I had these same type of episodes after several concussions that I suffered throughout the late 80s and 90s, but none lasted as long as the ones that you have described. Each time they occurred they subsided after six months to a year, and the doctors indicated that they were probably just exacerbating a severe brain injury that I had suffered in 1984 that had me in the hospital for three months, and not necessarily an indication of new injuries. During this same time frame however, I noticed and it became obvious to others who noticed, that there were other residual effects of each subsequent concussion that included issues of balance, memory loss, difficulties with focus and speech.

Since I didn't drive at the time, but I was riding 10-15k miles a year, the doctors told me to stop riding the bicycles and to buy a car so that I didn't hurt myself any further. After several years of riding and driving I realized that I was a greater danger to others behind the wheel of a car, so I haven't driven since.

After my last concussion this past May though (my sixth), things have gotten worse. When I turn my head from side-to-side quickly, I lose my balance, I can't walk down stairs without holding the handrails, and I can't climb up more that one step on a ladder without holding on to something. I have also had several petit mall seizures over the last seven months, and the issues of balance, memory loss, difficulties with focus and speech are back, and they aren't getting any better.

The really strange thing though, is that this has had very little effect on me while riding. I can trackstand at an intersection for up to a minute or so, and I can bounce around the stairs and planters of the local colleges without issue, although I do have trouble hold a line at times. I also find riding to be very therapeutic and calming, which reduces the stress and seems to minimize the manifestation of the symptoms.

I've been told that I need to have an EEG and CAT scan at least every six months, probably for the rest of my life, and my family and friends have been told to watch for any additional symptoms. I will also be taking Coumadin for the rest of my life to minimize any chance of a stroke, and I have been told that I am "highly pre-disposed" to eventually suffering from Alzhiemers.

Whether you have a brain injury from some form of organic disorder or due to physical injury, this is not something to disregard or hide. I see later pictures of Ali or a few other NFL players who suffered too many brain injuries and I am scared to death that one day I will lose my ability to reason or control myself, but I know my best chance is to ask for help and do what the doctors recommend.