Anxiety post concussion
 

Hello all, I was seeing some posts in relation to this, but not sure if anyone actually found help on this subject. I am early 30's recovering from my 3rd concussion in 2 years...my last concussion over a year ago. With this past concussion I have returned to function cognitively and work full time and work out, but have extreme anxiety about repeat concussions or my head in general. So much so that I cut my own hair and don't let my children touch my head. I just worry everything causes a concussion. I am fairly educated and know this is not the case, but can't seem to convince part of my brain or my body of this. I have no mental health concerns prior to this so I am sure it is poor coping mechanisms for anxiety. I have seen sports medicine, psych, neuropsych, physical therapy and all seem kind of confused why I am there. Essentially they say I am fine and this is anxiety that I need to deal with. I even was able to do a vigorous workout with my PT so that is not the issue. Really looking for some advice or feedback on this as I would love to go back to playing basketball, and more importantly just doing things with my children and not worry about my head. Thanks in advance!

I call this Concussion Anxiety Syndrome. The professionals are starting to recognize it as an issue that needs addressing.

One NT member puts it this way when thinking about these contacts. If you were not concerned or impacted by these contacts before your most recent concussion, there is no reason to expect a problem now.

Have you tried to slowly move back into life with some risk of head contact?

Some need to do hands on conditioning therapy. Touch your head. Scrub your scalp. Learn how to purposely engage life. Tell your kids to gently touch your head without telling you first but quickly saying "Hi Dad." so you can quickly define the touch and direct your thoughts.

CBT helps some. Cognitive Behavior Therapy helps you reprogram your response to a situation or thought.

I would leave basketball off the agenda until you have got a better handle on this. All contact sports should be off the agenda.

Your concussions were likely 60 Gs or more. Few incidental bumps are more than 2 or 3 Gs. Walking down stairs can be 2 or 3 Gs.

Those mild bumps may be subconcussive impacts but it take multiple subconcussive impacts each day for months to create a risk.

Thank Mark, that makes perfect sense. I wish I could find someone in my area that is suited to treat this. I will start with your advice though. I feel like I have hit a dead end as far as resources go.

On another note, do you think sitting on a preacher curl bench and that dropping quickly and jolting your head up and down would cause a concussion ?

No, it would not cause a concussion but it can cause neck inflammation. 80% of concussions have symptoms caused by a neck trauma.

Stay away from weights until you have healed. Weights cause too much body stress. Do low impact exercising.

Ok thanks! I am seeing an osteopath that is working On my neck and working on desensitizing me to this concussion anxiety syndrome. Also working with a neuro optometrist so I’m kinda banking on those 2 things right now. My goal is to get rid of the anxiety, and avoid stupid questions like the one I had above. I think deep down inside I know things that don’t cause a concussion, but I will somehow stress over it for no reason.