I am 28 years old and 16 months into PCS. I am obsessed with the fact that my brain will always have low tolerance for the next concussion if that happens. I don't know how to deal with this scary thought. I can't seem to accept it either and I have become panicky. I can't imagine living the rest of my life worrying about getting a concussion with a lesser force than the general population. It's scary and depressing how can one live life if one's brain is vulnerable to everyday bumps ? How to deal with this ?? I have never been a fan of any contact sports. The only risk of getting another concussion in my case is bumps and potholes and rough patches on road and I can't stop obsessing about it and very frustrated of being vulnerable. Please help me. How do I deal with this anxiety ?

It might be time to go see a specialist in anxiety conditions.
That treatment focus might be more helpful for you at this time.

As you probably know, this is a fairly common anxiety among TBI patients. As you appear to be suffering mightily, I doubt our reassurances will be sufficient to put you more at ease.

I would suggest that you get professional help, from a psychologist versed in PCS. Your local brain injury association might be a good sources of recommendations.

I think that I have yet to meet a TBI patient who didn't experience some level of anxiety and/or depression. It can be quite debilitating. Psychological assessment should be a standard part of the treatment protocol.

You aren't alone and your anxiety CAN be treated. Get the help you need.

Hi Galaxy,

I'm sure right now the anxiety associated with hurting your head again feels so embedded in your life that you are unsure if it's ever gonna go away. That's where I was after my first concussion, but when all the symptoms faded away so did the anxiety. I lived the 5 years after my 1st concussion as if I had never had a concussion; played contact sports, did stupid s*** that I'd be scared to do right now. Now that I had a 2nd concussion, I'm feeling the anxiety again but I do know that it goes away once your symptoms fade.

Thank you for the replies. I think I need some talk therapy or something like that. Can anyone tell me what kind of doctor should I consult ?

You are not alone - I have the exact same problem.

Finding a good therapist is a good start - one with experience in theese problems, who you trust.

When you have been symptome free for a while, and I dont see why you shouldnt be totally cured, you will forget about it, and move on -I have a colleague who suffered for 3 years and who are totally cured now. He says he rarely thinks about concussions anymore.

Be patient and think positive(I know thats easy to say) - anxiety is counterproductive.

I'm dealing with the same thing. Can hardly ride in cars or walk. I'm going into my last year of high school and haven't been able to see any of my friends this entire summer cuz I've been so sensitive and felt so lousy. I've tried an anti-inflammatory diet and that has helped a little bit. I also found a really cheap hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment center that is only 30 dollars a session, which I feel has helped but is a controversial treatment option at this time. But whatever you do, don't give up hope. Pain is temporary, but if you quit, it will last forever. Feel free to hit me up if you have any questions, I've had PCS 2 years and know quite a lot.