[PaulsMom]

Hello. I am new to NeuroTalk as of today. Please know all suggestions are welcome. Here is my son's story.

My son was hit in the head with a line drive BASEball that just left the bat in April 2014. It happened at school by a teacher. It was an accident, however the teacher was clearly negligent.

My son's son blacked out yet they made him walk across the street to the office. The teacher & office staff were not aware of concussion symptoms. I was called to come pick him up. My husband picked him up and took him to Urgent Care then the ER at Urgent Care's request for an MRI. CT, MRI, XRays all neg.

My son was unable to walk a straight line, he had emtional fits, extreme nausea, acted completely different than himself, short term memory loss, fatigue, became overwhelmed quickly and would become tearful or angry and nauseated. Oh, did I mention nonstop headaches and trouble visually focusing? My son was referred to a neurologist right away and is still seeing him.

Several people in the medical field have suggested that my son get into therapies for PT, vision, studying and other helps. My son was injured in the early part of 7th grade. He is now struggling to finish 7th grading using a home schooling format. My son's neurologist seems to think that once my son is "better all his symptoms will vanish". I am not so sure considering the research I've done. Even if they did, my son needs assistance to handle some of the emotional issues that come up and easing back into school so he can graduate with his friends. My son attended a private school. I feel I am getting no support from them.

I am so frustrated that my son is still dealing with the teacher's negligence. There must be more I can do for him!

I am open to all helpful comments or just words of encouragment.

Thank you!

PaulsMom

[Mark in Idaho]

PaulsMom,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I am so sorry to hear of your son's injury. My mother went through the same turmoil when I was 10 years old.

First, please try to let go of your idea of him graduating with his friends. He needs to get better much more than he needs to stay on track with a school schedule. Does his school have an odd schedule ? April is not early in a normal 7th grade year. What did he do over the summer ? Has he taken any time off from academics ?

Second, you need to find a new neurologist. He does not sound very knowledgeable. His statement is meaningless.

It is understandable that his school is not offering support. They are likely more concerned about getting sued. Plus, they appear to have no understanding of concussions. They were negligent in how they treated him after the injury. I don't want to scare you but you may need to prepare for a long recovery. Talking with an attorney may be worthwhile. Some of the therapies he may need are not usually covered by insurance.

It would be worthwhile for him to have a Neuro Psychological Assessment.

He needs a low stress environment while he continues to rest and heal. His personality change will be a struggle for all. He may struggle with his friendships. I was abandoned by my friends. You can help him when he gets upset. You will likely notice an upset coming. Being able to direct him to avoid an outburst will be a big help. He needs to have good support as he will likely be very frustrated and confused about these outbursts. He needs to know that they are not 'HIM' but rather his injury. Nobody helped my family understand these issues. I wish I knew how to explain it to a 7th grader. Maybe as you explain more of his struggles, I can help you understand.

Is he doing a private school at home directed by his school or have you put together a true homeschool program for him ? btw, My 3 kids were homeschooled through high school so I understand it well.

More later after you have explained more of what is happening with Paul.

My best to you both.

[willgardner]

I have not come across anyone, including specialists, doctors, and various health care professionals, who knows about PCS/TBI as well as Mark, so I would take his advice.

You should definitely consult an attorney.

[thedude58]

PaulsMom,

You have come to a very good support site for post concussion support. You are doing the right thing, continue to learn as much as you can because you are your son's best advocate!

My opinion about the medical community in general is that there is a brain revolution underway (as in industrial or digital), but that information is not yet common knowledge among doctors and other medical professionals. We have to do our own digging.

Jamie