physical explanation for post concussion symptoms

[hobbes]

My son had a concussion in June in boot camp (hit in the head with Pugil Stick 3x;his helmet was also poorly fitting and loose).He didn't lose consciousness,but he was put on bed rest for a week.He often experienced whole-body episodes of his muscles contracting (whole body).These whole-body times would be many times a day at first and would last from a couple of minutes to an hour and a half.He would be alert,not in pain, but as if his muscles were all contracting at once,and would just have to wait for it to subside.3 months later these whole-body episodes have subsided to once every 2 weeks.He still gets leg tightness,usually for several days at a time.Currently he has been in this state for 2 weeks.He can walk during this time, but it is slower and stilted;sometimes it is described as looking similar to cerebral palsy.At first after the concussion he was not able to do much;would get blurry vision and feel sick when attempting to do anything.That got better after about a month, though he is still not up to his previous very fit state.He attempted college after returning home,but the intermittant walking trouble made travelling to classes difficult and he admitted that his thinking processes were not up to par (retention hard).He's had MRIs(normal)and during an EEG had a short whole-body episode during which his brain waves remained the same.Dr is telling him this can't be from the brain since he remains alert,and is telling him it is subconciously induced (conversion reaction said the military; panic attack says the dr).I don't buy it;his mindset does not fit either one

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

It is difficult for me to provide you with a precise diagnosis with the information you have provided. However the normal MRI and EEG help to exclude structural abnormalities, seizures, vascular anomalies, or brian inflammation. To complete your sons evaluation he should have his electrolytes and muscle enzymes checked. It is possible for individuals to have these symptoms also from stress or psychiatric conditions. Perhaps a consultation with a psychiatrist in addition to a neurologist would be helpful. I wish I could be of more help. Good luck.

[hobbes]

ran out of room! don't know if the docs see these comments also. More post-concussion symptoms: Since then he gets headaches (never did before). He's going to be seen in a month for a 3-5 days continuous EEG/video inpatient. He's also scheduled for neuropsych testing (paper and pencil/memory/learning). What I've read about conversion reaction is that your subconscious transfers to your body some internal conflict.  He was very motivated to be in the Marines and was doing well and not trying to get out of it, so can't imagine what conflict that would entail.  Even if so, that should go away once out of the Corps (which he is) and it is still here.  Re: panic attacks, he's never had any feeling of panic/fear/advoidance and they occur randomly with and without people around, not in any stressful situations at all.  I feel like the 'mental' talk is a waste basket diagnosis just because they can't explain it so far. I've asked about a neck MRI, but have been put off, saying that wouldn't show anything, but I wonder. What other testing might you recommend?  It is very frustrating, more so since the Corps just sent him home saying it is a 'failure to adapt' and links it not-at-all to the concussion...now we have to go about 'proving' the medical cause and effect to change his discharge and make him eligible for medical care for this (which we are so far paying through the nose for ourselves). I sent a healthy, bright son to them and got him back in a fog, unable to go to school or think well enough to work much, shouldn't drive and trouble getting around.  We need some answers and proof.  Thanks.