Childhood concussion

@bep Welcome to Mayo Connect, where patients and caregivers gather to support one another.
You pose an interesting question, since I am sure many of us suffered concussions in our childhood or adolescence - a lot of the were probably never diagnosed if we were raised by "no Blood? You'll be okay!" parents. Or, in the case of concussions suffered as teens, we hid them from our parents to avoid being disciplined for something we shouldn't have been doing, or we didn't want to be held out of a sports event due to concussion protocols.
So, being curious (and having had at least two concussions as a kid) I did a little research...It seems the consensus is...maybe. It is becoming well understood that repeated concussions - especially those suffered over time - can lead to problems over time. This has been demonstrated publicly by many pro athletes, and has led to the care that is now being taken to better protect heads.
But, the literature on a single childhood concussion is mixed, with some saying it can lead to immediate issues, a few saying issues down the road, but overall about 90% continue their lives with no adverse consequences.

I think that , with diagnosed ADHD and other medical issues, your depression is likely linked to those. Have you discussed medication for your ADHD and depression with your provider?
Sue

@sueinmn

I'm taking an SSRI to treat my depression. I am not currently taking any ADHD medication. I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help with the latter. Understanding my ADHD better through research and education has helped me the most. When I learned how people with ADHD's brains work, it really helped me understand things better. I also tried some of the tricks that others use to be more productive while dealing with ADHD.

As far as the concussion is concerned, my parents rushed me to the ER, where I was examined by the same doctor who examined the teens on the local high school football teams. He assured my parents that I would be fine as long as I did not vomit. I started vomiting as soon as my parents returned me to the parking lot. They took me back inside right away, and the doctor gave me another quick examination. He said I was fine and that I could even go outside and play when I got home. As a rambunctious kid, I did exactly that...until the migraine hit. I recall feeling sick and lying on the couch with a cold compress over my eyes and forehead. (Perhaps I had a fever as well?) My parents claim I had seizures as well. My parents eventually put me in a pallet bed next to theirs so they could check on me all night long, waking me up every hour to check on me and ask me basic questions like "what is your name?" I became so enraged at one point that I stated my name and proceeded to spell it slowly and loudly. That was the end of it.

Thank you for your response. I was fairly certain that the depression was linked to all of the autoimmune and chronic health issues, but I wanted to check with the group.

BEP