If you are recovering from a concussion, can small bumps be serious?
 

Hey guys

Last thursday (1 week ago), I was diagnosed with a "very mild concussion." I wont get into the nit and grit as my other post explains it but I accidently got a small bump to the back of my head from my partner tonight while lying in bed. She went to grab something reaching over and just bumped the bag of my head. It wasn't that hard just felt like a small bump but now I feel headachy and dizzy and lightheaded.

For the last year, I've been getting better and better at working through my anxiety and telling myself it is ok but because I was told I had a mild concussion 1 week ago I am now worried that a small bump could do serious damage.

I am overreacting?

To be honest, I don't even know if the "mild concussion" was a concussion as I was pretty much fine the next day (friday) and was pretty much 100% normal 2 days later (saturday) and apart from yesterday where I randomly woke up all dizzy, been doing everything normal.

Not sure why you would be worried and asking the question if in days you were fine?

Your issue is not getting bumped. You issue is you have ideas that just aren't true. Then, you add your concern about practicing combat arts.

If you continue your BJJ, this will be your life. Every hard toss or jerk will have you in anxiety mode. Then, touches like in bed will set you off.

The concept of getting a concussion after a prior concussion has to due with serious concussions. If the 1st concussion caused serious headaches and other symptoms, that can signal that the brain is struggling to maintain proper fluid pressure. A second substantial concussion that happens before the brain has recovered control of fluid pressure can cause a life threatening increase in fluid pressure.

These 1st concussions have serious symptoms and maybe even a brief hospital stay to monitor fluid pressure symptoms. Many years ago, an Olympic snowboarder named Kevin Pearce suffered a serious concussion and returned to training and competition before his brain was ready. A subsequent concussion put him into a coma and almost killed him.

Hey mark, how long after a concussion until you have to have the same level knock to cause a concussion again?

I'm going to be getting one of those ribbed/padded hats as my anxiety has gotten worse since the latest knock. I was getting better but that last knock made me super sensitive.

It's been 5 days since that knock and I kind of just want to get to the 3-4 week so I feel a bit better psychological wise.

Just been a tough time since that last knock. I'm at the point where I don't even like my partner touching me or hugging me much because if she accidently bumps or touches my head etc my brain overracts.

And then tonight, was lying down and she put her arm behind my head to pull me in and kind of knocked her arm into the back of my head to pull me forward and that set my brain off big time I got dizzy, nauseous and pressure.

I really need to get this under control as it is not fair on my partner and is making life hell for me.

Another poster mentioned how he learned to deal with this. It is quite simple.

If the touch, bump, knock to your head would not have caused you to react with fear and anxiety before your first concussion, there is no reason to let it trigger you now.

Bumps and knocks DO NOT TRIGGER CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS.

That is a game your mind is playing.

Your problem is you do not believe and accept TRUTH.

You will drive your girlfriend away with this behavior. Others on this forum have.

Stop researching concussions. Stay away from Reddit and other forums. Too many Concussion Reddidiots on Reddit.

From what you have said, I don't believe you ever suffered a concussion. You suffered a neck injury that messed you up and, absent anything/anybody that suggested it was a neck injury, you decided those symptoms were a concussion.

Now, you suffer from Concussion Anxiety Syndrome. Your fear of concussions is causing your mind to become anxious and manifest anxiety symptoms that are similar to concussion symptoms.

You don't have a clue what real concussion symptoms are. You confuse the symptoms you have.

I have dealt with concussions and anxiety as separate issues. Also neck injuries. I used to think I was giving my self a concussion with quick head turns. NO. I was exacerbating an upper neck injury that presented with concussion like symptoms. Once you understand concussions, the anxiety symptoms are easier to identify and resolve.

When you get a head touch, you may jerk your head causing NECK symptoms.

I obviously don't want to do that and I am seeking professional help. it is definintely a big hurdle to cross though.

Can being pushed/hit in the shoulder cause a reinjury?
 

AS above

I know a lot of my issues are anxiety related and have been referred to see a psychologist about it now however this event has me worried a bit more as it was more than just a light head bump.

I was lying in bed on my side with my partner and I said a joke thing and you know how some people react and push you and be like "excuse me haha."
It wasn't meant to be malicious or anything but I'm a bit worried as I felt the hit/push send me backwards a decent amount. I felt like I had been really pushed back and my head did get jerked back.

Because I read that a blow to another part of the body can cause a concussion, then with me only 1 week into a concussion I am worried that I have reconcussed/reinjured myself?

My head feels pressured but that could be anxiety.
Anyway, I was wondering does it need to be a BIG bodyhit or can a semi-hard push/punch to the shoulder cause another injury, especially to someone recovering?

DeanBJJ,

After your irrational post about being pushed by your partner, I know that nothing I say can make a difference.

Sorry. You are on your own with your therapist. I will not waste my breath anymore.

Believe me you have helped so much more than you think. A lot of times whenever I do something I come back and read your comments and it helps calm me down.

Sadly because the push was different to a light bump etc I got worried and couldn't calm down and because I read that body hits can cause concussions I got worried.

I know you said to stop researching concussions but as you know anxiety is a ***** and is not rational haha.

I'm sorry I overstayed my welcome I wont post again until I update everyone in maybe 6 months - 1 year on my progress.

Thanks again mark

Getting help is the greatest thing you can do for yourself!...Now I talk to mine maybe every 2 months, but when things get crazy she is there for me!

I had my 94 year old mother stuck here over Covid, a forest fire not 10 miles from were I live....This year lost 2 dear friends on the same day!

I openly speak to my friends that I cant do things without help...I openly speak about my therapy and therapist.

I use to be that ruff construction worker, now I am a different but better person...I am happy to be alive even though life is very difficult.

I am very happy you are seeking help, it takes time and no simple fixes...Be honest and dont fear....They are there to help...Good luck