Hi everyone,

This is my first post, but I’ve read some of the concussion information and conversations on this forum for a while now. I apologize if I did not look around deeply enough to find a thread that already addressed this type of question.

I’ve had two diagnosed concussions throughout my life, and have decided to post for the first time because I’ve received many minor bumps to my head since and am unclear about whether or not they’ve caused concussions.

My first two concussions were six years apart. I received my first in 7th grade, and my second in 12th grade, and recovered well from both of them, without serious or prolonged symptoms. I did not have any concussions in between, did not have any impacts within short periods of time following both concussions, and have not had any major impacts since my 12th grade concussion.

Despite my fortunate recoveries from each concussion, I’ve grown excessively anxious about my body’s ability to tolerate head bumps and the effect concussions might have on my intelligence and potential. My mom has suffered from a stroke which left her with cognitive disabilities. I feel a lot of sympathy for my mom, and she lives each day with a smile, appreciating a lot more about life than I’m sure many people, including myself, take the time to. While she has set a great example for how to deal with adversity, I’m acutely aware of the impact head injuries might have on someone’s life. I understand a stroke differs from a concussion, but know that multiple concussions are also debilitating.

When I bump my head – i.e. a bump on my girlfriend’s elbow or an average bump to the head from contact with a shelf – I experience an immediate anxiety that about the long-term effects this contact could have on me. It takes me anywhere from a week to a month or two to totally talk myself down from these anxious episodes, and I would say the anxiety fluctuates between panic attacks and moderate levels. However, aside from the anxiety, I do experience a single concussive symptom with the occasional head bump: mild tension headaches. I do not experience light sensitivity, mental fatigue, difficulty thinking, vertigo, ringing in ears, a metallic taste in my mouth, or any of those hallmark concussion symptoms. These tension headaches will sometimes flare-up while I try and concentrate, however they don’t become incredibly painful, just slightly more irritating. Sometimes, though, these headaches don’t persist at all while I work and actually disappear. Intense physical exercise typically doesn’t exacerbate these symptoms, but rather tends to help them: playing squash or going for runs often relives the anxiety and the headaches. The day after my most recent head bump, my head felt like it was floating – no pressure, just a “floaty” feeling like you get with a sinus infection.

I know that no one can know for sure, but I wanted to hear from you all and get your feedback on whether or not these bumps to the head seem like they might be concussions. If so, I’ve had a total of 10-12 concussions and that number absolutely terrifies me. I feel as though, if I did have a total of 10-12 actual concussions, my cognitive functioning would be significantly worse than it currently stands, but I am young (23) and maybe it will take my brain a little while longer to feel the full extent of these potential concussive impacts.

Thank you all for the advice I’ve been able to take away through just browsing the forums, and I appreciate any responses you all might have to my concerns.

From the information provided about the, "head bumps," it's hard to say whether these are concussive impacts or not. I would say probably not. The brain really is quite tough, and you don't seem to have an extensive concussive history. Just try to be a bit cautious and continue living your life.

But regardless if they are or not, I would recommend getting treatment for your anxiety. I had to. You would be surprised at the array of symptoms that anxiety can cause, including headaches.

Your anxiety can be worse for you long term than a few light head bumps. Head aches, especially tension head aches are commonly caused by anxiety. Anxiety equals tension.

With you anxiety come a rise in blood pressure. If you are concerned, get a blood pressure kit so you can check your BP. High BP is a common cause of strokes. Anxiety is a common cause of high BP. So, getting treatment for your anxiety is important. The sub-concussive impacts that cause long term problems are not occasional impacts. They are impacts by the hundreds to a thousand over a single sport season. A dozen or two is just life's little bumps. Best to avoid them but not a big issue when they happen.