my son
 

Hi my son Ben has been post concussion state since last October 2012. He wa8s "headbanging" not once but may times. For months he did the computer, tv all that jazz. Then he tried to get out every now and then but everytime it threw him back in bed with eyes hurting, head sore and stiff neck.. well spring came and he wanted to get out there and started running, helped around the house a bit but during this time.. but as time went on he became delusional, anxious and almost mania. I was freaked and took him for a MRI which showed nothing! He's like spaced out all the time and delusional just within the past 2 may I didn't notice 3 months. He's only 18 and even won't go out of the house for he fears he's done nothing with his life after highschool and everyone will think he's a loser. I can barely find a doctor to listen to me. We've been to all the hospitals in our city even my place of work blows me off. I could really use some help. Thanks for listening.
mom

momwhocares,

First, you son should be fine with the dosages unless he is stick skinny. I have been on it since I was 150 pounds. The B-12, B-50 Complex, D-3, a good multi, and Omega 3 fish oil should be your starting point.

Please tell us more about your son. Does he 'head bang' or is this your term for concussions and other head impacts ? Or has he participated in 'head butting' where guys smash their heads together as an act of male expression ? Does he have any other medical or mental health issues ?

His sense of being a loser can be tied to a schizoid personality disorder that is not uncommon for Post Concussion Disorder. Schizoid is when a person become reclusive and withdrawn. I think it is a defensive response to feeling overwhelmed by social settings and busy environments.

From what you have told us, we don't yet have much information to use to offer help.

My best to you.

Mark

We do th d3 and the fish oils, I'll add the b's today. The "headbanging" is bending over and swinging (thrashing) your head back and forth to music. He did this many times. My son is adhd and is highly anxious or was before the concussion. He's been on medication all though his life but stop last year for he didn't like the side affects. He graduated high school last year and had a job at a restruant. Can you really be that delusional with post concussion? He walks around the house all spaced out I can't even have a conversation, he takes 4 to 6 showers a day, which I think he find soothing and his eye's and head still bother him, his legs sometimes tingle too. It had got better at one point but now it seems to be going down hill...delusions, spaced out, anxious,I'm really hoping I can find some help here I don't know where else to go.

Thanks again.

Delusions?
 

Can you give a few examples? That would be helpful. Thanks! I hope we can help!

mom,

My first suggestion is to get a NeuroPsychological Assessment done. This may help pinpoint his areas of dysfunction. There are many different injuries recorded from headbanging to 'music.'

Getting him out of the house to get him experiencing various environments may help you understand what he can and can't tolerate. It may help for him to get active with exercise to stimulate adrenaline. He may be adrenal insufficient.

Has he had blood work done ? Hormones including testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid , blood sugar, D3, B-12, folate, and others.

Tell us about his concussion. How did it happen ? What were his immediate symptoms ? Did any symptoms resolve ? What symptoms got worse ?

Check out what Dr Breggin has to say about ADHD drugs. Maybe he has some insights. http://breggin.com/index.php?option=...d=30&Itemid=37

My best to you.

Hi,

I must admit to going around like a space cadet for months. I am now 14 months pcs and still can get pretty spaced out at times. I have 3 teenagers and know they don't have alot of common sense. Do you think he really understands his condition and the effects of what he does. If I watch too much t.v., I can be in bed for a day or two, completely out of it. I have a 16 year old (her birthday is today) with ADHD and she is a train wreck. There impulsivenss set them on the wrong path and they have more energy that they now what to do with. Just those 2 factors can adversely affect his recovery. It is really difficult at my age to do nothing, I listen to alot of talk radio. It sounds like he needs some expert help, which is alot easier said than done. It took me a year to find out I had post traumatic vision syndrome, everyone thought it was just pcs, I now have a strategy and therapy that is going to help. It is important that you deal with professionals that really understand brain injuries. I would suggest further follow-up with a neruo psychologist, occupational therapist (that deals with brain injuries, they don't all) and probably a physchologist to help him along. I am not sure what resources you have but there are often free ones if you dig deep enough. Good luck I know it can be heart wrenching to watch your child go through this......We are here for you.

Headbanger
 

This past weekend he was having more delusions, social withdraw, anxiety and depression he ended up at the hospital inpatient mental health care unit. He's been put on some meds for the delusions, mood and sleep. I gotta ask again what the meds were one was Resperal and Lamotrigine. It helps make him focus alittle better but by the end of the day he's spaced and pacing the floors. I guess that the meds gotta build up in his system before they can really work. I did tell them he was mild post concussion and thank god I brought the paperwork from the hospital stating that. The Doc said he'd be there for a little bit for they gotta piece his history, moniter his meds, and observe his behavior. It makes me ill that you almost have to be a pretty well gone before you can get help with post concussions. Well anyway, he's in a good safe place and hopefully he'll get the help we've wanted.

I will keep you all posted. thanks for all the feedback we can use all support we can get!

Prayers for you!
 

Please do keep us posted! I hope they are able to help your son!

Mom,

What resources do you have to get an intense assessment of his upper neck ? His neck stiffness is a legitimate concern. Have you ever tried to observe him sleeping ? Bad sleep cycling can cause all sorts of daytime problems. It sounds like he is sundowning. This means that he becomes more symptomatic as the day goes on.

Hi Mark
 

Yeh he does complain about his neck too every now and then. I've bought in the past all sorts of pillows one with cooling gel in it too! It never seem to help.

My son is staying at the hospital and meeting with the neurolgist tommorrow, (2nd one) I'll mention the upperneck and see if they could check that too or if he knows who could do it.

He sundowning I think 'cause his meds wore off. He's just started them two days ago.

It is very difficult to get good diagnostics of the upper neck. An MRI with the head turned sharply to each side can show instability. Sleeping on ones back without a pillow under the head but instead positioned so the head does not tilt or fall to the side may help. Straight posture is important, especially when relaxed or sleeping. The inflammation that develops from these undiagnosed injuries can cause a myriad of problems. Often, there are no other neck symptoms.

headbanger
 

Hi there.
Been at the hospital a couple days, now my son's in deniel of all of his problems and say's he's ok. The Doc put him on meds and he won't even say how there work, wouldn't eat breakfest, won't take a shower. Life with post concussion sucks!

headbagger
 

And by the way, I've a decent job with good health care coverage, they only wanna pay for 5 days?? we've been there 6 days, Really? They take $90 a week out of my check for 2 of us the doc has to talk to some manager at MVP yes that's them and try to get more coverage! And by the way, I've work for this company for 7 years with the same coverage! Just sayin'

First, $360 per month for health care for 2 means your employer is chipping in at least the same. Or you just have a cheap policy. As one who has always had to pay the full price for health insurance until recently, the cost of a good health plan can be mind boggling.

I am concerned there is something much more than a concussion. His unwillingness to be cooperative with treatment and such makes it very difficult. Could he have done some drugs or huffing, etc. ? Getting a completely truthful answer from him is paramount.

Hi, sorry to enter here somewhat late.

I noted here that you ask, and have to ask some question:

- did you mean Risperdal instead of Resperal? - Resperal is a cold formula, Risperdal is a med for Bipolar Disorder/Schizophrenia.

- Lamotrigine is Lamictal Bipolar and Seizures.

Sadly, as Mark alludes to Mental Health care via Insurance coverages in this country is paltry to say the least, and families are usually on their own; top that with the fact that many problems are caught late and forced to be dealt with by mostly practitioners with their own thought processes and no true experiences with PCS/ Concussions or long term TBI care.

ADHD is often a longtime over-diagnosed condition in the young and adult, according to many, even in the APA, so it has been considered that many conditions might be missed for the long term, and allowed to fulminate before any true care could be offered to curtail long term problems.

Couple that with Bipolar Disorder, Schizo affective Disorders, and ADHD problems being associated with PCS/Post-Concussion problems, you do face a long term course of events, which will take its toll on your son, and the family.

Please try to hang in, continue with a trusted Neuropsych team you can work with, that can reach your son; and you and them work to obtain his cooperation to continue the care.

The neuropsych will have to write a strong, convincing letter to the insurance company to convince the need of longer term care coverage, somehow.

Again, the Neck evaluations are strongly needed, and need follow up , keep up on the vitamin/supplements from Mark's suggestions, keep the Neurologist involved fully.

I am so sorry you are going through this.

Head bangging son
 

It's been the holiday weekend and all the docs have off. Ben's had a tough two days but, went into a cogonic moment where they had to give him ativan an anxiety shot. Not once but 3 times. He was actually good after that and could communicate. He is highly anxious and still having delusions. The Neurogist stop by but he wasn't able to communicate at that point. We meet with the doc tommorow sometime...I'm frustrated for it's taking so long to get the long needed help! I like this doc though he's seems to know his stuff, so I'm praying he'll give us answers . I've been trying to get Ben help for months...I won't give up till I get an answer! Post concussion. :(

headbanger
 

Ben was hospitalize for ten day as was discharged this evening. Apparently he's showing signs of schizophrenia guess there's five different types. He will be entering a day treatment program at a good hospital and does have an appointment with a neurologist next Monday. I'm hope they have other test for the brain besides the mri and catscane which had show nothing. I'll keep posting but I wonder how this could happen? Sad and frustrated.

What is a cogonic moment ?

Thinking of you
 

Momwhocares,

I've been following this post with concern because I didn't think your son's symptoms sounded like PCS alone. I have two friends who were diagnosed schizophrenic, and he reminded me of them, but I didn't want to say anything because I'm not a doctor and couldn't know for sure that's what was going on. I think other posters were attempting to prepare you for the possibility. I know this has got to be a hard diagnosis to hear, and my heart goes out to you.

I'm surprised his doctors have not explained more to you! I was going to tell you that your sons TBI may have served as a trigger for his underlying schizophrenia, but then I found this article: http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/159...enia-risk.html

Sp what I said could be true, but it's not entirely clear. Does your son have a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder? Occasionally bipolar disorder will be misdiagnosed a schizophrenia (it happened to my brother), so that's the only reason I mention it.

Schizophrenia can be pretty tricky to treat, so my advice is to brace yourself for some ups and downs ahead. If you want to message me with any questions from my experiences with the illness, please feel free. I haven't had a son with the illness, but I did watch two close friends develop the illness and struggle with getting treatment.

Though this isn't an easy diagnosis, at least you know what you are dealing with now and your son can begin treatment to help him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

NeuroTalk forum for Schizophrenia
 

Hi Mom,

Also, there is a forum here at NeuroTalk about Schizophrenia. There are stickies there too with helpful sites. I hope you check out that forum too.

I am sure this is a hard diagnosis, and like Defayesmom, I felt what you described was not PCS.

Here's wishing you all the best.

Sincerely,

pm

My son
 

Yeh I wrote the word wrong it"s Canatonia which is : A type of schizophrenic reaction in which the indiidual remains speechless and motionless, assumes fixed postures, and lacks the will and resists attemps to actiate speech and movement also know as catatonic schizophrenia... Wasn't fun.

headbanger
 

Funny thing about all that's happen to Ben...It started as a concussion, for weeks, and months, from doctor to doctor to immediate care to emergency rooms, just wonder why nobody saw what the problem was?? I knew something was wrong for Ben would complain and I'd just keep trying but without success. And when and why did it switch from a concussion to a mental disorder? I believe the two problems are connected even though they may be treated as totallly different symptoms. Wanting answers is frustrating. I took off work try to arrange for my son to go to a rehab center.

I'm so sorry that the healthcare system failed you and your son. We've all had our frustrations, as many healthcare professionals and doctors do not understand the brain, and I guess that's also true when it comes to mental health! I was wondering though, does your son have any history of mental illness in his family? If he does, then I might lean towards thinking that the concussion was just the event that triggered his underlying condition, but if there is no history, that just makes me raise my eyebrows little bit and wonder! Granted, this is just my thoughts, as I am in the way an expert!

I'm sure it's all been very frustrating and upsetting for you. How is your son doing now that he is receiving treatment? Has he accepted his diagnosis?

I hope you're holding up under the weight of all this. Do you have family or friends that can help out?

Wishing you well!

My Son
 

Hi DFayesmom,

Thanks so much for your support, looks like you've got your plate full too! Yeh the whole concussion, brain thing and mental health system needs a overhaul. I wouldn't have known if this didn't happen to us.

Again this afternoon, back at emergency, Ben was having tremors due to over medication. He was put on an IV and had his meds reduced, that's after I told the doc he's sensitve to meds...Poor Ben such a good boy/man. I'm frustrated again! Can't even get him on the right meds to help him stablize 3 weeks now. When he's home with me he's more relaxed and even though he's spaced out we still talk. And I give him chores to do around the house, found a casio keyboard at a estate sale today that he really liked so that was a plus!

My mother's sister Alice had a mental disorder but not sure what it was, swept under the carpet.

It's been a long 8 months of this and it can wear any parent down. But I love ben and won't give up till I get the answers ! Thanks for listening to me DFayesmom!

Be

Anytime!
 

So many mental disorders get swept under the rug. my great uncle killed himself, my great grandma tried to, and i believe my grandpa struggled with depression. None of this was really talked about. my brother is bi-polar, but denies his diagnosis and refuses meds. thankfully, he's been fine the last 10 hears without them. Well, by fine, i mean not delusional. He is still moody!

i, myself, had a bout of psychotic depression ten years ago, before the head injuries. I felt irrationally compelled to cut myself even though i didn't want to (I hate knives!) a few good friends and Wellbutrin saved my life then, so i do have a strong belief that the right medicine can truly work miracles for some people.

Anyway, i say all this to say that there is evidence for a strong genetic componant to mental illnesses, and also, that I understand some of what you are going through. i have both struggled with mental illness and watched loved ones struggle. i hope your son finds the right treatment to help him and that YOU have the support you need to help him through this!

one thing is for sure--your son is lucky to have a mom like you to care for him! Hang in there!

When my systems are taxed I get very dazed and confused. It can last quite a while.

Also
 

I have a brother and an aunt with schizophrenia. I also thought it sounded like an emerging mental illness when you were describing your son. I am also a high school teacher and I see it emerging in my students. Get educated as much as you can and get a good support system. Don't give up. Keep searching for answers and help. Teens often don't want to communicate with their parents. Make sure he gets connected with a counselor and support group where he feels comfortable. Many kids that don't get help self medicate with drugs and alcohol in an attempt to feel better and or escape from the misery.
Good luck
Su seb

headbanger
 

Hello, not much change with my son trial and error with meds. Seems when you have any head problem no one wants to help not even if you have insurance.

I've been looking for a good psychiatrist so far no one is excepting patients. Any one know one?? We have one but he doesn't take the time to explain things and I end up calling him. Anyway, Frustrating.

my son
 

Well now week laters still nowhere in the system...My son's head still hurts, as he say's "the top of my head is sore" eye's still bother him and delusional with a voice. I went to the other site but...I guess I didn't feel comfortable with the topics. I did get him someone for Ben to talk to, a nice older doctor very concerned and interested. I like that! I had started Ben on some B3 which is good for schizopherena so I read, maybe good for concussions too? But the starting dose is high 1000mgs 3 times a day. And goes higher to get good results. If anyone has heard of this please let me know. My son's had a mri and a cat scan, is there another way to tell if you've a brain injury? Why does his head and eyes still hurt and his forhead looks a little like swelled or sticking out? Just thinking I may have missed something or test or doc or something?? Thanks all for replying to this post. Maybe someone will learn something too!
Take Care!

My wish
 

I wish I could help you and I know I can not. I have no idea what is goiing on with your son's brain. I have a son too who is 19 so as a mom I relate to your deep concern.

I hope anyone here might weigh in with help for you.

God bless

pm

Hi!I just read this thread and you are a wonderful mother and support for your son's best interest to get him on a regimen that will give him some of his life back.I can relate as well with the doctor/healthcare problems.It is a severe struggle.I cannot comment to much on the issue because I suffered more from waiting a year and half to finally find a few M.D.s that diagnosed me with a concussion.

I can only put my input on the subject of why your son's head looks swollen, with his head, and eyes hurting.I had a closed head concussion and I had soooo much swelling in my head that now after the swelling went down my eye's and head started feeling better.

The swelling and inflammation in the brain has a hard time to release because it has nowhere to release out except the vestibular system.With that being said I found that it takes longer for the inflammation to go down. Sometimes I think of it like a balloon, if we could poke a hole in it then the inflammation would go out faster. But we cannot, so we have to do anything for inflammation ice & heat compressions, 20min showers daily few times a day etc.I am left with wrinkles now in my face.

I might also suggest getting myofascial massages, infrared to the head that puts oxygen in brain, and I would gently massage my own head all the time.I feel this is another way to help the inflammation get out. You can most likely get these services from a physical therapist. These are just my suggestions that I had to use while being in the "unknown" diagnosis.

I as well have mental/emotional problems from this concussion.Not the same as your son.These changes happen with a concussion sometimes from the central nervous system being moved around and disoriented.

These are just my findings in my journey threw concussion/PCS. Your son is very blessed to have you for moral support. I hope you guy's get a regimen that works for him soon. Take care :hug:Mia

Thanks Mia for your suggestions! I know it's not fun having PCS and the other side affects that come with it. But you seem to be finding your way around it pretty good! We'll try the myofascial massage and infrared, the physical therapist has it?? Who knew! Take Care! Mom

So now it's been a year. My son is now again in the psyc ward in our city. He's been there now 5 weeks going on 6...We spent the summer together and I tried everything I could do to get him on track...We've run into a really bad health system for people with any mental problems that includes concussions and the problems Ben has...seems if you have mental health problems the healthcare and society doesn't recongnize it and therefore we've applied for assistance and then and only then can you get some help...bad really bad that we had to wait that long to get help with a mental health issue! If he had a broken leg or a heart attack no problem!... So...I still believe that damn concussion was most of the blame for his problem. And will still search to find an answer to this!

I am so sorry
 

Mom~
I am so sorry to hear about Ben. Hopefully this stay at the hospital will get him on the correct medication to help him. You are a great mother and you did what you could to help him. This illness is a very min condition for any self control or control at all. Yes the medical systems are a gamble!

When I was at a year that is when everything got horrible and I was out of control with life and then slowly after I started taking baby steps to improvements. My thoughts on this is that this was the breaking point when the mental illnesses established and my brain shut down completely. I believe this is because the closed head injury has ran it's main course and the rest is left to be treated and learn new survival skills etc!

I know that you are a concerned mother and this is a step to help him to get on a recovery track. You need to thank yourself for doing what is best to get your son the help and you are so strong for keeping up the fight with the medical system to get him help. Please keep in mind that you did what is best for your son and keep your head up Ben will pull threw in time. Please keep us posted on Ben and you try not to worry yourself sick. I know it is hard! You are strong enough for you and Ben! :hug: Mia

momwhocares, did the concussion trigger other mental health issues in your son, or are you still working from the assumption that the concussion is the one central issue?

I have a 19 year old with ADHD and Autism, and he headbangs to that awful music. I worry so much every time I see that behavior; I can't even watch someone hit their head on TV without feeling it in my own, lol.

You are 'lucky' in one respect; your son's issues were not work related; that adds at least 2 years to the wait for actual treatment.

Scott in Fenton
 

Hi Scott thanks for the reply. Ben doesn't wanna face he's mentally ill so that's the biggest problem right now. And thinking about your son, maybe buy a cool helmet and call it a cool name like "the headbagger crown" well that's not that cool but you get the idea. lol!

Scott in Fenton
 

Too bad I didn't think of that one sooner! :(

My Son
 

So now it's been well over a year, Ben wouldn't take his meds and is back in the hospital since 12/28/13. He will be going to the state hospital now. I have to work and won't be home to care for him. It all started from a concussion... this is not right. He did have issues before this but, never saw this coming! Or even new it was possible! The health system is slower than Washington! I'm very annoyed!

momwhocares,

I can tell you the mental issues from concussions are real. I struggled through my youth. The brain is going through tremendous changes until age 25. The lack of maturity to commit to medications sounds like the problem. I hate having to take meds and even my vitamin regimen but know that my life depends on them. I wish I had a suggestion to help you with your son. Maybe in time, he will learn the value of meds.

My best to you.

Thanks Mark for admitting you CAN have mental issues with a concussion. So the President has put some money to try to solve these mental issues. Glad the government is finally addressing this important issue, mean while...it would be good if people would know ahead what could happen when they have a concussion and what to watch out for...get help fast...and to the right doctor...there needs to be some procedures in place. Just thinkin' out loud...