[ShayRay]

Well, the world of blogging is brand new to me, but I'm so desperately looking for anyone who has a similar story to my daughters.
In January of 2012 my daughter who was 15 at the time, was playing basketball for her high school. She was sprinting down the court guarding her player behind her, She turned forward and ran right into a girl who was planted and a bit taller than her. My daughters right temple hit the girls shoulder which then caused my daughter to fall straight back with the back of her head hitting the gym floor hard. She did not get knocked out, but at the same time could not focus on anything. Walking was even difficult. Well, off to the ER for a CAT scan that was clear, a week later an MRI that was clear and 2 months later Neuropsych testing and 2 brain mappings. The damage is shown to be at her left temple (opposite) and the front of her brain. We are told PCS which I agree with.

This though is the uniqueness that has stumped the Doctors. My daughter for the first 3 weeks of her concussion lost all memory of people anywhere from immediate family to friends, teachers, grandparents etc. It came back after 3 weeks. However, she had to re-learn colors, shapes, food, animals, states, countries, cultures, habitats, seasons, snow, rainstorms and the list goes on. She became very literal...if you were to tell her that trees walk around, she'd believe you. She has learned there is joking and so will often ask if something is real or a joke. She really doesn't have filters although she is learning. Just this week I explained to her the changing of the fall colors that this is a new season. If we go out to eat, I help her pick the meal since she is still learning her food. Just a couple months ago, we worked at getting her to understand the difference between real and animation. Toy Story completely scared her making her think toys really came to life. Shes slowly getting it but will still say to us "thats not real right?"
Also with school...classes that were once easy are now more difficult, and math that was always difficult is now easy. She does not struggle with numbers at all anymore.
We have come a long way, but have such a long way to go with memory. She has snipets of her past, but for the most part doesn't remember it.
Its been 9 months...her neuropsych testing shows her to be right where she should be.
She is very much a 16 yr old. Loves life, loves sports (which shes had to take a break from) has friends.
She does struggle with bright lights, noise, crowds, fatigue, can become easily stressed and then gets headaches when we become too stressed.
Short term memory is a struggle as is recalling.
However in the last 2-3 weeks, the sensitivity to lights, noise, crowds and fatigue have become worse.
Our Neuropsych has reccomended neuro feedback.
Has anyone dealt with this kind of memory loss? Has Anyone gone through neuro feedback? Just looking for any answers or help.
Thanks!

[Mark in Idaho]

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.

[ginnie]

I just wanted you to know that even people that do not have the same conditions as you and your daughter are going though, that we care. Welcome to Neuro Talk. You will find alot of friends here, and good information. Mark who responded to you, knows alot about PCS. I hope her recovery, continues on a positive path. So sorry that this happened to your daughter and family. Keep on posting your questions, and write down all questions you have for your doctors, with any information you find here that maybe a help. Glad you found this site, and I hope you get good responses. ginnie