Many memory issues following a brain injury are never resolved. Damage to the brain's memory produce corresponding impairments in the brain's ability to remember conversations and events.
Various things, such as anxiety about the memory lapses, can interfere with the ability to remember. It takes a lot of effort and concentration to compensate for short-term memory loss. It drains energy levels and can often result in chronic fatigue. Intellectual functions may then deteriorate causing feelings of inadequacy, discouragement, irritability and possibly even depression.
There are strategies to help with short-term memory loss, other than the obvious ones of using a diary, calendar or day timer. They are to: live in the moment; learn to trust your instincts; focus on one thing at a time; use repetition; use a system of reminders; plan ahead and be prepared; be organized; avoid alcohol consumption; eliminate distractions and have a routine and stick to it.
There are different types of memory. They are the following:
- Sensory-motor which are things like remembering how to walk, tie a shoelace, get dressed or make a cup of coffee.
- Semantic memory is the ability to retain general knowledge like how to add numbers or how to read .
- Narrative or episodic memory is remembering experienced events in any sort of detail.
- Short-term memory loss is the inability to remember what one did the day before or even earlier in the day, recent conversations or appointments.
Short-term memory loss may cause difficulty in remembering faces of those met recently, reading for pleasure or in watching television or a movie. It can also interfere with educational and personal goals. It is the inability to store and recall current information. Current information is not being recorded. Conversations can be held based on long term memories as long as it doesn't relate to recent conversations or events. There may be difficulty in learning new material and remembering it or forming new memories. Some brain injury survivors may fill in the forgotten details with imagined events or memories. Others may only have difficulty remembering words and thoughts.
One brain injury survivor said that the benefit of having short term memory loss is that it is difficult to carry on an extended argument or to hold a grudge so they appear much more forgiving of others. As well, she won't need to rehash the argument and get upset about it over and over again.
To help improve short-term memory loss, besides the benefits of using memory aids such as diaries and calendars, increase mental activity and challenge your brain. Reading also helps with concentration and memory. Cognitive therapy is also necessary when someone is suffering from short-term memory loss.
There are things that can be done when someone who has suffered a brain injury experiences short-term memory loss. The difficulty sometimes is in motivating them to get into the habit of doing the things that will assist them.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Concussions, Brain Injuries and Personality Changes
Personality changes will be dependent upon the location and severity of the injury. Prisons and mental hospitals sadly are full of people who have suffered brain injuries which resulting personality changes have made aggressive, violent and often unable to make good choices.
Being aggressive, violent and unable to make good choices can be some of the changes in a survivor of brain injury or someone with repetitive concussions. They may also suffer from mood swings, mental rigidity, impulsive behavior, be apathetic, lethargic, are unable to show emotion, have no interests, be bored and may feel intellectually dull. If they once liked to play games, they may no longer wish to do so because they are unable to concentrate as they once did. If memory is an issue, which it often is, playing games will be increasingly difficult.
They may feel a great sense of loss after suffering a brain injury because they will feel as if they have lost their personal identity and personal power. They will feel that they don't know who they are any longer. If this is the case, they should try to find a Neuro-Psych doctor and a speech therapist who, through therapy, will help them try to fill the holes in their personalities that survivors often feel they have in how they identify themselves.
Many survivors of brain injury feel there is a stigma to having such an injury and will deny and cover up or isolate themselves rather than own-up to a brain injury. They will blame their problems on other things that are physical such as chronic pain in legs that were broken or other health issues which may or may not have been sustained in their accident.
Besides their loss of personal identity, sense of power and self-awareness, they may also lack self-determination, be unable to keep and make friends, have lost some of their memories, be unable to socially interact with others, understand the needs and desires of others as well as be unable to feel compassion and empathy. Very often their likes and dislikes will have changed as well as their sense of humor. They may no longer have a sense of humor or be interested in anything at all.
With so many losses, it is little wonder that a brain injury survivor's personality is likely to change at least somewhat. Not only is it difficult for the survivor but it is difficult for his/her family and spouse. They have lost the person they once knew and will feel the loss themselves. They have to get to know that person again as he/she may be quite different from who he had previously been.
In the case of concussions, some damage, regardless of severity will be sustained so multiple concussions can cause more damage. Both concussions and brain injuries can leave the survivor with deficits. Personality changes are the result of deficits.
Sometimes personality changes may only be really evident to those closest to the brain injury survivor. Others may say, 'He just isn't the same.' or 'Something seems off.' without being able to pinpoint exactly what the difference may be. But often it is enough of a change for even those unsure of what the change is for friends to not visit as often as they once did.
Being aggressive, violent and unable to make good choices can be some of the changes in a survivor of brain injury or someone with repetitive concussions. They may also suffer from mood swings, mental rigidity, impulsive behavior, be apathetic, lethargic, are unable to show emotion, have no interests, be bored and may feel intellectually dull. If they once liked to play games, they may no longer wish to do so because they are unable to concentrate as they once did. If memory is an issue, which it often is, playing games will be increasingly difficult.
They may feel a great sense of loss after suffering a brain injury because they will feel as if they have lost their personal identity and personal power. They will feel that they don't know who they are any longer. If this is the case, they should try to find a Neuro-Psych doctor and a speech therapist who, through therapy, will help them try to fill the holes in their personalities that survivors often feel they have in how they identify themselves.
Many survivors of brain injury feel there is a stigma to having such an injury and will deny and cover up or isolate themselves rather than own-up to a brain injury. They will blame their problems on other things that are physical such as chronic pain in legs that were broken or other health issues which may or may not have been sustained in their accident.
Besides their loss of personal identity, sense of power and self-awareness, they may also lack self-determination, be unable to keep and make friends, have lost some of their memories, be unable to socially interact with others, understand the needs and desires of others as well as be unable to feel compassion and empathy. Very often their likes and dislikes will have changed as well as their sense of humor. They may no longer have a sense of humor or be interested in anything at all.
With so many losses, it is little wonder that a brain injury survivor's personality is likely to change at least somewhat. Not only is it difficult for the survivor but it is difficult for his/her family and spouse. They have lost the person they once knew and will feel the loss themselves. They have to get to know that person again as he/she may be quite different from who he had previously been.
In the case of concussions, some damage, regardless of severity will be sustained so multiple concussions can cause more damage. Both concussions and brain injuries can leave the survivor with deficits. Personality changes are the result of deficits.
Sometimes personality changes may only be really evident to those closest to the brain injury survivor. Others may say, 'He just isn't the same.' or 'Something seems off.' without being able to pinpoint exactly what the difference may be. But often it is enough of a change for even those unsure of what the change is for friends to not visit as often as they once did.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Story About Strokes - An Acquired Brain Injury
An acquired brain injury is caused after birth and can contribute to cognitive, physical, emotional and behavioral impairments. A stroke is when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. Brain cells can die and the patient may be left with permanent damage.
There are two major types of strokes:
- The ischemic stroke is when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. If a clot forms in a narrow artery, it is called a thrombotic stroke. If the clot breaks off and travels to the brain, it is called a cerebral embolism.
- A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in part of the brain bursts open and blood leaks into the brain. This usually causes a severe headache.
The causes of a stroke are high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of strokes, being over fifty-five years of age, living an unhealthy lifestyle, having heart disease, being overweight, drinking heavily, smoking, using illegal drugs, ethnicity, a previous history of strokes or TIA's and women over thirty-five who are on birth control pills, especially if they smoke.
Some of the symptoms are a severe headache, slurred speech, inability to speak or to understand, loss of balance or coordination, confusion, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, vision problems and muscle weakness.
For best prognosis, it is extremely important to get medical treatment within three hours of first symptoms but no later than four to five hours. At the first signs of a stroke, it will be imperative to call 911 in order to get immediate treatment. This reduces disability and can save lives. Medical staff will examine and possibly give a clot-dissolving drug, do tests with probably tests using all or some of the following - an Angiogram, a CT scan, an MRI, and an Echocardiogram. There will probably be lab tests done as well.
Treatment and prognosis will depend on the cause of the stroke, the severity of the stroke, what has been affected and how quickly treatment was begun. There may be bladder and bowel problems, muscle and nerve problems, speech, memory and thinking difficulties as well.
There are three coping strategies for emotional problems related to strokes:
- approach-oriented coping where the patient consciously works towards minimizing the emotional challenges of the acquired brain injury;
- passive coping which indicates a lack of motivation where patient chooses not to express his/her emotions;
- avoidance coping where the patient actively avoids coping with their emotions. With this type of coping, there is usually a high level of depression.
Patients who have suffered a stroke may possibly need physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and swallowing therapy. And because it is common for patients to at least initially experience memory loss, rehabilitation in this area may be required as well as using memory aids such as a diary, calendar or a daytimer.
To reduce your risk of of having a stroke, exercise at least thirty minutes each day, eat a nutritional died rich in fruits, vegetables and beans, low-fat dairy products and foods that are low in sodium and fats.
Because a stroke is loss of blood to the brain, the importance of early medical intervention can't be stressed strongly enough in order to reduce the likelihood of a more debilitating disability.
There are two major types of strokes:
- The ischemic stroke is when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. If a clot forms in a narrow artery, it is called a thrombotic stroke. If the clot breaks off and travels to the brain, it is called a cerebral embolism.
- A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in part of the brain bursts open and blood leaks into the brain. This usually causes a severe headache.
The causes of a stroke are high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of strokes, being over fifty-five years of age, living an unhealthy lifestyle, having heart disease, being overweight, drinking heavily, smoking, using illegal drugs, ethnicity, a previous history of strokes or TIA's and women over thirty-five who are on birth control pills, especially if they smoke.
Some of the symptoms are a severe headache, slurred speech, inability to speak or to understand, loss of balance or coordination, confusion, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, vision problems and muscle weakness.
For best prognosis, it is extremely important to get medical treatment within three hours of first symptoms but no later than four to five hours. At the first signs of a stroke, it will be imperative to call 911 in order to get immediate treatment. This reduces disability and can save lives. Medical staff will examine and possibly give a clot-dissolving drug, do tests with probably tests using all or some of the following - an Angiogram, a CT scan, an MRI, and an Echocardiogram. There will probably be lab tests done as well.
Treatment and prognosis will depend on the cause of the stroke, the severity of the stroke, what has been affected and how quickly treatment was begun. There may be bladder and bowel problems, muscle and nerve problems, speech, memory and thinking difficulties as well.
There are three coping strategies for emotional problems related to strokes:
- approach-oriented coping where the patient consciously works towards minimizing the emotional challenges of the acquired brain injury;
- passive coping which indicates a lack of motivation where patient chooses not to express his/her emotions;
- avoidance coping where the patient actively avoids coping with their emotions. With this type of coping, there is usually a high level of depression.
Patients who have suffered a stroke may possibly need physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and swallowing therapy. And because it is common for patients to at least initially experience memory loss, rehabilitation in this area may be required as well as using memory aids such as a diary, calendar or a daytimer.
To reduce your risk of of having a stroke, exercise at least thirty minutes each day, eat a nutritional died rich in fruits, vegetables and beans, low-fat dairy products and foods that are low in sodium and fats.
Because a stroke is loss of blood to the brain, the importance of early medical intervention can't be stressed strongly enough in order to reduce the likelihood of a more debilitating disability.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Brain Injuries Involving Military Personnel
Most brain injuries are life-long, life-altering and will require life-style adjustments. And most will affect not only the victim of the injury but his/her family, friends and the community as well. This has been evidenced by the thousands of military personnel who have come home with brain injuries.
It is suspected that as many as 320,000, possibly more, military personnel have come home with brain injuries that have affected their lives. Brain injuries affect personalities, emotions and often their mobility. Some will have an inability to understand speech but will still possibly be able to read, some will no longer be able to laugh, they may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological problems such as denial of any problems. Some may not be able to recognize faces, may be flat and robotic in his speech, be unable to retain information, unable to feed themselves or be unable to form complete sentences. Depression and aggression can also be the results of brain injury. The ability to maintain social relationships quite often is another consequence of a TBI. And one soldier who, although he could see, was only able to see to the left. These are only some of the consequences of their injuries.
Many services will be required for these fighters of their country. They will require speech therapists, life skills coaches, some will need to learn to walk again, and to talk again. Some will suffer the consequences of having problems with drug and alcohol, they will display reckless behavior without considering the consequences, will make poor choices, will behave in unacceptably appropriate ways socially, or will behave impulsively. It is estimated that approximately twenty per cent of all service men who have suffered a traumatic brain injury will drive dangerously, partly as a consequence of the brain injury and partly because of the necessary training they have had while fighting.
Many of the causes of concussion and brain injury is blast-induced neurotrauma caused by a sudden increase in air pressure or when their body has been propelled through the air and the sudden impact as they land. And fragment penetration is another large reason. Approximately 1,400 troops sustained concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries because of blasts during a ten month period in Afghanistan and Iraq. They suffered such symptoms as loss of motor control, dizziness, headaches and difficulty processing their thoughts. Many of these troops are now taking time out when involved in or have been near a blast situation until their symptoms dissipate. Those within one hundred and sixty-five feet of a blast are examined for signs of concussion or brain injury.
Blast-related injuries are the signature wound of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars with many of the troops having been exposed to multiple explosions. Military personnel often don't get the necessary treatment in a timely fashion which can possibly worsen their condition.
Work is now being done on advanced MRI-based methods in order to be able to make more accurate diagnoses so that treatment inventions can begin earlier for those with brain injury. It is also being evaluated whether, or when, those who have suffered from multiple exposures to blasts should return to active duty. These types of follow-up will help to determine the future health of returning military personnel.
It is suspected that as many as 320,000, possibly more, military personnel have come home with brain injuries that have affected their lives. Brain injuries affect personalities, emotions and often their mobility. Some will have an inability to understand speech but will still possibly be able to read, some will no longer be able to laugh, they may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological problems such as denial of any problems. Some may not be able to recognize faces, may be flat and robotic in his speech, be unable to retain information, unable to feed themselves or be unable to form complete sentences. Depression and aggression can also be the results of brain injury. The ability to maintain social relationships quite often is another consequence of a TBI. And one soldier who, although he could see, was only able to see to the left. These are only some of the consequences of their injuries.
Many services will be required for these fighters of their country. They will require speech therapists, life skills coaches, some will need to learn to walk again, and to talk again. Some will suffer the consequences of having problems with drug and alcohol, they will display reckless behavior without considering the consequences, will make poor choices, will behave in unacceptably appropriate ways socially, or will behave impulsively. It is estimated that approximately twenty per cent of all service men who have suffered a traumatic brain injury will drive dangerously, partly as a consequence of the brain injury and partly because of the necessary training they have had while fighting.
Many of the causes of concussion and brain injury is blast-induced neurotrauma caused by a sudden increase in air pressure or when their body has been propelled through the air and the sudden impact as they land. And fragment penetration is another large reason. Approximately 1,400 troops sustained concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries because of blasts during a ten month period in Afghanistan and Iraq. They suffered such symptoms as loss of motor control, dizziness, headaches and difficulty processing their thoughts. Many of these troops are now taking time out when involved in or have been near a blast situation until their symptoms dissipate. Those within one hundred and sixty-five feet of a blast are examined for signs of concussion or brain injury.
Blast-related injuries are the signature wound of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars with many of the troops having been exposed to multiple explosions. Military personnel often don't get the necessary treatment in a timely fashion which can possibly worsen their condition.
Work is now being done on advanced MRI-based methods in order to be able to make more accurate diagnoses so that treatment inventions can begin earlier for those with brain injury. It is also being evaluated whether, or when, those who have suffered from multiple exposures to blasts should return to active duty. These types of follow-up will help to determine the future health of returning military personnel.
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