As previously said I often have the issue where my brain switches off and I just stare into space how can I work to stop this happening

It happened again today I had people asking why I was staring at them

Although I diffused the issue one day I will find myself having serious problems

[Negeen]

Lol. I don't know why people are so weird it shouldn't be a big deal if you're looking at them.

[Hidden in reply to Negeen]

Yeah but some people take offence at someone staring at them

I can understand women being un-nerved by a man staring blankly in their direction

[Hidden]

It is a tough one isn't it - people can be so judgemental as they just do not know what is behind the person and they haven't the time generally to find out. The way people look at children who are misbehaving in a public place never take the time to know if that child has a health issue that causes the behaviour. When people see someone staggering they assume that it is a drink issue and don't stop to consider diseases such as MNDA or Parkinsons. Alas I don't think we will ever get people to stop and think in that way they will usually stick with their first conclusion.

Just an idea that may not work - but have you maybe thought about keeping a little card in your pocket/hand when you are out with just a few lines explaining that you are a BI survivor but occasionally your mind goes blank and you need a little patience and understanding? Or when you switch off would you forget to hand that over too?

So difficult but keep on persevering, you have suffered enough and should not have to avoid going out too causing yourself isolation.

You have come so far

M x

[philstretchdavis]

Hello dillm2, I've often realised that I've been staring, suddenly. But, never at anyone in particular, if it did occur, I would merely say "I'm sorry but my brain is having a rest", and leave it at that. If they wanted to take it further, I'd think; great, what better excercise for the brain than facetiousness?

[sospan]

Even now, 2 years post incident I (and my wife) find myself staring into space or looking at a person or thing. I haven't had any accost me about it yet.

When I do it there seems to be a peace or emptiness going through my mind as if I am detached from the world simply observing it going by. Sometimes, I look at people overly long because I think I know them or seen them before and can't place them.

I admit that sometimes it is just through fascination with people, last week I was looking at an incredibly petite young lady with a small child. It wasn't anything leery or purvey. The girl wasn't just skin and bone but tiny. I was so amazed that mother nature can still enable someone that small could carry a baby inside her. Something I had never thought about before

[Molly15]

Hi Dillm2

I am wondering if you have been investigated for any kind of seizures? My husband has suffered from them since his SAH and I have read extensively about them. There are lots of different types, and suddenly staring and having an "absence" could be a sign? I would suggest a trip to the GP, and maybe keeping a diary with how often these happen, how long they last etc. All the very best, Molly

[Hidden]

Hi strange to relate but don't have these events when I am driving an I have had my clean licence for 43 years now

[Stardrop]

Might be worth checking you out that it isn't petit mal or whatever they call it. I can go into 'pause' mode when I'm bored and tired. As if my brain's having a couple of minutes to catch up. doesn't happen when I'm actively doing something.

[spartan300]

i have the same problem people who know me say where are you now or what planet you on, but it can be a problem If people do not know you just have your headway card with you.

[ricozoe]

my son has aspergers ,n hes been through this lots of times,as sometimes he gies blank n it looks like hes staring at people ,hes 16 now ,and if someone says who you staring at,he now tells them about aspergers,it diesnt work all the time,n has taken me years to get him to say ,but it has helped,i hope you can try n sort it as i know exactly how it makes u feel .

[Hidden]

I HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM BUT FOR A DIFFERENT REASON. I LOST PART OF THE SIGHT IN BOTH EYES DUE TO BI. IF PEOPLE STAND ON MY LEFT I CAN'T SEE THEM & THEY MUST THINK I'M STARING, I THINK I AM TOO. TOUGH REALLY I CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IF THEY COMMENT I'LL TELL THEM TO READ MY MEDICAL BRACELET.

[krazykiwi]

Don't worry as my partner says if you don't know them you can't get embarrassed. Don't worry what people think, as you have to worry about yourself not others.as I completely understand because I get distracted a lot watching others and forget what I'm supposed to be doing missing bus stops when I'm on the bus etc. You aren't alone, show them your Headway card that says you have a brain Injury and so things may take a little longer and that you may need assistance.

[red_spinel]

I have the same problem, at first the consultant just thought I was day dreaming, now im booked in for an EEG and detailed MRI, i would guess that you would also need the same. I had a friend of mine keep a log of when i drifted off and i also have a diary of when i cant recall thinks etc, so consultants have to act instead of just brushing it off...