social Security Disability at 15% of previous earning ability. IQ in top 2% of population, immediate and short term auditory and visual memory in the bottom 5 to 10% of the population

Very few opportunities to enjoy life due to my brain condition, except playing with my young grandkids.

So, it is important to protect your head from another impact.

Want me to draw you a picture?

Seriously, get Dr Glen Johnson's TBI Survival Guide at www.TBIGuide.com. You can download it and print it out. Let family and friends read it.

Important, do not let the IMPACT test give you a false sense of security about returning to play. It is extremely limiting in its ability to adequately diagnose your brain's health. It is more valuable at helping athletes and their parents accept the coach's or trainer's decision to keep the player out of the game. It gives coaches and trainers a way to track a very MINIMUM level of recovery that can help lessen insurance liability. It does not reveal any long term risk potential.

btw, Did you establish a baseline with the IMPACT test before the season?

Now, go rest up, stay away from chaotic and stressful environments, eat healthy, get plenty of vitamins, especially B vitamins and BE PATIENT. Healing takes a long time.

My best to you.