Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) likely played a secondary role in Payton’s death. Even a mild concussion can cause symptoms such as headaches, ringing in the ears, mood changes, depression, anxiety, problems with memory and concentration, fatigue, and sleep disruption. Multiple concussions can lead to Chronic Traumatic Encephalography (CTE), which is a progressive degenerative disease that causes the brain to lose mass over time.

Healing from a concussion can be a long, slow, and frustrating process, which requires support and accommodations from those around you. You may need to advocate for these accommodations in your school and work environments.