Can anyone help me with this? My memory was always really good especially long term as I had a few problems with short term memory before my Bi but always always had a very good longterm memory to the point I could remember events and stuff from back when I was 5 and 10, (46) now. Since my accident and my Bi I can't remember the events and items that I used to be able to recall when I was that age. Other memories I had too like my first marriage is a blur too just can't visualise these memories anymore.
Is this a common fault with a Bi?
Does it effect memory past and present?
As my brain re wires does this happen.
A little confused about this so any help and focus would be much appreciated.
Have a fantastic Friday. XX N
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Memory seems to be something that is commonly affected.
If you are worried about it you can try working on it. Some of the variations of memory games can help depending on the location of your bi.
The card game where you try to remember where each picture is and when you uncover 2 the same they are removed.
Placing a number of objects on a tray : allowing 2 or 3 minutes to try to memorise them and then covering the tray and trying to remember.
Get someone to read a list of random words to you (starting with 5 or 6 and building up to 20 or more if you can) and see how many you can remember.
I think I wrote elsewhere that the nature of my memory has changed since my bi with it being much more hearing based that thee touchy feely that it was before.
does seem to be common, for myself memory pre the acciendent is fine.
But as time has gone on, closing on 2 years now, have realised with a groan that my memory for events or just days after is poor. Even had one false memory. ie long term memory.
My short term memory was always awful and is worse.
what are you like with names? I am and still am good with faces, but have become awful with names, of people I've met a few times and I have to deliberately try to remeber it's not automatci any more.
And some times really anoyingly I can't recall peoples names I know.
I use a overabundance of tech, mainly technogy to help, notes in idevices and calenders etc.
Thats funny you should mention that as I'm having trouble remembering words that I used to use a lot, I know there in there but have trouble getting them out.
I too have struggled with my memory. Short term memory is rubbish and I am hopeless with names (bit of a problem for a teacher but I think the children are getting used to me calling them the wrong name). I do have long term memories but I also have gaps. Things about my children or events that have happened that I know I must have remembered before. Thankfully I have some wonderful friends. I am still in contact with a group of school friends and they have been great at helping me fill in some blanks. Family have been great too.
I always used to remember birthdays and things like that but now I have to make sure it's all written down - and I remember to look.
The neuropsychologist I saw felt there wasn't much I could do to improve my memory so helped me develop coping strategies. However the neurologist felt things might improve if I got my constant headaches under control.
I am 3 and 1/2 years on from my BI and I am trying to adjust to a rubbish memory but still hoping it may improve.
Not sure if this helps but it might help to know you're not the only one.
Since I have been using this forum I have learnt I'm not alone and thank you for your reply. I have beed thinking about it today and I wondered if it was just me getting older but I was fine before the Bi. Its mainly long term which was very good but I can't recall memories in detail. Ill have a chat with the Headway people when I see them next week. N
Memory problems are very complex and many specialists have different views and opinions on the cause and treatment if any.
There is a fine line between memory and concentration. This week I have left the front door open, left the oven on for 3 hours after the food had finished cooking, loaded the dish washer but didn't switch it on and the same with the washing machine.
With these I am not sure if I "forgot" to finish them properly or got distracted - I have no recollection why but other members of my family pointed it out to me.
Quite often it is also making a connection to something as well. A few weeks ago it was my mothers birthday. My wife kept on prompting me and asking had I forgotten it about the birthday. I remembered quite well but hadn't made the connection to go and buy flowers, cards etc. Why I don't know...
Memory & Concentration do suffer sometimes not immediately after an injury but can occur sometimes afterwards. Over time they do improve but most of us find they level out below our previous capability and don't progress.
I can really relate to this as I'm not sure if I have become forgetful or I just don't remember that iv done stuff its a strange one. My concentration is still pretty good considering I had frontal lobe contusions but with work I really get brain fatigue, carpenter lots of frontal concentration. I really have to make lists now and write everything down which I did before Bi but I find myself doing it more often now. Thank you for your words. N XX
I used to do a lot of building work outside of my normal work life and post injury, I find measuring really difficult on times to the point I have to use an old fashioned "rod" rather use tapes or rulers.
Interesting as a carpenter how do you cope with measuring ?
I became aware of obvious short term memory deficits after illness 3 years ago.
Took a while before I realised that some long term memories seem also to be a mystery to me. My partner had a stroke a few years ago and his short term is a shocker - like mine. Yet long term seems intact. It was reminiscing moments together that began to show up my long term blanks. He would be talking of places we visited in the past and things we had done and I would just be listening, clueless. I would have to ask questions and get him to fill in the blanks. It was rather disconcerting at first but I worry less about such things now. Occasionally, something he describes will spark a memory and it is the best feeling in the world ! Other times, no connection.
I have photo albums and people to set me straight on past events, so I am lucky.
Have a good weekend, even if the detail eludes you ! : )
Its seems so strange that long term stuff I remembered and could recall in an instant is now not so clear. Other stuff I block out too I'm sure this is due to the Bi and how my brain has re wired itself.
You have a fantastic weekend to Angela and thank you for your interest. XX N
I don't know if this would be great help to you but I now have more faith in nature. I do not believe in all these pharmaceutical drugs as they are out for money only, research it, you'll see what I mean.
I have read of a few natural foods you can eat to help with memory and the brain overall. They say alzheimers patients should consume more coconut oil.
A handful of walnuts is good for the brain too. Get ya saturated fats in you :). Omega 3 is another thing you want to consume too. I get an omega mix which is a bag of seeds but I sprinkle some over my rolled oats/raisins cereal.
Nutrients are the most important things for the body.
Also, essential oils are great for the body and Frankincense in particular is excellent for the brain. But, make sure you get good quality essential oil.
Sorry to hear of your anxiety about your memory, with BI memory loss. Generally memory loss is associated with BI along with some other problems maybe. Each person no matter how similar will have a different problem, so is hard to suggest an individual case. You may find memory wil improve with age and or in conversation unlocks a memory.
I use a computer and google calander to remind me is also linked to notify my phone.
Speaking from personal experience memory problems after my TBI is not so much lost the memory, as so much you cannot remember it and something needs to unlock that memory. Thankfully cannot remember the accident and would think I be in constant fear if I did from what was put together of what happened
There are loads of areas I can remember,I think but until you need other areas of memory you do not know you have forgotten until you need to use it. Then find it has gone. eg. briefly I was doing a test much of it was not so bothered about as was going to be easy. However at the test I failed because I had no memory of what I had known. I am just hoping something will unlock it one day.
I wish you all the best in discovering your memory and worring about it will not help. accept it and move on. Reading,word games. Sudoku, Cooking, I love baking creating something new. I am sure other folk can list a lot more.
You are absolutely right worrying about it is not going to help, accept it and move on. As you have said something or someone in the future may trigger it and ill remember it then. I was getting frustrated as I can't now remember some of the stuff that was really ingrained in my long term memory. Ill accept that and move on too. Have a good evening. N
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