ADHD symptoms returned after TBI

[NiceUp]

I got a concussion (TBI) while snowboarding on January 2. It has taken me two months to (almost) fully recover. The immediate symptoms mirrored a lot of my ADHD problems like brain fog, distraction, and the inability to focus on a task for more than 20 minutes. Even the hyper focus.

My meds didn’t not help. Even after the worst symptoms began to subside, I could feel the stimulant effect of Adderall, but it was useless for focus.

I’m in the ninth week of recovery and I’d say meds are working about 50%. In a way I’m glad I spent 40 years with ADHD so I’m familiar with its barriers to focus, but it’s also been sad being shoved back into it.

I’m posting because I think it’s super interesting and also for anyone who might find themselves in the same situation. 🫨

[StanleyThyroid]

I didn't know I was ADHD and had a major head injury when I crashed my mountain bike. No one could explain why my head felt like there were fireworks going off all the time.it took me 3 years to turn the corner so it's great that the story is getting out. The only thing I was told during that time is that TBIs make existing conditions worse. Thanks for posting

[STEM_Dad]

TBI is no laughing matter, that's for sure!

There's even a subset of people with ADHD that was acquired after a TBI. But if I remember right, I believe I heard that the attention issues caused by a brain injury don't respond well to ADHD medication.

The stimulant that I found most mentioned for treating attention issues due to TBI was methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, others). There's a research trial that was conducted a few years ago, but the results are still under review, so the outcome hasn't been published yet.

verywellhealth.com/traumati...

I do hope that you recover, but I'm glad that your experience with ADHD helped prepare you for life after a TBI.

[Gettingittogether]

Wow, thanks for sharing your experience of TBI exacerbating ADHD symptoms. You're are 9 weeks into recovery. I'm hoping that means you still have lots of recovery ahead of you.