I am a parent of a 19 yr old son with a history of 3 concussions in 2 years, age 15 and 16. The last one was the worst, fractured maxillary sinus from a baseballpitch. My question: This child was a very high achieving individual, up to this point. After the last concussion, he managed to do ok in highschool, still in honors classes, but seemed to be not engaged academics. He was also a very good athlete, and has gone to college and was supposed to play baseball. The first year of college was horrible, now this semester was much better, but again he has fallen off the map academically. His answer to what is wrong is that he has trouble concentrating, sleeping, poor self esteem and poor self control with money issues. Is this syndrome possible as an explanation as to what is going on? Am I looking in the wrong place. Has anyone else experience this?

I am looking for some answers and I really am at a loss. I am a nurse but have no background in this.

Any info would help.

Welcome to NT!

Yes, the things you're describing (trouble concentrating, fatigue, impulsiveness, etc...) are all classic symptoms of PCS. Frankly, after multiple concussions, I'd be shocked if your son didn't have PCS.

Has your son had a neuro-psychological exam? The exam is an absolute must. Firstly, it will tell your son how his brain is actually functioning. (Standard CTs and MRIs are not sensitive enough to see the torn and damaged axons. Often people with obvious cognitive deficits are told their scans are "clear.") Knowing how his brain is operating is the first step in getting treatment like cognitive therapy. A confirmed diagnosis would also get him gain access to help at school be it extra time, tutors, etc...

The Brain Injury Association of America www.biausa.org is an excellent resource for patients and family members trying to understand and treat this sometimes life-altering injury. Another site to check out is www.tbiguide.com

PCS is tough: I extend all my best wishes to your boy.

Cheers

Hi JanJo and welcome to NeuroTalk. You are in good hands with Hockey.
Here is the link to our TBI Forum..http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum92.html

Lots of good information there.

We're here for you. This is a good community of caring people. We understand.

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

I'm sorry for what your son is going through but I'm glad you found us. There's lots of information here and wonderful people too for support. I hope things will improve for your son.

Hi JanJoe, and welcome to NT! This is such a great place with many caring and helpful people.

We're so glad you found us!

I was the same way after my head injury, I was an A-B honor roll student and then it went to D's and F's. I couldn't concentrate, everything would get fuzzy, one time the teacher called on me and I couldn't do a simple adding question, I screamed at him, and ran out of the room.

I had to re-learn everything all over again. It was hard but I graduated on time.......now the hard part is when I get to college.