OpenHealth Q&A

Exploring Systemic Issues 14 Months After a Concussion

**Profile:** Male, 33 years old, Caucasian, standing at 5'11" and weighing 165 pounds, residing in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. **Personal History:** I’ve always been somewhat unconventional in my health, but ever since sustaining a concussion 14 months ago, I've experienced a marked decline in my physical well-being. I’m trying to discern whether these challenges are mere coincidences or indicative of a broader systemic issue. **Chronology of Symptoms:** * **Juvenile Glaucoma:** Diagnosed at 16 years of age. An eye specialist once inquired about any joint problems I might have, but I didn’t know how to respond at that time. * **Hernia:** Identified by my primary physician around six years back. I endured severe pain for three to four weeks before it subsided on its own just prior to a scheduled surgical consultation. * **Eye Bleed:** Experienced an unexplained hemorrhage in my eye a few years ago; all tests performed returned normal results, leaving doctors puzzled about the cause. * **Gastrointestinal Issues:** I have been dealing with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) throughout my life, though dietary changes have provided some relief. I also face bouts of significant constipation about once or twice yearly, with the most recent episode occurring last Christmas when I nearly required medical intervention. Generally, I suffer from mild constipation a couple of times monthly, which I manage through my diet. **Musculoskeletal & Neurological Concerns:** * **Wrist Suffering:** Having played guitar and bass for over 15 years, I discovered that learning proper stretch techniques greatly helped; however, I still endured acute wrist pain during live performances, resulting in noticeable redness and inflammation after practice sessions. Nowadays, even simple tasks such as texting or writing can lead to my wrist feeling weak or tingly. Interestingly, I can still type comfortably on a keyboard. * **Knee and Ankle Sensations:** These sensations began about four years ago, where I experience sharp "lightning bolts" of nerve pain traveling from my ankle to my knee. Despite adhering strictly to a physical therapy regimen for flat feet, hiking continues to cause discomfort, particularly behind my knees. Fortunately, the nerve shocks have diminished with my therapy compliance. * **The Flexibility Dilemma:** I can nearly place my palms flat on the ground but this position triggers immediate pain at the back of my knees. I often feel the need to crack my back, neck, and fingers for relief, but I don’t perceive excessive mobility in my fingers or any other areas. * **Physical Therapy Insights:** I’ve been undergoing therapy focused on foot pronation, requiring me to strengthen my foot and leg muscles. Standing for extended periods has induced severe pain, prompting me to question my physical condition even prior to starting physical therapy. **The Concussion Factor:** * After recovering for 14 months, the journey has been exceedingly difficult. I required prisms in my glasses and a year-long vestibular rehab program to cope. Progress in my fitness regimen is painfully slow; any attempt to push my limits results in tense neck and shoulder muscles, exacerbating my existing symptoms. * A few years ago (pre-concussion), I experienced a fleeting episode of faintness/syncope, where I felt faint for several hours. An ER visit led to chest X-rays, all of which returned normal. **Inquiry:** Does this combination of early-onset glaucoma, hernia, nerve pain, and joint dysfunction suggest a potential diagnosis such as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or another connective tissue disorder? I worry about being dismissed as merely experiencing "anxiety"—which I am indeed addressing in therapy—but it often feels like the physical symptoms initiate the anxiety. Should I consult with a Physiatrist, a Geneticist, or another specialist adept in correlating concussions with underlying structural ailments? I’m not seeking a definitive diagnosis but rather am curious if others relate to my experiences, or if I am mistakenly connecting disparate symptoms.

Answers (1)

2/8/2026, 4:30:37 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been navigating a complex set of symptoms and concerns since your concussion, which can be quite distressing. You've highlighted various interconnected physical issues, and understanding their relationship—whether they indicate a broader systemic issue or are coincidental—can be challenging.

Main Points:

• Your diverse symptoms could suggest a potential connective tissue disorder, but they may also stem from your past concussion and its impact on your overall health.
• It’s essential to approach this systematically and thoughtfully, considering both specialist insights and your experiences.

Explanation:

1. Connection to Concussion: Your symptoms post-concussion, such as dizziness, muscle stiffness, and changes in coordination, could relate to the brain injury affecting your neurological and musculoskeletal systems. Chronic pain and discomfort following a concussion can arise as the body adjusts.

2. Potential Connective Tissue Disorders: Your history of early-onset glaucoma, hernia, gastrointestinal issues, and musculoskeletal pain may hint at a connective tissue disorder, such as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). These conditions often present with musculoskeletal issues, and your symptoms of joint dysfunction and nerve pain could be aligned with such disorders.

3. Anxiety and Physical Symptoms: It's understandable that dealing with physical symptoms can heighten anxiety levels. Anxiety can indeed exacerbate physical sensations, and treating the two holistically can be beneficial.

Next Steps:

1. Consult a Multidisciplinary Team: Given the complexity of your symptoms, consider consulting a Physiatrist (a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation) first. They can assess your musculoskeletal issues and guide rehabilitation more effectively. A Geneticist may also be valuable if a connective tissue disorder is suspected, as they can provide insights into hereditary conditions.

2. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including triggers, intensity, duration, and any correlation with specific activities or stressors. This will provide your healthcare providers with a clearer picture of your experiences.

3. Physical Therapy Continuation: Continue with your physical therapy, focusing on exercises that strengthen the weak areas while being cautious about aggravating pain. Mention all your symptoms to your therapist; they may adapt your regimen to better accommodate your condition.

4. Mental Health Support: Since anxiety plays a role in your perception of symptoms, maintain open communication with your therapist about both your physical and mental health challenges. They can help you find techniques to manage anxiety related to physical symptoms.

5. Seek Peer Support: Connecting with others who have experienced similar conditions may provide reassurance and insights. Online support groups for individuals with concussion symptoms and connective tissue disorders can be beneficial.

It's essential to approach this journey with patience. Changes can take time, and gathering the right information and support can help you feel more empowered and less isolated. Let me know if you need further information or clarification on any point.