Hi,

I'm exchange student in the US and suffered a mild concussion two months ago trough heading a ball. I think I have posted in this forum a month ago about that. The result was pcs. I didn't rest like I have should in the week after concussion and I think because of that I got pcs. The thing is i don't know if it's over or I am just imagine that I'm still having it. A week ago I felt pretty much alright and was free of depression or anything but I could be in the middle of my concussion again right now.
My symptoms thatt are for sure:
ear ringing
fatigue
feeling burnt out
sad

On the one hand I just changed host family yesterday, my first one was horrible and I lived in dirt and just ate cereals all the time. so i decided to change and after that i was just stressed out an tired and sad. now it feels like in a dream again. i have to say that I'm playing basketball right now and I'm getting dizzy while practice or I'm just getting blurry vision. If I would tell I probably have to go home. my parents are annoyed of me because i'm tellig them that i feel that my symptoms are coming back and they are just like, "u r imagine that, don't always think that u r having symptoms. u r driving yourself crazy girl" they might be right. i can just think about if I am still having symptoms or not like all the time. that is making symptoms worse anyway I know.
i feel so apathic since few days.
so I'm wondering if this could be something different then pcs like depression maybe. what I have experienced here is more traumatic then a great experience.
most of the time i'm just sad and apathic and i could like cry all day and i can't talk with anybody about it because they would send me home. oh, before i forget since the injury my neck is klicking with every movement. they checked it and said it's nothing maybe a bone which is out of place. but it feels so weird when i'm moving my head. So, is it even possible to get pcs which is lasting so long from heading a soccer ball, I mean come on! Is there a way I could just imagine all this stuff because I'm so desperate and stressed?

Lui,

It is sad to hear that you are still suffering so. You have had some unfortunate experiences indeed in your brief time here in the US.
I wish that were not so for you.

The ear ringing is the tinnitus.
As Mark indicated, it is very common with pcs. Are you listening to iPod or mp3 player? Loud music of any kind? Perhaps soft, low-volume, easy-listening music on your iPod or mp3 would help to avert your attention.
Perhaps a low-level of music/radio at night to go to sleep? Just a suggestion.

You asked: "So, is it even possible to get pcs which is lasting so long from heading a soccer ball, I mean come on! "
In short, yes, it is possible, as many persons on here have experienced.

What has been your self-care since the heading a ball injury?
Are you continuing basketball? What are your other activities and your schedule? Are you making time daily for the prescribed quiet rest?
Are you taking it easy or are you playing basketball?

However my attention is drawn to the entire gestalt of your unfortunate circumstances since being in the US.
The stress of your former living conditions and uncaring attitudes of your former host family, Ach. Das ist aber schade.
It is good that you chose to change host family.
I hope that you may be made more welcomed and feel cared for now.
However no one can help you unless you ask.

You do need to talk with someone there, Lui. If not your hosts, perhaps a counselor or a teacher at the school with whom you feel comfortable.

You must not persist with this feeling of "i can't talk with anybody about it because they would send me home."

Die am besten zu Ihnen,
Theta

As Theta said, it is unfortunate that your are going through this.

I suggest that you get armed with some understanding of concussion and approach your host family for support. With proper understanding, they can be more of a help for you. There is a saying, it is better to be close to an enemy you know than an enemy you don't. It will be safer for you to discuss your condition with your hosts so they will not over-react to any time of severe symptoms. If they have your condition sprung on them, they will be at a big disadvantage and may over-react.

It will help if they understand that you are taking steps to help with your recovery. Continuing to put your brain at risk by playing basketball will not be in your favor.

If you can get a copy of Dr Robert Cantu's new book "Concussions and Our Kids" they can get a good understanding of the risks of you continuing your stay in the US. The risks are low if you moderate your daily activities. You will not get any better care in Germany so going home will not change anything.

In fact, the book may be the way to introduce them to the facts and such about concussions.

My best to you.

I'm playing basketball every day after school for 2-3 hours. It's really fun but like I said, I', getting blurry vision and i keep on forgetting things I leaned while practice. I will quit and try to get manager. It's pretty sad but I will just wait this 5 months to the next sport season. Hopefully PCS will be gone by then. My new host familiy is very active so there will be something to do. I just want to be alright again and I'm really losing the hope that it will be better at any time because right now I feel like at my firt day having concussion.

Ok, my doctor does not really belive me anymore and is just annoyed that I'm still having this health problems! Alright!

You need then to see another doctor.