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- - Help. Looking for answers. (https://www.neurotalk.org/traumatic-brain-injury-and-post-concussion-syndrome/108625-help-looking-answers.html)

You don't sound stupid at all. I asked the very same question to someone 3 years ago.

Neurofeedback is a very complex therapy and I'll give you the abreviated description here. Basically, it is the process of training brainwaves that your brain produces. Through the process of operant conditioning - think of Pavlov's dog from high school psychology classes - you can train down unwanted brainwave patterns or train up wanted ones.

It is done by a qualified therapist or medical doctor (either one doesn't matter) who hooks your brain up to a computer via electrodes that are placed on your head and are connected to an amplifier. The computer reads your current brainwave status in real time and feeds this information to you visually, or auditorially. You then try, conscously and subconsciously, to inhibit or reward whatever brainwave parameter has been set for you via visual/auditory,tactile mechanisms. Unless you are using the LENS tecnique (in which case, consider yourself lucky) no signal is introduced into your brain at all.

And on the LENS note, if you are interested in this, try and find a therapist or doctor who specializes in the LENS. Traditional neurofeedback (described above) can be a very daunting task which takes about 40 sessions to complete. However, LENS is much easier and quicker.

If you want more detailed info, you can PM me or just google 'neurofeedback,' 'brain injury,' 'epilepsy/seizures' and you should get loads of info on it. You could also add LENS to that list, if interested.

Neurofeedback was originally used with much success (and still is today) for seizure disorders. It has also been used with a lot of success on TBI.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho (Post 592145)

natscoolma,

Sorry to hear about your struggles.

Do you remember what was happening at the concert when you got the stabbing feeling? Were there flashing lights, thumping sounds, etc. that may have triggered your symptoms?

Has your neuro suggested an MRI/MRA or CT with contrast? This looks at the vasculature in your head. What kind of treatment did they give you in the ER? Stroke meds?

What about a neuro-opthamologists exam?

I would be concerned about two things.
What caused the stabbing pain?
and Did you have a seizure
or did you pass out from the pain
or did you have a mini-stroke?

I would suggest you start a journal.
List:
How you feel in the morning.
How you slept.
Did you dream.
What kind of dreams.
Did you fall asleep easily.
Any changes in feeling or mood during the day.
Any changes in vision.
Did you need a nap.
Are you emotionally sensitive. crying or anger
Are you sensitive to sounds.
Sensitive to bright lights or flashing lights.

Note things like struggles with word finding, visual memory, auditory memory.

Ask your family and friends if they notice a difference in your behavior or personality.

Compare your 'after' symptoms to your 'before' recollections.

You will be a far better source of information that an EEG or neuro-psych assessment alone, although both are valuable.

The neuro-psych report will be very interesting.

I would not be surprised if the EEG comes back as normal. Intermittent seizures are hard to recreate in a timely fashion, i.e.
when you are hooked up to the equipment.

The journal will help with two things.
Chart your symptoms so you can tell them to your doctors.
And chart your symptoms so you can tell if you are improving or getting worse over time.

Until they get some idea of what has happened. just relax and lay low. Avoiding stress and getting rest are very good for the near term.

And, avoid caffeine, MSG, and aspartame as they can have a negative impact on your brain.

There are good nutrition suggestions that are always good for a injured brain.

My best to you.

Hi. Just wanted to add that I woke up this morning more dizzy than I have been in a week or so. My cheeks,lips, and roof of mouth are numb. I am also a bit nauseous. I had my last episode the day before my period. I should start my period today or tomorrow. Is it related?

Go to Emergency Room

Please do NOT wait 2 weeks. Go to an emergency and insist that you been be see a neurologist with specialty in stroke and TBI. If you need to get a name, please contact me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by natscoolma (Post 592061)

On 10/31/09 I went to a concert. I have been to many,many concerts. I was there 30 min or so, I felt like someone stabbed me in the back of the head with a hot poker, I remember asking my boyfriend to take me to the bathroom and the next thing I remember is waking up in the emergency room 25 minutes later. From what I was told I stiffened up and fell without trying to break my fall. I hit a wood dance floor with my full weight. I did not bite my tongue,or cause any damage to myself except for a large gash on my jaw bone. I was diagnosed with a level 3 concussion. My Dr thinks I had a seizure. I went through a MRI that came out normal. I was referred to a neurologist who has scheduled a EEG test in 2 weeks. I have mid short term memory loss still, and my eyesight went from near 20/20 to needing progressive bifocals. I am still dizzy, and have pressure in my head. I do not have bad headaches. Dr took away my driving privileges and has not let me go back to work. Any thoughts? I am an otherwise healthy woman. I have never had a seizure or fainted before. I am 39 years old.