Connecticut Teen Suffers Post-Concussion Syndrome for 2 Years

Thinking that the hit he just took to his nose while playing hockey with his brother in the driveway was serious but reparable, Joe Bonitatebus was in for an unpleasant surprise.  Right about his broken nose but not realizing he had suffered a concussion, Joe and his family were about to embark on a journey through the world of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) that would last more than two years. 

As can be the case, concussions often take a back seat to other, more obvious injuries.  And in Joe's case a broken nose didn't explain the extreme fatigue, fogginess, and sensitivity to light and noise that set in less than an hour later.   Properly diagnosed with a concussion in the ER, Joe's mom Vicki felt confident he would recover promptly and all of his symptoms would subside along with the bruises and swelling on his face.  But she began to worry as his persistent headaches caused him to miss the next two weeks of school, and they began the rounds of doctor visits that were to become the norm. "Two weeks became six, and nothing was helping," said Vicki. "Joe was even taking medication, and dealing with some significant side effects on top of everything else.  We went through a period where his personality changed due to the medication, and I didn't even recognize my own son.  We were desperate for help."

"Cocoon Therapy" helped

Help for Joe came in the form of Dr. Michael Lee, a CT pediatrician with a unique approach to the concussion healing process, called "cocoon therapy".  If physical and cognitive stimulation slows recovery, why not remove it all? While some patients may choose brief stays in a darkened room without creature comforts- no TV, video games, texting, reading, or homework, Joe chose a modified plan and stayed home from school for an entire quarter while eliminating as many other cognitive distractions as he could.  He improved.

If life were tidy, we could end the story here.  But just as Joe was reaching the four-month recovery mark and feeling much improved, he was hit again in exactly the same spot in a freak accident while swimming.  His symptoms came roaring back, but this time he and his family were well aware of what needed to be done to facilitate his healing.  Thankfully now, two years later, Joe is less frustrated, dealing with occasional headaches and a knowledge that many sports are off-limits for him, perhaps for good.  Nonetheless, he remains grateful.

CT Concussion Legislation passes

Joe recently spoke before the CT legislature in favor of a concussion bill that he and others believe will prevent athletes from suffering as he has. In early May, CT lawmakers passed the bill  which will require athletes to obtain medical clearance before returning to play after suffering a head injury, and coaches holding a state permit to complete periodic training in the recognition and treatment of concussion, provided by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. It is currently awaiting the governor's signature.