I'd also like to suggest that you avoid glutamate. This neurotransmitter is the culprit that causes brain cell death.

Monosodium glutamate is an artificial synthetic form of it that floods the nervous system in an unnatural way and causes nerve problems. People with peripheral nerve damage often get more pain when eating this in food.

There are natural forms of glutamate in our foods, like Parmesan Cheese, but it is bound to organic compounds and do not flood our blood stream when eaten like synthetic MSG does.

MSG is in alot of things. It is best to avoid soups/stews at restaurants. Chinese food especially contains it and often even when you request no MSG, you will get it. If you feel headache or blurred vision after a restaurant meal, that is a sign there was alot of MSG in it.
Some processed food makers like Lays, have lines of "natural" chips (potato or corn) that do not have MSG added. But most of the flavored types like Doritos etc, are filled with MSG.

Hockey,

Yep. That wall is frightening in public. I can't function.

Plans to complete my list for the day...AND THEN I DONT. I have to give myself a break but I haven't learned how to not over do yet. If I get things done and overdo then I feel bad. If I don't get things done then I feel bad.

It's a work in progress. Does help knowing I'm not alone. Plus I like to hear everyone's survival tips, strategies, and work arounds.

Tahanks to Mark I set a timer in the kitchen now. I'm easily pulled off task. Oh look, the fan is on...burnt food on stove. Ugh. Timer works.

Jace

Hi everyone,

I still experience those "spells", mostly when I am around several people and multiple conversations or activities going on. My Neuropsychologist wants me to follow up at Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, though I have had 3 EEG's which all came back without abnormal electrical activities. I am told I stop and stare, usually with a fixed gaze to the extreme right or left, and when I come around, I cannot say anything but , "well", for the first few minutes. I remember some of these episodes, but not all of them.

Is there a test or way to prove what causes these episodes if not a seizure? I thought I was going crazy, since there seems to be no "reason" for these to keep happening to me, since no seizure activity found on EEGs.

Hockey, I am afraid of the "big freezes" too, since I have been sent from Neuro Rehab twice in a month to the ER on an ambulance for these kind. I haven't had these bed ones in about 2 months, so I'm crossing my fingers they don't happen again.

Are you who are experiencing these episodes finding they happen only in crowded or stressful situations, or even when you are alone? Mine can happen either way, but mostly if I am in a busy, crowded environment.

Thanks for you responses. Take care, M-i-m

Colored sheets over paper will have very minimal results to actually getting prescription lenses put in sunglasses that you would wear all the time. it's not an immediate change, it allows your brain to calm but it takes a couple weeks for it to fully rest and not be over exerted.

Irlen Specialists find the exact color that fits your specific needs. Some colors work for some people, some don't. The testing process will specify the color need that you have.

Vestibular Specialists most likely don't use the process that finds this and also probably don't use prescription lenses. Helen Irlen developed the method, so you have to be trained through her Institution to be able to get the correct lenses.

Just putting different colored paper over white paper would have minimal results, but if it did offer some relief it would be wise to look further into the lenses that would allow for you to not have to deal with any lighting no matter the external circumstance.

Yes, my BIG freezes tend to happen when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I think it's my brain's way of protecting itself from over-stimulating situations. I liken it to the way babies fall asleep in noisy, hectic environments.

I do hit these walls mostly when it comes to writing down my thoughts... I can not properly convey what I want to say in a manner that people can understand..

As for the diet... sorry, I do not understand Mark... are you saying a high- protein diet is better? I have read it 3 times and for some reason I am not comprehending...

MrsD and Sarah,

It's actually mostly fat (but natural, 3 chain I believe), then protein, carbs, sugar. The natural 3 chain fat may provide better brain energy than carbs is what I think I understand. Talking to dr tomorrow about it to see if it will help my brain from hitting the brick wall.

I have to take my time and really think about what I'm doing or I'm very messy. Even my posts here I scour for errors. I think that's the teacher in me.

MSG...we aren't a chip family or snacks family. I like popcorn or a mister misty slushy every now and then. Those are my guilty pleasures. But I am going to really watch for MSG. Did not know it was that bad. Thanks.

Jace

So lots of avocado? Let me know what the doctor says... and what foods are good vs just ok... I would love a diet for when I go back to work (yes, I am still hopeful) that would help with brain function...

Sarah, The diet is high in fats and low in sugars and carbohydrates. Medium Chain Triglycerides (fats) are common to help with this. MCT oils can be used. When the liver processes fats in the absence of carbs, they are processed into ketone bodies. Only the brain and nervous tissues can metabolize ketone bodies.

The wiki link I posted does a good job of explaining it in detail. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketogenic_diet

Doctor rescheduled for next week. Will ask about the diet then. My neurologist is great but extremely vigilant about all of my health care as he feels everything can affect the brain. I do appreciate him.

Jace