The research shows that the small bleeds from a concussion/contusion will be absorbed by the body within a few days. Any space left will be quickly filled by brain mass. My neuro said that MS shows up like a lighted Christmas tree.

Any dead brain cells will also be absorbed. If too many brain cells die and get absorbed, they will notice a lack of brain volume. For PCS, this is called CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). In essence, the brain has atrophied. This is not 'likely' unless you have suffered many concussions and / or sub-concussive impacts. In some cases, one concussion is enough, though.

If you are concerned, I would suggest asking for a full neuro-psych assessment. The ImPACT test is not adequate at diagnosing long term issues. It focuses more on reaction times, coordination issues, visual perception, etc. The little bit of memory function it tests is weak at best. It is more an indicator of risk of Second Impact Syndrome, a situation that is fatal in 50% of cases.

Please, please be careful if you are going to continue playing hockey. You will likely be sensitive to very minor bumps to you head now. Hockey helmets are very poor at protecting you from concussion, especially a second concussion.

If you can, try to get your images reviewed by someone with serious expertise in concussion. Dr Julian Bailes at Univ of West Virginia Medical Center, Dr Cantu of U Mass/ Mass General Hospital. I can list a few others but I think these are the best.

The Sports Legacy Institute also has good connections to concussion specialists. Their FaceBook page is at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waltha...te/50243649481 I can remember their main web site.

Here is a good article for you to read. http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/rese...8838451&page=2 Keep in mind that this imaging was done post-mortem.

My best to you.