Carlos,

There are a variety of stresses that can cause a return or increase in symptoms. Just about anything that puts extra burden on the brain to function will cause an increase in symptoms.

The external stressors are things like high altitude (2000 to 2500 meters elevation or more), over-stimulation such as loud or multiple sounds (a noisy public address system or multiple voices speaking at once at a social function). Even echos can be a stressor. Bright or flashing lights can cause visual over-stimulation. A party or celebration environment with multi-colored decorations in all ranges of view can cause visual overload. Any impact or sudden movement of the head can cause a wide range of symptoms.

Your sparing is a serious concern. Boxing head gear does not protect you. Heading a soccer ball, especially repeatedly, can be very dangerous.

Poor or inadequate nutrition, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, either from a bodily malfunction or lack of consuming adequate calories.) alcohol ingestion (the acceptable rule is one serving of alcohol per meal), recreational drug use, all can challenge the recovering brain to perform the correct bio-chemical processes.

Overworking such as intense reading, too much need to pay attention to complex processes, multi-tasking pressures, and anything that causes the brain to try to work at a high level without adequate recovery time (naps, routine sleep or relaxation)

Emotional stressors such as relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, uncertainty about the future (job or others), public commotion and disasters (auto accident or serious injury/illness to self or others), can cause a build up of stress toxins in the brain needing time to clear.

Illness, high fever, etc can cause a reaction just like receiving a new concussion.

So, basically,you need to stop boxing and be disciplined with your soccer play. No heading the ball or getting physical in tackling an opponent to gain control of the ball.

You have likely used up most of your brains ability to rewire or reorganize around damaged areas. Head blows in boxing have likely been a serious strain on your brain. I would not be surprised if you have symptoms from quick head movements.

I have almost zero tolerance for alcohol. My time at noisy social functions is seriously limited. I may survive the function but pay for it with the need of a few days or even weeks to recover.

If you are not already experiencing these limitations, your brain is likely getting to the critical mass threshold of physical damage/limitations. If you reduce or eliminate the stressors listed and any others, you can go on to have a full and functional life. It is a matter of choosing the correct priorities. You will trade short term risks for long term symptoms.

I am not trying to scare you but instead give you a sense of the reality of cumulative brain impacts. Dementia pugilistica is the medical term for 'punch drunk.' It is well understood. Poor memory, difficulty controlling outbursts of anger/aggression, emotional struggles (crying) and many others symptoms can drastically change your life. You have an opportunity to limit the impact of this dementia by making good choices for your future.

I knew of my sensitivity to head impacts and tried to limit my risks since I was 16 years old. No contact sports or other physical risks of a head bump, etc. I still endured many head bumps due to just an active life. At 46 years old, my final head bump changed my life forever. I have learned many ways to still function at a high level but don't let my posts fool you. I need the screen as my short term memory to keep track of my thoughts so others can understand me.

My driving is severely limited. I can't be in noisy environments without getting overloaded. No shopping at the mall at Christmas. My ability to endure social gatherings is severely limited.

And, I tried diligently to avoid further head bump risks.

You can choose to avoid the know risks so that your brain can somewhat tolerate the unknown risks. There is still lots of life to enjoy. Go enjoy it with an eye for the future.

My brain is exhausted. Time for a nap.

My best to you.