[MelodyJane]

Hello! I'm new here and am just starting to read through posts. My son suffered three sports-related concussions in 17 months. Each time, he went on "brain rest" and took at least a week off school. He is now about 2 months past his last concussion and says he can read a page of a novel three times and not remember what he read. He is a sophomore in high school and a high honor roll student. Reading comprehension has always been a weakness for him, but he has been able to struggle through novels and do well. Now he can't read even lower level books. I'll take any advice you have. He is seeing his specialist again in about a week.

[Lightrail11]

Hi and welcome. Sounds like you are already doing the right thing in having him see a specialist; I'm assuming this means someone who specialized in treating TBI/PCS patients. I'm not a doctor or psychologist but it sound like his working memory has been affected by the concussions. You may want to consider having him evaluated by a clinical neuropsychologist; they can do testing to isolate specific deficit areas and recommend specific therapy treatments to improve working memory.

[MomandSon]

I'm really sorry about your son and I can relate because my son had a concussion over three months ago and still can't read. But he is only in second grade and we are not pushing anything with him. He is a good student too. But we have him out of school with a tutor coming to work with him only on the necessary work to have him complete the second grade. We are not overwhelming him with anything in regards to school. Being in tenth grade, your son, I am sure has much more work and it has to be very challenging! Is the school understanding of this? Our doctor wrote a letter to the school and they provided him with the tutor and has been so supportive.

We also found that my son's vision is blurry. The eye specialist said this is only temporary and will clear up when he recovers. We just got glasses for him that will be ready on Monday for him to start wearing.

My son has bad headaches too so reading just makes it worse. I'm sure you are told to have your son rest and really that is the only thing that can help along with time. We were hoping our son would be better at this point but every concussion is different so we are just taking care of our son and supporting him in any way we can.

I wish I had more to offer other than I know what you are going through and to maybe not have your son do much in the way of schoolwork and try to get some special considerations for him so that he is not stressed out.

I wish your son a speedy recover and hope to hear he is well soon!

[Scott in Fenton]

Hi Melody. Three concussions in 17 months is brutal; every person responds differently of course, but it should be noted that every time his brain is concussed it increases the likelihood of very long term or even permanent damage. If your son is having this sort of memory issue or reading comprehension issue now, another concussion in a month or two from now could be devastating. Your family should really read up on concussion and Post Concussion Syndrome, and talk about whether continuing in sports is a good idea at this point.

I second the motion that a neuropsychologist or neuropsychiatrist is a very good idea at this point; pinpoint any deficiencies and hopefully they have a treatment plan for your son.

Thanks for coming by and sharing with us, so sorry to hear about your sons troubles!

[Mark in Idaho]

MelodyJane,

I am so sorry to hear of your son's concussions. I bet his school uses the ImPACT system or a similar system to determine Return to Play.

As Scott stated, you son is in a critical situation. He and you should have been given better advice about Returning to Play. We live and learn.

I disagree about the NeuroPsychiatrist at this point. Even a NeuroPsychologist Assessment may be premature except to gauge his current capabilities to track his improvements.

If he is going to try reading, I suggest he limit it to non-fiction and more likely technical information. His brain likely struggles to process the multiple concept and overly descriptive writing common in fiction.

I have some questions need answered to help you more.

What kind of specialist is he seeing? What medical care has he received so far? Any therapy?

What is his sports history? What sports has he played? What injuries of any kind has he suffered? Even minor issues need to be considered. Did he get hit in the helmet while at bat?
Does he play football? What position?
Does he play soccer? What position? Does he head the ball very often?

I have some assumptions that I will hold until you post his sports and injury history. I was going through the same issues since fourth grade. I have a lot of understanding and knowledge to offer.

btw, Has he slipped out with his buddies to get drunk? He needs to be given immunity to answer this question truthfully. How drunk if he has been drunk? How many times? Any other chemical that effect the brain? Again, he needs to be given room to tell the truth. His long term success will be impacted by how he goes forward regarding intoxicating substances.

I can understand the extreme anguish you are going through. My mother went through the same. And, she did not have access to any worthwhile information.

My best to you.