[roadrunner63]

I had a follow up doctor's appointment Monday. He wants me to have a neuro-psych test asap.

The neurologist I've seen a few times since MVA 4/13/2010 is moving out of state. I have an appointment with a new neurologist next Monday in order to get a referral for the neuro-psych test. Running around gathering medical records to take with me was no fun. And instead of a 10 minute drive it is an hour drive one way.

My family doctor has made it a point to be positive "this will get better" all along. Monday he said something along the lines of, "You need to prepare for some of this to be permanent."

So this is where I am. Accepting I will probably never again be who I was. Figuring out who I am now and am going to be.

[Mark in Idaho]

A neuro-psych assessment will be a great start for learning who the new you is. When the report is done, it will confirm the symptoms are real and help you understand that you are not making these symptoms up or imagining them. Then you can start working on each individual symptom in an attempt to find ways to work-around them or learn accommodations for them.

Hopefully, the neuro-psychologist will have a sound understanding of mTBI.

My best to you.

[roadrunner63]

I also went into a health food store a few days ago. A doctor they work with suggested B6, liquid B12, Folic Acid. I'm going to give it a try.

I found the 6 page form for the new neurologist online so I can take my time filling it out. That's a relief because I dread filling out forms!

[roadrunner63]

My appointment with new neurologist (because other one moved out of state) yesterday went well. Neurologist suggested I take "slow-magnesium" to help with muscle spasms. She also prescribed trazodone for sleep issues. (I am not into taking meds to knock me out; not sure that I will even try it.) I believe it's the muscle spasms interrupting my sleep and if that issue is addressed the sleep problem would resolve itself. (I have been taking Soma for muscle spasms. It takes the edge off but does not completely stop the muscle spasms.)

I have an appointment for neuro-psych test 3rd week of October. The neuropsychologist actually specializes in head injuries and cognitive remediation.

Neurologist office just called. She wants me to have some other xrays (C-spine flexion and extension). We didn't discuss this yesterday.

[Mark in Idaho]

Your new neurologist sounds better. The doc that the health food store uses is also starting you good. You might ask to get a B-12 and Folate blood test. Some people do not absorb B-12 orally. Your B-12 should be about 1000, folate 20 or higher, D should be 100 to 150, Hormones also, Thyroid (T3, T4, TSH), Estrone, DHEA, and the female hormones. Good progesterone and estrogen balance will help immensely with moods and outburst behaviors.

You may do better with a sub-lingual or even injected B-12 rather than swallowed.

I have muscle spasms at night so I take Neurontin (gabapentin) 900mgs one hour before bed. It makes a big difference. It is very low in side effects. Without it, I thrash with body jerks and wake my wife and don't get good sleep myself.

Neurontin cannot be taken with magnesium. I take my magnesium in the AM.

Do you have someone who can observe you sleeping? Spasms during sleep can also be caused by sleep apnea. If I sleep on my side, my neck gets inflamed and I stop pulling breaths. It is called Central Sleep Apnea since the Central Nervous System is the cause. I have to sleep on my back and prop my head up with pillows on each side. When I have a episode of CSA, I also have stressful dreams. I will then have a miserable space cadet day.