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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kshort49 04/22/2010

Hi everyone-I had a visit with my neuro. yesterday, and things are really the same. I fell last May 11, and still have all the symptoms of the MTBI. Sometimes it doesn't seem so mild. Anyway, something new has been happening, and I was wondering if anyone has had this happen (my neuro. said she never has). I like to read before I go to sleep, so that's what I've been doing. Lately, I'll be reading a page, and will read a sentence. After reading it, I'll notice that what I read really doesn't relate to what I'm reading. So to check to see what contex it is being used, I'll go back to read it again. BUT IT IS NOT THERE! Not one word. I don't know where it came from-something I read somewhere else? But it freaks me out when it happens. I don't know where it comes from and why I would see something that is not there. My neuro. said she hasn't had anyone who has had this problem before, and didn't seem too concerned. But it bothers me-I think I'm going nuts! Could this be part of the brain injury too? I know it happens in the evening, so maybe it is because I'm tired at that time? But whatever it is that I read, it looks just like a regular sentence, but doesn't fit in what I'm reading. And it's happened more than once. Please tell me I'm not losing it! Thanks! Kathy

deleted_user 04/23/2010

I'm not sure its the same thing, but I have heard things differently than they are more than once. I've looked at the person who said it and said what? They repeat what they said and it makes more sense. Trust me it's not cool, if I didn't ask them to repeat it it could have caused major problem multiple times.

Have you noticed it happens only when you are tired? I do know strange things occur more when I am tired. Test it out...read in the day when your not as tired and see if it happens again. If not, read a little earlier before going to bed, but don't give up reading.

You are not crazy, and you were right to discuss it with your doctor. I'm sure our doctors have heard many "strange" things from TBI patients.

kshort49 04/23/2010

Yes-it does happen when I am more tired. It is just so strange. I can see how your problem could cause trouble too. During the day, I spend most of my time on the computer writing articles for a site. It pays hardly nothing, but since I've been unemployed for almost 2 years, I need to do something. I have found that my typing is horrible-I used to be pretty good. And when trying to compose an article, can't get a thought out of my mind onto the computer-I know the idea I'm trying to convey, but just can't put it into words. As soon as my unemployment runs out, I will be applying for disability, because although I am able to write these short articles, it takes me a whole day to write a 500 word article researched, written and proofed. I don't think any company would want anyone this slow (also, I'm also 61, and who wants to hire someone my age these days). But I feel by writing like this, it keeps my mind learning different new things (the clients ask for articles about anything under the sun). But like I told my neuro., I am just so frustrated that this is how I am. I have had to count on only me for the last 20 years since my husband left me-I raised my 2 kids successfully, paid off my house, and was just at a place where I was feeling good about myself. Then I lost my job. Now I'm loosing everything because I am not employed, and have this stupid brain injury. When they told me it was a mild TBI, I figured I'd be fine within a few months-no big deal. Now it's a year, and I'm worse off than ever. I just don't know how to get back on track, accept my new limitations, and deal with it.I'm about to lose my house because I wasn't able to pay my property taxes for 2 years. I guess I'm feeling sorry for myself today. I know I'm a lot better off than most of the people on this site, and feel very guilty when I complain about my problems, when others are much more ill than me. Anyway, sorry for ranting. Thanks for posting-it's good to know that others sometimes have strange symptoms too. Take care, and God Bless. Kathy

deleted_user 04/26/2010

Kathy,
What your wrote about losing your house concerns me. You've worked hard to get what you have. Not sure where to send you, but I found a link that might help.

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/programs_for_deliquent_propert.html

Good luck!

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