Losing consciousness repeatedly after concussion
 

Hello to everyone, new user here. MXcrashtestdummy here lol, familiar with concussions as I had 2 myself earlier in my life when I used to race motocross.

So this question is for my friend, to help ease his mind and maybe get some answers. Friend and his GF were play wrestling and he moved out of the way when she lunged, she had some momentum, topples off bed, back of head hits floor. She didnt lose consciousness from the impact. Symptoms of concussion built up over about 1-2 hours(sensitivity to volume, lights, slowed motor and cognitive function, loss of memory) where they leveled off and did not change in severity. Went to ER, didnt get attention, left. Now today after she woke up a new symptom has developed which is the cause for concern: approx every 3-5 mins she will become unresponsive and have a 1,000 yard stare and will not respond to any stimuli(yelling, touching, etc). She stays in this state for 10-20 seconds then her eyes flick to life and she has no recollection of this happening. She still has other symptoms of a concussion, but they seem to be slowly tapering off.

They went back to the ER today, CAT scan, ekg, etc was told everything looked fine. But the Dr. said that the loss of consciousness is not normal and she needs to see a neurologist(which she is) but I am just looking for some info in the mean time. The Dr. said it is not PCS, but that is taken with a grain of salt considering how little is known about neurology and the causes of PCS, concussions, etc. Has anyone ever heard of symptoms like this after a concussion? Is the repeated loss of consciousness a red flag for some kind of brain damage, or permanent damage? I know this isnt the place for medical answers, she is DEFINITELY seeing a neurologist asap just trying to ease some minds especially considering how long it will likely take to get a real answer.

Thanks so much,
Robert

MX,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

It sounds like she is having seizures. Hers are of the absence type. I had them when I was 15-16. Back then, they called them petit-mal. She needs to not drive, ride a bike, walk up or down stairs without assistance or take any risks where she can fall and get hurt. There are plenty of meds that can control these seizures if that is what they are.

You don't say how old she is. This is more common during adolescence as the brain is maturing. I outgrew my seizures just like my neuro said.

Tell her she needs to get examined by the neuro as soon as possible.

Let us know how she is doing.

My best to you all.

Mark,

Thanks for the quick reply! After reading your response, googling absence seizures and talking with my friend it sounds like you are right. They are going to see the neurologist tomorrow. The young lady who hit her head is only 19, and I did read that absence seizures tend to lessen with age, but I'm thinking that is for natural/genetic onset and not the case if they are caused by a trauma. Either way THANK YOU SO MUCH for the quick reply, and now at least they have some more info to give the doc when they see him! Ill keep you guys updated.

Thanks,

Robert

PS Anyone else happen to have any knowledge/anecdotal information about absence seizures caused by head trauma? Thanks!