Football
Dear Doctor,
We are a football family. Our oldest has been a player at his high school.
He has had several hard blows while playing the game on the field. We have had to take him to the hospital at least once. He was knocked out that time. Recently he has changed. He seems to be having problems in school. He was never a great student but never failed or gave anyone any trouble.
Sometimes he is doing things he has never done before. When we talk to him about it, he cries and says he does not know why he is doing the things he does.
We have wondered if the football injuries might be connected to his doing what he is now.
Watching
Dear Watching,
It is difficult to give a firm answer. High school young people are in a dramatic period of life. They are changing, experimenting, and sometimes present as you describe your son.
But his "behavior" could be associated with a subtle intracranial injury. TBI-traumatic brain injury-is a possible explanation. Such injuries are reported from various sports. Treatment is often completed with those who address the initial injury being unaware of more long term results. Confusion, change in behavior, some cognitive problems, and the like are reported.
In my experience there have been mid to late teens whose difficulties were associated with automobile or sports injuries. Usually we think of such injuries as dramatic, but the more subtle ones do escape attention.
The diagnosis is also difficult. However, a good behavioral neurologist, especially at a teaching hospital, might take you further in the process. Insist on a neuropsychological examination. Such testing is often very effective at detecting the "soft" signs. This includes a good history.
Since your son appears to sense something is wrong, make him a partner in the evaluation.
Share your concern and plan the appointments with him.
Tags: appointments, automobile, cognitive problems, confusion, dear doctor, diagnosis, dramatic period, football family, football injuries, initial injury, intracranial injury, neurologist, playing the game, signs, sports injuries, teaching hospital, traumatic brain injury
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