Want To Move Forward
 

Hello, everyone! I'm a new member. I have been struggling with Post Concussion Syndrome since February 2014. I have also struggled with depression and anxiety for many years.
This is my issue...
Last fall, I was struggling with anxiety over getting a second concussion and the dire consequences that could result. It made me particularly fearful in my job, where I work with homeless, mentally ill and/or people who struggle with addictions. Although I had never had this concern before, I became concerned with being attacked. I mentioned this to my family doctor, who told me that I didn't need to be concerned, as I was only at risk for 24-48h after the injury, which had long passed. This provided me a huge amount of comfort, until I saw a neurologist a few months later, who said no, actually a second concussion was still a huge concern, because I was still experiencing concussion symptoms.
I had a very minor incident at my work about two weeks ago, where a mentally ill man called me a name. This man had never shown any aggression towards any staff at my work before, so it was shocking. I was told at the time that he had no violent history, but then was later told that might not be accurate.
Since then, I have experienced an extremely high amount of anxiety regarding my job. Anxiety isn't new to me, but I am actually gripped with fear about being around this person. There have been no further incidents, or anything else to cause me concern, but I can't seem to move past this, the root of it being that he will one day become violent towards me and I will be severely injured.
I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you may have
Thank you

Mrsbjr,
I am in a similar boat, so I can empathize.
You mean to say that this PCS is the result of your FIRST concussion and you are afraid of a second in the mean time, correct?
Suffering a concussion, then subsequently suffering a second before your symptoms clear up puts you at risk for something called "second impact syndrome". SIS very well may cause life-long deficits or even death.
However, you need only distance yourself from dangerous activity until your PCS subsides. As for this man you speak of, all I can say is be careful. No one would accuse you of being irrational for avoiding him, given your circumstances.

Yes, I am concerned with a second concussion. Can you explain what you mean by "until your PCS subsides"? I have been having symptoms off and on since February 2014. They vary in intensity, but they are often

mrsbjr,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your struggles.

It sounds like you have been getting some very mixed up information.

First, there are two risks from getting a second concussion. The more common risk is multiple impact syndrome. It just means your symptoms will likely be worse than the first and likely to last longer.

The more important risk is Second Impact Syndrome. It is when your brain has lost control over intracranial fluid pressure from the first concussion and has not regain this control before a second concussion. This reduces as time passes since your concussion. Many consider the risk to be gone by 6 weeks after a concussion unless extreme symptoms persist. Others suggest even less time. Your neuro's comment does not fit with basic understanding of Second Impact Syndrome. If your PCS symptoms were enough to put you at risk, they would also prevent you from returning to work.

Plus, your continuing symptoms make a difference. If you are still having bad head aches, you risk would be higher. If you are just struggling with light and sound sensitivity and insomnia and the like, your risk is virtually non-existent.

At 18 months since your concussion and able to be at work for so long, your risk is not much different than anybody else's risk.

What PCS symptoms are you still having ?