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, I was punched repeatedly in the head by a student with autism that I was teaching June 2011. Had a terrible year of many doctors saying that I needed to see a psychiatrist and that my pain wasn't real. Finally had an operation for torn rotator cuff in January and shoulder impingement. Sadly looks like the severe neck pain that I have had since the event hasn't been cured by the operation. ...However can move my arm better. Diagnosed last Thursday with frontal lobe damage by a neuropsychologist. This at first seem to help me as I felt that the consultant could really explain what I'd been going through. Since then have behaved very oddly and wonder if anyone can give me a reason why. Can't seem to settle, very agitated, furiously angry all the time - not just when I lose concentration or get tired (usual stuff). All made so much worse when my best friend suggested that it was all psychological. Now I think of it, something like this happened last year when I didn't feel believed by a neurologist. Is it a grief thing? I was told that the problems I have are unlikely to improve. Have gone a bit bonkers and applied for two jobs in one day that I don't really think I can do. Haven't worked since the incident. Puzzling - can anyone throw some light on this.
Postscript: spoke to a helpline. They think my brain has become overstimulated by too much information in such a short time and that's why I'm crashing.
Postscript: spoke to a helpline. They think my brain has become overstimulated by too much information in such a short time and that's why I'm crashing.
I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to you. :(
That's a terrible thing.
Whenever you get re-traumatized (i.e. by the Dr visit and your "friend's" denial of your injuries) it's going to stimulate your brain. With the frontal lobe damage you suffered, that's going to stir up some heavy emotions.
Something that I didn't really think about prior to having a TBI, is that the brain controls emotions. I think most of us don't really think about it.
But, with a TBI, you realize that the brain is not just this master of intellect but also the control for our emotions.
The good thing is that many, many of us gain recovery over time. I think being told that you are unlikely to improve is just wrong. Even in very severe cases, improvements can be seen.
The frontal lobe takes longer to heal. I think there are some things you'll want to look into if you haven't already in terms of your recovery. First, you need to have a very calm environment with a lot of quiet to keep the over-stimulation down. Second, ensure you are getting enough hydration. Third, sleep. Fourth, good nutrition for the brain and vitamins if needed. Get the bloodwork done to see if you have any vitamin deficiencies as this can increase the emotional part of the damage. Fifth - light exercise
Again, welcome, welcome. We are happy to have you. And so sorry for what you have suffered and continue to deal with.
Best wishes to you all.