I suffered a tbi in 2002 from an auto accident. Since that time I have been miss-diagnosed with MS due to my symptoms and severe brain scarring. I have since been chasing the miracle cure for migraines and depression. I am currently on anti depression drugs and therapy for the migranes, but nothing seems to work. I suffer rapid mood swings from very caring to extremely violent with thoghts I have never had before. I am very stessed by my work, home life (son just diagnosed with Diabetes type 1)( Wife that relies solely on me, ie bills, repairs, autos etc), and I am and have always been the family go to guy. I find nothing fun and really don't care anymore! I have no hobbies and my wife says I am like an "old man". I could see another counseler, and I have talked with my regular doctor and he changed my depression meds and so far it has helped some. If anyone has some suggestions please let me know....

I got my TBI in 98. I've lost everything, two business's, my wife, my children (from first marrige, whom I raised, stopped speaking to me), and needless to say, life is like ****.

You don't mention any meds that you take, I hear and am beginning to suspect Keppra as one that brings out violent emotions and depression. READ the literature that comes with your meds, or look them up.

I had a subdural hematoma, a hygroma deep in around the top of brain stem. Three years later, I hit a patch of ice in a nice big Buick, and hit the concrete barrier. Thank goodness for those second gen air bags and the seat belt. Oddly enough, (like the three stooges, hit larry on the head once, he's got amnesia, hit him again, he's ok), that "soft hit" was enough to relieve some pressure or let it move around in my skull. Because the doctors would Not operate to relieve the pressure.
I seemed to "wake up", from being asleep all the time.

Another that helps me a lot is a couple of the Alzheimer's meds. Aricept and Razadyne.
They really clear the "fog" for me.

I take Zonegran at bedtime to prevent migraine, and imetrex, maltrex, etc. for when I get them.
And, i do get them. I take cymbalta also for the depression/pain.

I have RSD as well and TOS, discs, and so forth.
Sleeping is an entire ordeal.

Do you have a good neurologist?
Pain management or neuropsychologist?
I think you should have those two at least, and have seen a neurosurgeon.
I'm not a doctor, that's just my experience.

I know just what you mean about nothing being fun, and not caring.
Sometimes i feel as though I'm just barely holding it together.

From the little I know about you, I think that's what I can say.
But, I'll keep an eye here, and so will others.
PM me if you wish.

Pete
asb

My meds are Enderal for tremors and shakes, and Lexapro for depression. My MRI reads like a wheelchair bound MS patient, I walk still with eratic gate and missed steps if in a hurry. I have been going to Barrows Neurology in Phx, AZ for 5 years and they cannot believe that I still work full time based on my brain injuries and migraines.
I was ejected out the back window of a 1966 Volkswagen. I was stopped and rear ended at 60 plus by a 4wd blazer. I was partially ejected out the back window of the car. The only thing that kept me from going out completely was the seat belt caught my left leg and pulled me back in. Skull malformation on right side above ear and to the rear, and blunt force trama to the right temple area and ocular socket. All doctors stated I should have died! I should not be here today. Is this enough for treatment or are they missing something? Thanks

I'm not a doctor. Indeed, neither of us should be here, I'm very sorry for you, and the pain you're in.

It kind of seems to me that you've being treated rather conservatively. Do they give you anything for the migraines? There are preventive meds, and direct acting meds.

Have you seen any other docs?
Neuropsychiatrist?
Other neurologist for another opinion?

I hope that you're being treated well. If a doc gets too agressive you may have side effects.(If they're not knowledgeable about the meds). However, I do think that you should perhaps step up the treatments. Maybe find someone who specializes more in TBI.

Let's see what some other folks can bring to the table?

There are lots of good people here, that can offer some advice.

I wish you all the best,
someone else will have some other suggestions soon!

Pete
asb

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I do take migraine preventives and treatments also. I will wait to see what the next day brings. That is what Has helped me so far. Your a good person Pete. Thanks again.

self help elf

hi sorry you are dealing with this I can relate to the feelings you have, try to remember emotions and apply them to situations, a kind of fake it to you make it, thing its what we call a work around, try to view your self as a work in progress, a brain injured person is not easily understood by those around us , meds for me were a disaster, but if they work for you thats good, I feel they just wrap it in cotton wool and in the early stages suppress emotions, and for me lead to an explosion of emotion

welcome you are not alone

Vini,
I agree with what you say about some of the meds.
I will NEVER again try two new meds at the same time.
(Honestly, my life was coming apart faster than a bomb, and my doc was doing all he could, it turned out that my wife was using the injury against me, in every way she could. I had a book, that I "highlighted" things in for my doctor, she took it, used it against me, THEN, shared it with her Lawyer!) I got ambushed in court!

First we find out who our friends are.
Then, we start re growing.

I couldn't stay awake, so they put me on Provigal. Having rsd as well, it drove the pain crazy. Some others I don't remember, but usually I could tell very soon that they had evil side effects.

Like I said, the Altzheimer's meds help to sharpen my thoughts, and ideas a lot. I'm still not the same after 11 years, and don't suspect I'll ever be, at this age. Now 53.

pete
asb