Could my past brain injury cause personality changes at 25?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 25 years old now, so all of this has lingered for at least a decade. At 15 years old, I fell backwards down a flight of steps (about 10) and presented to the ER with a contusion on the back of my head, a headache, and anosmia (anosmia ultimately lasted for about three weeks, and the headache for a while after).

Possible LOC includes (there was no witness testimony; I just remember letting go of the railing and hitting my head on the ground, hearing loud ringing or bells or gong-type sounds, and my vision was out for a little while)

I saw white or black or flashing lights, and as it came back, someone at the top of the steps asked, “Are you okay?” but I have no recollection of being unconscious, and an ambulance was not called, so I am not sure of the timeline of when she showed up.

The neuro exam was otherwise normal. CT was normal, and the diagnosis was CHI, no concussion. About one to two years down the line, I started to experience sudden anxiety, mood changes, sensitivity to loud sounds, and some focusing issues (I attributed this to teenage hormones and college stress at the time).

Can a TBI go unnoticed because of a normal CT scan?

I have not brought up this injury to my PCP or psychiatrist at the risk of sounding dramatic, but is it possible my psychiatric symptoms may have something to do with this injury that I dismissed because I was told I did not have a concussion?

Should I bring it up to my doctors or just let it go?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern and would explain that, based on your description, it is less likely that you have had a brain concussion. We cannot exclude that this head trauma may have influenced the increased sensitivity to everyday problems.

Anyway, considering your actual symptoms, an antidepressant would help improve your situation. You should know that antidepressants are the main treatment for post-concussion syndrome, as well as for anxiety and depression. Yoga and recreational sports can help too.

I remain at your disposal in case of further questions whenever you need them.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.