Short Term Memory Loss Following a Traumatic Brain Injury

Following a traumatic brain injury, short term memory loss will be affected, especially if it has been a frontal lobe injury. Short term memory is the ability to remember a piece of information in order to complete a task.

Not focusing, thinking of too many things at one time, not paying attention, not listening and becoming distracted all contribute to difficulties with short term memory. The following are some ways to help manage short term memory problems:

- to help with memory, repeat information received, i.e.: a telephone number, a person's name, an address, or remembering what you were planning to do, i.e.: going upstairs to get something, remembering the three things you were going to get at the store;
- make lists and follow them, have a daytimer or use a calendar with squares large enough to write notes on, use a message board or notebook. Try each method then decide which works best for you. These memory assistants will help you to remember appointments, shopping items or your to do list. They will also remind you about things you want to take somewhere or something you want to tell someone. Daytimers or calendars are also excellent for reminders of future commitments;
- be organized, i.e.: put medication in a daily pill container, put things in the same place so you don't have to look for them, i.e.: your slippers or your house and car keys. Also, do things at the same time each day, i.e.: feeding your dog or cat or watering your plants on a certain day each week, possibly every Monday;
- establish habits – once you are used to doing something it will come naturally rather than having to remember it, i.e.: put out all the things you will need for the following morning before you retire for the night so you won't forget things when you are rushing to leave in the morning;
- write everything down. The process of physically writing something down helps to remember it;
- keep things together so you don't have to look all over for things and won't forget something when you are in a hurry, i.e.: gym equipment such as shoes, work-out gear and a towel, school supplies and work items. Cloth or canvas bags are an excellent way to keep things together.

Outside stimulation such as the loud music played at some gyms, the chaos and noise of rush hour traffic and crowds of people can all have an affect on memory. Stress also will play a part. Try to limit this type of sensory input and find opportunities to take a few minutes to close your eyes and relax, or go for a walk in nature to eliminate stress.

Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night will also help with short term memory loss. Also, attempt to get to bed at the same time each night. To help alleviate memory loss, before going to sleep each night think back over your whole day and maybe even the day before. This practice will help to improve memory. Avoiding alcohol will help with the problem of short term memory loss as well and doing brain exercises such as crossword puzzles can benefit the brain too.

A lot of our memory can be a belief in ourselves and a determination to remember by remaining focused and working towards the goal of improving our short term memory loss. This is especially true following a traumatic brain injury.