air pressure and head injuries

[teacher02]

My son is healing from post concussion syndrome from multiple concussions. It's been a year since his last concussion and he is making slow progress, but progress. Still has mood swings, ADD, and sleeplessness, but has made nice gains. He went on a flight to Scottland to visit a friend and seemed fine while in Scottland, but seemed to have regressed in symptoms when he returned home. Mood swings returned significantly and his choices and behaviors reflect significant impairment of executive function ability. I was wondering if the air pressure or altitude during his flight could have caused a set back if his symptoms? I may be reaching, but I can't understand why he was progressing and then suffered such regression? Any ideas?

[habke]

I suffered from yet another concussion in Oct 2012.  When I flew to a lower altitude 3 weeks later I had no problems adjusting to the change in air pressure however upon returning to 5000 ft above sea level  I could not function for days after.  The same thing happened when I flew again 1 month later.  I completely believe that a change in air pressure from flying and even every day weather changes affects me.  Sunny high pressure days were the worst.  Now, however I have started CranioSacral Therapy and wish I had treatments months ago.  I do believe these treatments are making a difference.

[caregiver222]

There is no reasonable possibility that air pressure had ahnything to do with the propblems, provided the folight nwas aboard a commercial airliner. The actual altitude the aircraft flies at is not significant because cabin pressurization keeps the interior at an altitude of no higher than 7,000 MSL. In some more modern aircraft then cabin altitude is even lower.

[tschock]

I was only diagnosed with ADD around 20 years ago...they never had a name for it when I was growing up...but my report cards show that as early as grade one, I had "issues" paying attention.
The most severe concussion I had was when I was 12. The ones before that were minor. The one at 12 is the one that put me in a semi-comatose state for a week.
After that I became angrier...snapped easier...became even more depressed.
I had all those symptoms prior, but nothing like I did after that major concussion.

You are not reaching for excuses. Concussions are a nasty thing...why do you think hockey stars retire and are paid millions when they get concussions? I think it's unfair...but...who's to argue with hockey associations. lol
No one really knows how badly a person may be affected from a concussion. Your brain has just suffered a blow...it is thrown around...bruised...sore. You see things and hear things from them. You suffer your entire life...but no one seems to care...nor do they allow you to use your concussion as an "excuse" for your behavior, for your forgetfulness, etc...UNLESS you're rich and famous to begin with.
Sorry...I get so angry when I think of how well THEY are treated after receiving a minor concussion, to how WE are treated after a major, life-threatening concussion.
I thought about your concerns a bit more...and with those of us with ADD ( and of course even those without)  we find it hard to leave special places behind. Your son may be regressing due to the fact that he was in a new place and then suddenly thrust back into reality again. I know that I, for one have a hard time coping when I have to return to reality again.
You go away for a few days. You relax and unwind. And then suddenly you're back to standing in your kitchen washing dishes like you do every single day. You just didn't have enough time away...or so it seems.
I'm wondering if your son is feeling that too?
Of course you can't help but wonder if it was indeed the plane ride. Who knows what happens to the brain once it's been damaged. Perhaps the gravitational pulls affect us differently.
I'm still searching for more answers on line. I'll let you know if I find anything useful.
Thanks for your patience.

[teacher02]

Was your ADD a result of the concussions effecting your executive function or did you have ADD prior? I ask because in the case of my son, he had no attention difficulties and although he had a temper, he had no sudden mood swings or irrational behavior until after the concussions which totally altered his demeanor. He is still recovering over a year later, but made progress. I may be reaching for excuses? But, I saw significant regression in his decission making after the trip and thought it may have had something to do with the flight? I thank you for your reply, I will seek more information on the ear fluid.
Thank you!

[tschock]

This could possibly be a factor.
Have his ears checked. He could be suffering from fluid in his ears, which could cause many symptoms.
Did anything happen during his trip? Did something set him off?
Will he answer you honestly?

I have ADD, have had several concussions over the years, and also suffer with Meniere's Disease ( inner ear thing )...I get the worst "jet lag" in the world when I even go over the mountains in a car. Any change in altitude sets me off...but I think that's mostly due to the Meniere's.
Everyone knows to leave me alone for a few days to recuperate after any traveling time. lol

Take your son to the doctor if this lasts for more than 2 weeks.