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 11/21/2011

Hiya,

Does anyone else's brain (cognitive) problems increase when they get sick or (for the women) when you get your period?

I notice that every time I get ill or it's that time of the month, my brain problems flare up. I have difficulty speaking again and my writing problems flare up.

It's fairly intense, the increase in my brain problems during these times. A bit frustrating, because things that I think are mostly gone are not. It's not the end of the world, because, even with the increase in problems, it's still way better than it was during that first year.

But kind of annoying.

Aust 11/22/2011

Yes Elaine. When I am stressed, and a lot more to come in next few weeks, my writting is just about impossible to even put an appt on calander, and spelling, used to be good at that once, but even worse at times like that. Find I loose my interest in some things too for a while, like cant concentrate long enough. Do the guys find same problems when they are not well or worried about things?

deleted_user 11/22/2011

Hi Elanie ! I notice when Michelle is not feeling well, tired, that time of month, etc., she seems spaced out, withdrawn sort of. Like if you ask her something she either doesnt respond or she looks at you with a confused look. It may be similar to what you posted, but I don't know really.

kshort49 11/22/2011

Although my TBI wasn't nearly as serious as most of you, I still have a lot of cognative issues as well as dizziness and vertigo. I find when I am tired, frustrated or just under a lot of stress, all my problems are magnified. And all of it makes me more tired, frustrated, etc. I also have other illnesses (fibro, ddd, lupus, lch) that affect how I feel, and if one of them is acting up and giving me a lot of pain, the problems from the TBI act up too. I also find that if I'm in pain from one of the other illnesses, the place where I hit my head hurts too-right on that exact spot-it's weird. I guess most everything affects our brain in some way. Boy, I have learned so much about TBI's that I never would have thought of. God Bless all of you. Kathy

deleted_user 11/22/2011

ditto to what everyone said. stress and illness make my cognetive problems much worse. i am 18 months out and i think many times that this problems are getting worse. i too have severe lupus..and right now i am undergoing IV chemotherapy for it...so that probably has a bit to do with the stressors.
((((TBI buddies)))

wildflowercat 11/22/2011

Yes Aust, I think it must be common for TBI survivors. Larry has chronic nerve pain from an old injury and I notice as the day goes on and his pain increases that he loses a lot of his cognitive ability.
Want to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate it. Sybil

deleted_user 11/23/2011

Hi Elaine, my problems seem to get worse when im stressed or when i get nervous or anxious. when i get nervous i cant even think straight.
my therapist said this is common.
hope you are doing well

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