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It may seem like no big deal if your child falls off a bike and hits their head, but that bump could have a big impact later in life.
Studies say long-forgotten head traumas can cause problems like depression, alcoholism, learning disabilities and even homelessness.
And five million Americans may be at risk.
Manny Klammer is so passionate about stock trading, it has become his favorite hobby. But he came close to quitting when he was having trouble concentrating.
"I didn't have total mental clarity and that made it difficult to think and I didn't know what was wrong," said patient Manny Klammer.
Klammer went to a brain imaging specialist who scanned his brain and found the problem. Manny's brain was active when he was relaxed, but when he was concentrating, holes show where his brain suddenly became inactive.
"I cried because for the first time in my life everything made sense," said Klammer.
When his doctors questioned him, Klammer remembered three head injuries years ago. He lost consciousness in a bike accident at age 8, again in a car accident as a young man and years later from a fall.
"It is just shocking to me how many people actually forget they've had significant brain injuries, so they don't tell their doctor," said Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen.
New research from Mount Sinai School of Medicine suggests past blows to the head are actually the unrecognized source for mental and social failure in many other cases.
"When you damage your brain, you damage your ability to be your best self," said Dr. Amen.
Dr. Amen says recognizing the brain injury and then treating it properly can often alleviate the problem.
For Klammer, that meant new medication and behavioral changes like switching tasks frequently. Now he's more productive, calmer and happier.
"Oh yeah, life is much better," said Klammer. And doctors say blows to the head should not be taken lightly.
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