Chris,

To answer your question, yes, the brain does have the ability to repair itself and yes, you do make new neurons. The degree to which this occurs is variable, but just rest assured that your brain is wired to do this. The old adage is true in that your brain is like a muscle and it wants to be worked out as much as possible. It's good that you are running, studies have shown that running produces "budding" of new neurons in the brain. Anything you can do to stimulate your brain is never a bad thing. So, what you are doing for your brain is good for it - even the little things-, and it isn't all in your head. I even know a guy who has an IQ of 142 and is an engineer who does simple algebra problems every day to keep his mind sharp.

Yoga and Pilates can be good training for balance. Also, you can purchase a balance board from your local fitness store and do the practices it comes with on that (just be careful you don't fall of it and bang your head). If your brain allows it, plyometrics is also good training for balance. However, this will require you to jump around and some brain injured people can't tolerate this very well.

Have you tried Neurofeedback? There have been numerous studies done on the efficacy of neurofeedback with brain injuries (even traumatic ones). If you live in a large city, or close to one, you should be able to find a therapist in your area. If not, there are some therapists who specialize in training clients remotely. I personally use the PROSHI (http://www.neurodynamicactivator.com/) and I have found it to be very helpful with my balance issues.

Although it doesn't sound like you have this, you could have what's called "Visual Midline Shift Syndrome." Basically, your visual system is not longer centered, so your brain tries to compensate for it and throws your balance off. A vision therapist who specializes in brain injury could help you train this out. NORA (neuro opthalmologic rehabilitation association) would be a good place to start. Just google NORA and you will find their website.

Oxiracetam, which is a drug that has been used and tested extensively in Europe and Asia since the 1970's, has been shown in studies to reduce vertigo and balance issues in people with brain injuries. If you live in the US, you will have to order it from relentless improvement (http://supplements.relentlessimprove...unt2=865729928).
It isn't FDA approved, but that is only because the patent ran out on it so none of the drug companies are pushing the FDA to get it approved. You can also google search: "Oxiracetam and brain injury" to find the research articles on it.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy might also be something worth looking into. However, they say that it is more effective the closer in time you do it to the brain injury. However, as with all things involved in science, one MD was able to refute this claim and showed improvements in subjects who were 14 years post injury.


Lumosity.com is an excellent website that will help you train your higher cognitive skills. I do about 20 minutes a day.

If your into nutrition and supplements for your brain, check out "The Better Brain Book" by David Perlmutter, MD.

Although this is very "new age" you should read, or watch, "The Secret." As soon as I read it, I decided to stop focusing on my "problems" and begin focusing on how I was going to get myself better. Since that day, I have made huge strides in my recovery. I'm even attending graduate school this fall, something two years ago would have been impossible for me to do.

Last (I have posted this before and I'm not looking to engage anyone in this debate, so please don't try) but they are making huge advancements in stem cell therapy, be it adult or embyronic. Scientists are predicting that it will be able to be used on patients in the US in 5 years. So, if nothing else works, at least you have that to look forward to.

This can all get very expensive, but hey, can you really put a price tag on your health, especially when it comes to your brain?

So, keep your spirits high and your attitude positive.