I have been reading through the forums and research on how the brain is hyper-sensitive to hits after a concussion. I am wondering how sensitive is the average brain after or during PCS, basically I am asking how careful I should be.

For example, I have been reading research on how heading a soccer ball can be considered a subconcussive impact. If I were to head a soccer ball while having PCS, could it potentially be a concussive impact? Or would it not cause any new damage and aggravate the already present damage? Obviously I'm not going to head a soccer ball, but I'm just curious.

Like I tried running a few months ago and got a very bad headache, but nowhere have I found research saying that running could damage the brain. Would this mean that it is a blood pressure thing?

THanks.

Also has anybody noticed improvement even after like 2 and a half years?

I am very close to just giving up.

Are you asking about impact tolerance improvement after 2 years or basic PCS symptom improvement after 2 years ? Are you still struggling with PCS symptoms ? What symptoms ? What have you tried to reduce those symptoms?

Nobody can say specifically what effect heading a soccer ball has. It does jar the brain and traumatizes the neck. I suggest you never head a soccer ball. It is not worth the risk. Soccer can be enjoyed without needing to head the ball. I would like to see soccer leagues where heading the ball is not allowed. Learn chest and foot traps instead. Research from the 1970's reveal a 9 point IQ difference between those who have a history of heading a soccer ball and those who don't.

Regarding running, try running a short distance with foam ear plus in. You will hear the impacts to your head. Then, modify your running gait and foot plant to reduce that impact. It will make a big difference. Nobody is going to say 'running damages the brain.' They would be laughed at. But, running does cause an impact force to transmit to the head. Each person will have different tolerances. Nobody can predict.

My best to you.

All my symptoms since I first hit my head have been quite mild. Headaches, tinnitus, and chronic fatigue. They do not debilitate me too much, but I am not sure that they have improved at all. I frequently takes breaks between studying, I have limited myself to sub-threshold physical activities, I avoid caffeine and other toxins, I follow a vitamin regimine similiar to yours.

I have also called all possible universities/colleges that I am thinking of attending and have inquired as to whether they will allow me to take a reduced course load, and live in a quiet residence. I am pretty much anxiety free and just trying to live my life as normal as possible, with precautions in place.

And yes I was wondering if anyone has shown signs of improvement with general PCS symptoms after 2.5 years. Honestly, I can live with my current symptoms, I just do not want them to get worse. But it is depressing that I feel no hope for improvement, and just fear for regression.

Yeah I think precautions for soccer players would be a good idea, especially in youth soccer and professional players who play a lot. Some of the crosses in professional play could literally break a hand, and they are heading them.

Also I want to try to increase my physical activity, but I am scared that my symptoms will get worse. I have no idea what my threshold is anymore. Any suggestions for how to gradually increase intensity?

Mark, just out of curiosity how did you sustain so many concussions? And I am curious as to what type of concussion protocol was around when you got your first one.

There was no concussion protocol until after my last concussion. Concussions were know to be problematic but some med professionals discounted the seriousness of concussions. After my bad concussion at 10 due to a bike fall that left me in the hospital for 3 days with slurred speech, the rest of my concussion were things like hitting my head into a overhead beam or heading a soccer ball or a violent shaking from an amusement park ride. I was assaulted and violently slugged in the head twice.

I'm sorry to hear that, which ride was it?

Also I will be having to commute to a family members house about 6-7 times per year. It would be around a 20 hour car ride (I would not be the one driving), or a 2 hour plane flight. If this was just a one time thing I would probably fly, but since I have to do it a number of times which one do you think would be less symptom provoking?

And shortly after my mTBI I was very anxious, and I started doing things a lot slower (to an unhealthy extent), this including making sure that I did not turn my head quickly, like most people do. I have had no neck injuries, it was just a result of my anxiety. But is this a good precaution to have in place? It makes me feel a bit awkward socializing and I do not want to do it if I do not have to.

Sorry for all the questions, just the last two neurologists I had didn't really believe in concussions (lol).

My head is very sensitive to quick movement but it does not stop me. I have just developed a slower movement pattern. I also have found I do better turning my shoulders as I turn my head. I learned this walking the back yard looking for dog 'deposits.'

If you can tolerate TSA, airport commotion and being in a confined cabin for 2 hours, I'd suggest you fly. I need to sit at the front row with a bulkhead in front of me. I need the visual space otherwise, my claustrophobia is a problem. I use the AACA (Access to Air Carriers Act) to get the seat I need. Once I reserve online, I have to call in and request the seat I need. I tell them I have a visual processing disability that makes it difficult to have a seat back 12 inches from my face. I have to be sure to say I have no problem being in an exit row.

The fatigue from a 20 hour drive would likely make you visit difficult.

Al right, thanks for that.

Regarding the neck movement, if it didn't cause symptoms I assume it would be okay to move it normally? I ask this because I plan to get my drivers license soon and the instructors are very picky about doing proper shoulder checks and such.

I was also very sensitive to jolts and bumps but it improved greatly until I went for a drive through a very bumpy road for about 2 hours. The sensitivity has somewhat come back. I discovered that there is something wrong with my neck as I felt some nerve getting irritated in my neck as soon as the vehicle hit a bump. Thereafter I would feel something stuck in my throat/upper neck for hours until it subsides the next morning . any thoughts what it might be ? Maybe its neck tissue injury and inflammation agitated ?

I think you are right about your difficulty swallowing being related to a neck injury. It gets inflamed resulting in radiculopathy of the nerve and the related dysfunction. Icing the neck may help as will good resting posture.