Parkinson's and concussion relationship

Posted by blue50 @blue50, Mar 24 8:04pm

In 2011 I was involved in a car accident - the back of my head had three large bumps (concussion) and my SI joint was fractured. Three surgeries later I continue to walk. But in 2018 I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's-my tremors are controlled with med's, however 'some doc's' are stating I may have been misdiagosed. At 57 years young-doc's are concerned with my cognitive impairment I have been experiencing. These doc's have no answers, no other diagnosis-just 'we really don't know what is causing the rapid cognitive decline'. I am trying to find a doctor who has studied, or have had patients with simialar scenarios. Anyone have any info on the link between Concussion/Parkinson's/Cognitive Impairment?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Mar 30 2:50pm

Hi, @blue50 - sorry to hear all you've been through. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

What I'd suggest would be to go to Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/ and see what doctors may have written multiple published papers on the topic you are referencing. That will give you a good idea of who is really at the research edge of the field.

Maria Lara | @marialara | 2 hours ago

Hello, @blue50. I hope you have posted in a Parkinson's group. I cannot imagine you are alone. Thank you for posting.

I do not have experience with the combination of Parkinson's and concussions, but I understand that while they have related symptoms, the motor-based portions are just slightly different. With my son, who suffered a severe TBI, his motor-based challenges were approached slightly differently than someone who is experiencing motor-based challenges with Parkinson's. However, the cognitive side has more in common. And, paired with your suffering from concussions, it seems that cognitive decline/challenges would surface. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) worked amazing wonders for my son. More and more research is being done in this field. I can see that a new study was released that shows the benefits of HBOT in Parkinson's. It may not be a cure, but it may make a profound difference if done correctly.

I wish you the very best and will weave you into our prayers. God bless!