Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event—this adds heft to his story. Not that I didn’t believe him, it’s common sense. If you take too many hits to the head, you’re probably going to damage your freakin’ brain.
Dizziness or "seeing stars."
You may observe these signs and symptoms in the concussed person:
Temporary loss of consciousness (though this doesn't always occur)—according to the internet this has happened at least three times since Raffi’s hockey career started getting documented online. Why does he keep doing something with such a high risk of getting knocked out? And the list isn’t even over yet. It keeps going.
Slurred speech
Delayed response to questions
Dazed appearance
Forgetfulness, such as repeatedly asking the same question
Concentration and memory complaints
Irritability and other personality changes
Sensitivity to light and noise
Sleep disturbances
Psychological adjustment problems and depression
Disorders of taste and smell
None of this sounds fun. Not even a little bit. Most of the symptoms can last for days, but with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) it can be weeks, sometimes even months.
But the fact that there’s a clear gap in his memory—I’m doing my best to believe he genuinely has no recollection of our night together, and he’s not just pretending because he thinks I’m shit in bed—suggests it’s doing more long term damage to his body.
No one knows the full extent of how the human brain works, or how injuries can impact the brain.
The exact reason why some people develop PCS after a blow to the head is not clear. One theory is that it is caused by tiny areas of bruising or other damage to the nerve cells in the brain, caused by the initial head injury. Another is that the head injury causes an imbalance of chemicals in the brain that leads to the symptoms.
I read on, my eyes lingering when I see a short list.
Having a history of mental health problems.
Being a sportsperson.
My dude hits at least two out of the five risk factors that may make a person more likely to have post-concussion syndrome.
Fuck.
About 1 in 10 people still have problems one year after the injury.
One in ten people. And he’s that one.
Jesus fucking Christ. The more I read about PCS the more concerned I get. This guy, the father of my son, the man who seems intent to come back into not just my life, but our son’s life, is playing Russian roulette with his fucking brain.
Every time he steps onto the ice he takes a huge risk.
Why would you not just do something else? Something safer. Something less likely to make you, oh, I dunno, die?
“I can hear your teeth grinding from here.” Mom picks upher coffee cup and sits across the table from me. “What’s up, buttercup?”
