My grandson - age 11 - suffered a couple of concussions in the last four months. After the last one (a hit to the head with a hockey stick) he has suffered blackouts and emotional upsets. He was light sensitive and had headaches but that gas gotten somewhat better. He has been tested (mri, cat scan and eeg) and everything is OK. Has anyone has similar experience and how did you treat it?? Worried Grandmother

Hi and welcome
I moved your post onto the main section of the forum where you will be able to get more responses

Thanks Chemar,

genienini,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Your grandson's experience is not uncommon. The tests and imaging rule out serious damage but do not rule out the damage caused by a concussion. At his age, concussions can take longer to heal but often eventually heal better. He needs to take every step to avoid another concussion, especially as his brain enters a serious maturing period (puberty).

His behavioral outbursts are not uncommon. I suffered a bad concussion at the same age and my personality changed from a 'sweat little boy' to argumentative and depressed. You should help those around him know this is related to his injury and not an expression of him becoming a bad person. He may need some counseling help to learn skills to reduce his outbursts.

At his age, I believe he is very frustrated internally. I sure was. The mental confusion that can result from a concussion can be frustrating. If he says he does not understand something or has similar complaints, please take them seriously. The worst part about having concussion struggles is when others refuse to believe or accept them.

He likely struggles with over-stimulation. Reducing audio and visual stimulation may help him be settled. Allowing him to remove himself from chaotic situations will be worthwhile.

Please feel free to tell us or ask us anything. There is a wealth of experience here.

My best to you both.

Dear Mark from Idaho -- Your reply was very interesting, however you do not mention blackouts. Did you experience any? They seem to occur in the latter part of the day or after physical exertion. I find this very frightening.

Also, emotional outbursts (rage) at inappropriate situations are very troubling.

trying to limit physical activity is very difficult with this child. Everything I read states that rest is vital in the healing process. If he is active is he causing more damage.

I appreciate any feedback that you have for this situation. Worried Grandmother

You don't describe what these blackout are like. I had petit mal (absence) seizures in high school after a concussion. I may have been having them in 4th and 5th grade. Teachers thought I was daydreaming.

He really needs help understanding his need to participate in his recovery. If he is more symptomatic later in the day, he may benefit from some afternoon quiet time or even a nap. His activity level is not damaging his brain. It is just delaying his recovery. That delayed recovery may include more outburst episodes where he develops a history of trouble at school and with friends.

His black out should be of concern to a neurologist. A clean EEG does not mean he is not having seizures.

How much influence do you have in his daily life ?