ShayRay,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I am so sorry to hear of your daughter's injury. My heart goes out to you both.

You last question was about neurofeedback. The important question is: What kind of neurofeedback. Some are fabulous. Some are dangerous.

From you comment about brain mapping, it appears you are referring to volitional neurofeedback. It is commonly tied to brain mapping (qEEG analysis). If done by a skilled therapist, neurofeedback can be very helpful. The opposite is also true.

It sounds like she is still active but just not in sports. She likely needs more quiet rest with activity limited to rehab therapy. She needs to understand that right now, her recovery takes precedent over any social activities. She needs to choose to put recovery as the priority, including quiet rest vs social activities. She has a lot of work ahead. She likely has very little judgement ability. She needs to understand this and be protective of herself.

It sounds like her neuropsych is seriously involved but I question <Its been 9 months...her neuropsych testing shows her to be right where she should be.> There is no such thing as a normal recovery progression. Maybe this is just a way to encourage you both. There is a saying with brain injury professionals. "If you have seen one brain injury, you have seen ONE brain injury."

It would be helpful if you slowly started introducing the concept of finding activities that do not risk contact. Dr Robert Cantu has written a great book that was just released. "Concussions and Our Kids" is available on Amazon and is likely the best book out there. Dr Cantu has been a leader in concussion since the 1980s. He has a great chapter about the various sports and their risks.

Has anybody discussed nutrition? She needs to be on a brain healthy diet. No transfats but be sure to include a reasonable consumption of natural fats. Pork has the most complete mix of fats so she get all of the amino acids including the Essential Fatty Acids known as Broken Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's) Her B-12, folate, D3, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and Omega 3, 6, and 9 supplementation needs to be seriously considered.

She needs to avoid caffeine, alcohol, MSG, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, Equal, Nutrasweet, Splenda, sucralose etc are the worst.) and high fructose corn sweetener. Moderate natural sugar is best.

Based on research, she would benefit from keeping her progesterone levels up. Sports and birth control pills tend to lower progesterone ( a good neuroprotectant hormone). If her doctor would test her a prescribe a bio-identical progesterone cream, it may benefit her brain.

I am sorry for the fire hose of information but most doctors and NP's tend to only promote their own treatments.

btw, Have you connected to a Brain Injury Support Groups? Your state Brain Injury Association should have information for you. A Support Group will be very beneficial to you as you try to carry the load.

My best to both of you.