Brain Injury Support Group

Traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. Outcome can be anything from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. A coma can also affect a child's brain.

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ElanieLanie 07/23/2011

I've had something strange happen this past week. I'm having flashbacks. NOT of the actual accident itself. But rather to the time when I realized I had a brain injury, which caused huge panic for me.

I'm waking up in the night in the midst of this flashback and having that same desire again to turn back time and not have had the accident. I wake up thinking "NO NO NO! I can't have a brain injury." And it's like I want to claw my way back in time and prevent the accident from happening.

Last night was a bad one - happened over & over all night.

The thing that's strange about this is that I thought I was at the point where I've accepted what has happened to me. And I'm actually in a really good mood right now.

The only thing I can say that has been different this week is that I'm having more brain problems again - writing, confusion, memory, talking. So I'm wondering if it's just part of the TBI that is causing these bad dreams and flashbacks.

Anyone else experience anything similar?

And, even if you haven't you can feel free to weigh in with your thoughts.

deleted_user 07/23/2011

I'm concerned that you're having more troubles during the day. Have you had these types of setbacks before? Which came first, the bad dreams or the brain problems during the day? I have no idea how the brain works, but I picture one part of the brain getting too much stimulation...like whatever is causing your daytime problems is stimulating the part of your brain that is storing the memories...just my 2 cents.

ElanieLanie 07/23/2011

The brain problems came first.

Yep, actually I get this increase in brain probs every month...right before "that time of the month."

I have been doing more lately - after having a major recent brain improvement plus physically I am doing a bit better. Those improvements have allowed me to do more. So, I think what you said about overstimulation could be part of what's going on.

cheesecake88 07/23/2011

I had very vivid, sit up in panic dreams right before my diagnosis over 10 years ago, and looking back I see it as my body/brain trying to get my attention. The o doctor I saw was one of my good ones, but I have had the bad o?nes too. Could the heat be a factor?

deleted_user 07/23/2011

I often feel that I have accepted what has happened and I have in many ways but all that stuff taht goes along with it like the friends taht are gone and so on bothers me and just the amount of people that don't really get it. It's like I can accept that I have had a brain injury but I can't accept how people react to it and me. I sometime have arguments in my head where I play both parts and act it all out which just wars me out but I never say any of the things I think to anyone so I just end up wearing myself out. It is exhausting. I know its not the same thing Elaine but some how we all just have to accept who we are now and get on with it and try and stop letting it haunt us and drive us crazy

deleted_user 07/23/2011

If it is coming every month just before that time maybe just an idea you could look into some of the herbal remedies you can take to help at that time of the month maybe they could help you settle more. I don't know but could be worth looking into

ElanieLanie 07/23/2011

Yep, Cheesecake, I do think the heat is a factor. I've been very flushed all day & have had some pain start to crop up because of the heat.

Herbal remedies sound good Nathogan. Would prefer that to meds!

cheesecake88 07/23/2011

I was working in a high stress job when diagnosed, friends were mainly from there, then sudden medical leave, I could not return, lost my identity, also friends, but 10 years and I don't think I allowed myself to grieve. I'm trying to do that or my brain is bringing memories up for me to look at. I hope you feel better, I can relate to what you say.

normaeh 07/23/2011

coould be your subconcious trying to deal with every thing we file stuff that we cant deal with but eventually we have to. Im not the one who was injured but I flashed back to what my son was like be for how animated and quick to laugh and how different he is now, I cried and know I must come to terms with it if he is ever to do the same.
sorry dear it must be awful for you , and you may need sme ting to level hormones out

deleted_user 07/24/2011

based upon my own personal experience, I think everyone who has replied may be right. I think what you're going through is normal for someone recovering from tbi. I don't think you need to worry about it, but do tell your doctors.

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