View Single Post
Old 03-04-2010, 05:07 AM
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,427
15 yr Member
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,427
15 yr Member
Default

That sounds like a form of volitional neurofeedback. Does the therapist try to teach her how to maintain the desired waveform?

It sounds like she may be struggling to stay focused. This is a common problem with ADD/ADHD. ADD/ADHD is a common reason for neurofeedback. I think there is a large overlap between ADD/ADHD and PCS symptoms. But PCS is not responsive to ADD/ADHD meds.

The struggle with PCS is often not as much about staying focused as it is being able to ignore distractions. My brain is constantly pulled to pay attention to something else. It is a primary reason I do not drive.

Has your daughter spent any time working on typing projects on the computer?

For me, the blinking cursor tends to pull my attention to the point in my work that needs my attention.

If I try to fill out a paper form, I get overwhelmed with the many blank spaces. Sometimes, I will cover all but one line and be able to focus.

If it is a form on the computer screen, the blinking cursor helps pull my attention to the blank space I need to fill in.

There are lots pf people who have learned the work-arounds and accommodations to get the jobs done.

What does she do to fill her day?
What kinds of tasks does she like?
or that will hold her attention?

Early in my PCS, I spent time sorting things. I had a coffee can full of a mix of screws, nuts and bolts. I sorted them into peanut butter jars by type. This task would have been tedious previously, but at that time, it had a sense of making progress. The can would empty and the jars would start filling up.

I have done hook loop or latch hooking. It involves picking the right color of yarn, hooking it through the mat and pulling it out. Joann fabrics sells the kits as do many craft shops. It is a much less intensive way of exercising focus skills. Probably a lot more affordable too.

The rehab hospital I went to used wooden puzzles to work on focus and cognitive problem solving. I also play a few PDA games. I can do FreeCell on a PDA but not on a computer screen. I think the larger screen causes too much eye searching.

I've watched my daughter teach herself guitar. The repetitive tasks of finger position for chords and the different picking routines would likely be a good exercise to try. Music is known to help the brain improve.

Maybe she can try some focus exercises at home with some of these ideas.

My best to you and your daughter.
__________________
Mark in Idaho

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
Mark in Idaho is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote