Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).


advertisement
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-08-2013, 10:03 PM #1
Brain patch's Avatar
Brain patch Brain patch is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 520
10 yr Member
Brain patch Brain patch is offline
Member
Brain patch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 520
10 yr Member
Default Depression

Hi Guys,
Does anyone have any ideas on help for depression? Keep in mind that I have seizures and most the anti-depressants I can't take. What can I do to help with this? I am really suffering badly with it. All ideas are appreciated.
Thanks,
Brain
__________________
Brain patch.
.


Had MVA in 2006 resulting in post concussive syndrome manifested by cognitive impairment, chronic pain/ fatigue. Chronic pain of head, neck, back, left leg.
Other problems include REM sleep behavior disorder, nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, chronic migraines associated with nausea/vertigo, episodes of passing out, hypoglycemia, liver dysfunction (had accidental overdose of acetaminophen in 2009) had liver and kidney failure, hernia, degenerative disc disease with compression of nerve root, PTSD, and other problems associated with functioning problems from traumatic brain injury (light, sound sensitive, easily overloaded, easily distracted, cannot focus, anxiety problems etc.)
Brain patch is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Lightrail11 (04-08-2013), MiaVita2012 (04-09-2013)

advertisement
Old 04-08-2013, 10:25 PM #2
Lightrail11's Avatar
Lightrail11 Lightrail11 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 531
10 yr Member
Lightrail11 Lightrail11 is offline
Member
Lightrail11's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 531
10 yr Member
Default

If your physical condition allows, I have found yoga to be very helpful, provided it's a good studio that combines the mindfulness/relaxation with the physical movement and postures. If you can't do the physical part of yoga, I have found mindfulness mediation by itself (aside from the yoga) to be beneficial. I try to meditate on things I'm grateful for and try to practice loving kindness meditation. I'm also a fan of massage therapy, for the mind as well as the body. If you struggle with meditation simple things like a gratitude list may be helpful also.

It's a journey.
__________________
What Happened: On November 29, 2010, I was walking across the street and was hit by a light rail commuter train. Result was a severe traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures (skull, pelvis, ribs). Total hospital stay was two months, one in ICU followed by an additional month in neuro-rehab. Upon hospital discharge, neurological testing revealed deficits in short term memory, executive functioning, and spatial recognition.

Today: Neuropsychological examination five months post-accident indicated a return to normal cognitive functioning, and I returned to work approximately 6 months after the accident. I am grateful to be alive and am looking forward to enjoying the rest of my life.
Lightrail11 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Brain patch (04-09-2013), MiaVita2012 (04-09-2013), Mokey (04-08-2013), ninelives (04-09-2013), Theta Z (04-09-2013)
Old 04-09-2013, 06:09 AM #3
ninelives ninelives is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: nr Winchester hampshire uk
Posts: 76
10 yr Member
ninelives ninelives is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: nr Winchester hampshire uk
Posts: 76
10 yr Member
Default

Hi brain patch,
I agree with light trail, meditation and yoga really helped me with my
Depression. Infact as soon as I started yoga there was a marked improvement of my symptoms I go twice a week , I also have reflexology about once every 8 weeks,it is 3 months since I started yoga and my depression has gone .i also suffers really bad anxiety but this has also disappeared .
We are all different but it's worth a try and there are no nasty side effects.
Prior to the yoga I had talk therapy for 3 months this was also helpful .
I do feel for you as it is a very dark place to be right now. But
Know You will improve and get better.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Xx

Be positive
Cx
ninelives is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Brain patch (04-09-2013), MiaVita2012 (04-09-2013), Theta Z (04-09-2013)
Old 04-09-2013, 08:37 AM #4
dare2bdifferent's Avatar
dare2bdifferent dare2bdifferent is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 35
10 yr Member
dare2bdifferent dare2bdifferent is offline
Junior Member
dare2bdifferent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 35
10 yr Member
Default

St. John's Wort has helped to alleviate my depressive symptoms, but only certain brands seem to work for me. It is a matter of trial and error. Other alternative remedies include SAM-e and 5-htp. Some people find that taking an Omega 3 supplement helps. You would have to follow up with your neurologist to determine if any of these are contraindicated in people with epilepsy.
dare2bdifferent is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Brain patch (04-09-2013), MiaVita2012 (04-09-2013)
Old 04-09-2013, 08:43 AM #5
cyclecrash's Avatar
cyclecrash cyclecrash is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 267
10 yr Member
cyclecrash cyclecrash is offline
Member
cyclecrash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 267
10 yr Member
Default

I strongly agree with the yoga and meditation and would also like to add exercise and get out of the house frequently. Exercise doesn't need to be anything special even just a walk, which also gets you outside, or a stationary bike would be great. It doesn't need to be an all out, sweating, exhaustion workout either. Start with 5 minutes if you have to and work yourself up from there. Doing it daily is best.

Getting out of the house is really important too even if its just for a short walk or to meet a friend for a coffee.

Just some thoughts. I hope you're feeling better soon!

CC
__________________
I'm a 39 year old, female, accountant. On July 2, 2012 I crashed my bike at the end of a 65KM road ride. I was fine that day but woke up the next morning to my current world.

Ongoing symptoms include: dizziness, blurred vision, light and noise sensitivities, cognitive problems, uncontrollable emotions/depression/anxiety, headaches (but they're getting better), mental and physical fatigue, difficulty communicating and sleep disturbances.

Currently seeing a fabulous Neuro Psychologist and vestibular physiotherapist and hoping to soon see a neuro ophthalmologist. I am currently doing 20 minute stationary bike rides daily, 20 minutes of meditating, 15 minutes of Lumosity and lots of resting. I have not been able to work or drive since the accident.

The things that have helped me the most since the accident are vestibular therapy, gel eye drops (for blurred vision, sensitivity and dryness), amitriptyline (10mg), and meditating. I am finally starting to see some slight improvements and am hopeful!

My brain WANTS to heal itself... I just have to let it and stop trying to get better!
cyclecrash is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Brain patch (04-09-2013), MiaVita2012 (04-09-2013), Theta Z (04-09-2013)
Old 04-09-2013, 09:58 AM #6
ninelives ninelives is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: nr Winchester hampshire uk
Posts: 76
10 yr Member
ninelives ninelives is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: nr Winchester hampshire uk
Posts: 76
10 yr Member
Default

Yes forgot to add , as cc says , getting out of the house helped me a lot. I remember in the winter when things were really bad I would just walk to the local shop, to get out, and I found just being in company of people and the feeling of life being normal,would help lift my spirits. Or try to focus on pleasent things, do you have a hobby ? Don't know if you can watch tv, but Seinfeld is really funny ,always makes me laugh. Xx
Be assured this phase will pass, I think I found the depression the hardest to deal with.
Thinking of you x
Cx
ninelives is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Brain patch (04-09-2013), MiaVita2012 (04-09-2013), Theta Z (04-09-2013)
Old 04-09-2013, 10:56 AM #7
Brain patch's Avatar
Brain patch Brain patch is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 520
10 yr Member
Brain patch Brain patch is offline
Member
Brain patch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 520
10 yr Member
Heart

Thank you everyone. Those are all wonderful ideas. I like that none of them involve more medication. I will try them all. Having mom take me to the craft store today. I am going to make some plant arrangements that are like little worlds. Like one with a meditation theme with one of those little Chinese guys sitting under a bonsai tree and make a little path with rocks and a little pond etc. I do need to get out of the house more. I will force myself. I will also go to the library and pick up some books on meditation and yoga. I cannot afford to go to a class right now but I can do some on my own. You are all right that I need exercise. I am going to have to start with 5 min. A day because I have been hurt and not active for so long my muscles are atrophied. I will also get into some talk therapy. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks for all your support and help.
Love,
Brain
__________________
Brain patch.
.


Had MVA in 2006 resulting in post concussive syndrome manifested by cognitive impairment, chronic pain/ fatigue. Chronic pain of head, neck, back, left leg.
Other problems include REM sleep behavior disorder, nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, chronic migraines associated with nausea/vertigo, episodes of passing out, hypoglycemia, liver dysfunction (had accidental overdose of acetaminophen in 2009) had liver and kidney failure, hernia, degenerative disc disease with compression of nerve root, PTSD, and other problems associated with functioning problems from traumatic brain injury (light, sound sensitive, easily overloaded, easily distracted, cannot focus, anxiety problems etc.)
Brain patch is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Lightrail11 (04-09-2013), MiaVita2012 (04-09-2013), Theta Z (04-09-2013)
Old 04-09-2013, 11:15 AM #8
thedude58 thedude58 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Ontario
Posts: 120
10 yr Member
thedude58 thedude58 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Ontario
Posts: 120
10 yr Member
Default

I suggest brisk walks, to get your heart rate up. Start the exercise slowly and get into the habit, before pushing harder. Regular walking does wonders.
__________________
Brain Fog, Short Term Memory, Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Apnea
thedude58 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Brain patch (04-09-2013), MiaVita2012 (04-09-2013), Theta Z (04-09-2013)
Old 04-09-2013, 11:46 AM #9
Virginia in Canada Virginia in Canada is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 27
10 yr Member
Virginia in Canada Virginia in Canada is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 27
10 yr Member
Default

Just a warning -St. John's Wort is an herbal medication. Please do not start it without consulting a physician or pharmacist. Also, as with most herbal medications and natural suppliments, there is not a requirement in most countries to prove any benefits. I find that it is always better to look for a Drug Identification Number (DIN) on these products. This tells you that the product has the stringent testing required for medications. Some products will have a Natural Product Number (NPN) instead.
Virginia in Canada is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Brain patch (04-09-2013), MiaVita2012 (04-09-2013)
Old 04-09-2013, 12:04 PM #10
MiaVita2012's Avatar
MiaVita2012 MiaVita2012 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N/A
Posts: 685
10 yr Member
MiaVita2012 MiaVita2012 is offline
Member
MiaVita2012's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N/A
Posts: 685
10 yr Member
Default Major Depressive Disorder

When your body has been in pain for so many years.Pain causes stress, anxiety, panic, major depression etc. I think the other recommendations are very positive to try. My opinion is that you have been in pain for some years now and you might want to give the antidepressant a chance. I suggest if you decide to go with the antidepressant, start at a low MG till you find the one for you. I also know that if I did not have this medication for myself, the life I was living without them was not good. Everyone is different and we all need yoga & meditation and there is other's like me that needed more.
__________________
What Happened: In 2011 I was in a MVA
.


Symptoms: Physical: I am always cold in any season!!I cannot tolerate anything pressure on my head(sun glasses,hats)longer then a hour,Lock jaw/Displaced TMJ, Dropsey, Hands go numb, Arms go numb, back of head numb (when asleep),Muscle spasms in face & upper body,migraines, concentration headaches, dizziness, nausea, neck and back trauma (from accident), tinnitus, extreme light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, EXTREME fatigue, impaired vestibular system, balance off, Pupils NEVER equal, disrupted sleep cycles,speech problems.

Cognitive: Cognitive Behavior, Brain fog, impulsivity, speech problems, word finding problems, slowed processing speeds, impaired visual memory, impaired complex attention

Emotional: Unable to handle stress or overstimulation without getting extremely irritable or angry, easily overstimulated, MAJOR depression, major anxiety, Panic attacks

Treatment so far: Treatment for PCS,PTSD,Depression & panic,Vestibular therapy, Physical therapy, Vitamin Schedule,Walking,No Dairy, No eggs, No caffeine, No artificial coloring, Sleep with 2 pillows, Very little sugars consumed, Eat healthy,No alcohol, Medications, limit stress and overstimulation.

~*~Learn to treasure yourself and your Divinity. Be willing to accept yourself completely. Be yourself, be graceful, be kind, be wild, be weird ... be true to yourself~*~
MiaVita2012 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Brain patch (04-09-2013)
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Depression Before Parkinson's Disease? Study Suggests...Depression May Precede PD Stitcher Parkinson's Disease 3 04-28-2007 09:57 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:28 AM.

Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise v2.7.1 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.