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.
Hi everyone-Well, I went to the neurologist today and she said that both my MRI and MRA came back normal. She said that most people with a mild TBI have scans that come out normal, but that doesn't mean everything is normal. I certainly don't feel back to normal yet. It's been 7 weeks since my injury, and I still have balance problems, memory problems, and problems remembering words when I am speaking. I am a piano instructor, and recently I have had problems with playing, and typing on the computer-it seems I know what I want my fingers to do, but they don't go in the right way. Could this be another effect of my injury?
Does anyone have coping techniques for any of these problems? Especially the balance-things like when I am cooking, and I turn from the stove to a cabinet across from it. I try to move slowly (when I can remember to), but I still get dizzy and have to close my eyes for a minute. I feel kind of bad asking for help here because a lot of you have much serious, life altering injuries, and mine was just a fall. I check this site every day, and all of you are in my prayers. God Bless. Kathy
Does anyone have coping techniques for any of these problems? Especially the balance-things like when I am cooking, and I turn from the stove to a cabinet across from it. I try to move slowly (when I can remember to), but I still get dizzy and have to close my eyes for a minute. I feel kind of bad asking for help here because a lot of you have much serious, life altering injuries, and mine was just a fall. I check this site every day, and all of you are in my prayers. God Bless. Kathy
Here is the link to Annette's website. Currently she is working through the county rec department, reaching under-served children and teaching them performing arts to keep them off the streets.http://www.sacspa.org/
Don't ever apologize. All our injuries are significant in our lives and have done some real damage to what we once called normal. Your doc sounds like she knows what she's doing and realizes that tests don't always convey all the problems. I've had bad balance for 13 years now. The key thing is to think about how you're moving. Hang onto something all the time. Stand with your feet a little wider. I don't get the feeling of dizzy; I just don't have the balance. Hopefully some good therapy will help get rid of the dizziness for you. That can't be any kind of fun. I'm leaving for a week this morning so I won't be on here till I get back. But there are many of us and we all wish you success in your recovery. PS I just started learning the piano about six months ago. :)
These issues will/can get better according to the doctor. It may take a few years before they have the correct medications for you. My situation, I had to wait over 3 decades for the right medications. Which is better than 40. Ha Ha.
Don't be so critical of yourself, you'll learn to redo most things like before. Stay positive. All of these issues like memory, mood, patience, balance, word memory, etc., you'll do better since better drugs. Don't be so critical of yourself.
To successfully deal witgh these slow recovery of skills, I've kept an optimisitic perspective (Positive Psychology Center) of myself. Others like to critize my recovery, but God said I'm doing well, thats all that matters.
With regards to balance, I wear sturdy shoes, watch were I step, move slowly, avoid noise situations, etc.
Your brain was challenged in a bad situation & your recovery to us is just as important to our community. We want your best, because you never know who may have the same feelings. For more information about me:
www.headtohead.org/?art=255
God Bless!
Shaun Best, Protector of the Natural State