Worried about 17 year old son

[Tooticky600]

This will be a long story, but today i have just failed to get ds to a neurology appointment, a follow-up after a concussion injury 18 months ago. He refused to get out of bed. And it was an afternoon appointment. The last year of school has been impossible, only about 60% attendance. He keeps saying he feels ill, sick and dizzy. Lots of GP appointments, tests, then referral back to neurology. Mri showed nothing wrong. He's been on a low dose of amitriptyline but has not improved. He won't talk, behaves strangely and is generally rude, unhelpful and uncommunicative. He used to be a fun, caring person. I am very worried about him and just don't know what to do next. I'm writing this cos if i go and try to talk to him now i will just be too angry. I feel like he's not telling me what the real problem is. I've tried to talk to him about depression and counselling but he angrily insists that is not the problem. Any ideas on how i can get help appreciated, i split up from his father 10 years ago and he is not helpful.

[ImperialBlether]

Have you phoned the hospital to explain why you've missed the appointment? Have all of the changes taken place since his head injury?

[Tooticky600]

I have rung them. The change in behaviour did start before the concussion, just the usual teenage stuff. But the post-concussion stuff also coincides with him starting at a different school. He doesn't seem to have made any new friends there, still meets up with friends from his old school but not much, he doesn't seem to have much of a social life anymore either.

[user1471516223]

Has anyone ever mentioned post concussion syndrome to you? I suffered a minor head injury many years ago and despite having two mri scans where nothing showed up I spent a good year and a half feeling dizzy and extremely anxious. I ended up needing help with the anxiety as it ended up overtaking the dizziness. Of course in your son's case it may be nothing to do with the concussion but just wanted to throw that in there in case it helps you. Head injuries can cause anxiety and personality changes - but with professional help this can be overcome. There was a charity called headway when I was suffering and I rang their helpline a few times and they were very helpful. I hope the situation improves for you all soon. And apologies if I've not followed correct protocol as I've never posted on here before.

[Tooticky600]

Thanks user, yes that does help, i'll find their number! I do think he's very anxious, but he just won't talk about it.