I would not expect any government solutions to the mental issues, especially those caused by concussions. Iraq and Afghanistan Vets with blast concussions have been the focus of much of this effort and they are still sorely lacking the support they need.

That's true Mark.

Well it's been 2 years, from a concussion, Ben has been in the state hospital. He's doing a lot better and on a low dose of meds. I was lucky to have family members who worked in the mental health field so Ben was able to get treatment quick. I've joined NAMI, which is National Alliance of Mental Illness. It's been a long road and guess I'm in it for life. Love Ben! And will fight till the bitter end! Really not happy with the healthcare in our country! This problem with head injury's better get addressed real soon! I wrote my Governor of NY but I'm sure he just blew it off. I'd like to make a stand on this issue but not sure I know how? HelP!

mwc's

If you want to take a stand, there is a need to expose the practice of headbanging. Many have suffered serious injury and some have even died. From what I have read about head banging injuries, the injury can be very complex and include chronic hematomas and other serious injuries. It is not like a concussion. It is more like a coup-contra-coup concussion that goes on and on. The cellular damage can be extensive.

I wish you the best as you support your son.

btw, Has anybody suggested very high dose fish oil ? Also, etanercept in a paraspinal injection. Both are shots in the dark but the anecdotal evidence shows that for some, they can be almost miraculous. Here is a link to the etanercept thread. http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ght=etanercept

I will stand with you to make a stand. perhaps we can join or form an organization

also, mark do you think eternacept is going to ever get cheaper. I was thinking of saving from my disability for a year to get it done.

The doctor who does it charges $5000 or more from what I understand. One needs to qualify medically before he will do it. It has an anti-inflammatory action. It is normally used for auto-immune inflammation such as psoriatic arthritis.

ok mark how would you like to do this? I'll do some research tomorrow and see what I come up with. But in the mean time...I hope your young? I'm a old mom and maybe not able to reach the young...Although I"ve been told I look younger than what I am...I certainly don't look 15 or 20! But I'm a fire ball! So. Let me know how you wanna attack this and I'll brainstorm on what I think we should do!

not so young anymore lol. 46. first it would be nice if the biany where I live and all over had a list of doctors who treat head injuries even without proof from mri or cat scan. next it would be nice if they returned your emails. I have emailed twice inqu9iring about a doctor in my area and didn't receive any response, also knowing where diffuse tensor mri's are locating in the country would be good because they are much better at showing axonal damage.

mark,

A DTI MRI may show injury but it will not change the treatment protocol. It can support a claim against an insurance company but not much more.