The mystery of brain injury ...

[Exhaust]

11 months in and struggling . If only there was a hand book on how to manage a brain injury ... so many people have similar conditions which cause similar problem .... my daughter doesn't seem to fit into any where . RTA 23 facial injuries memory problems absolutely no concentration paces all day counts out loud and in her head . Is totally obsessed with food wants to eat all the time food is her main topic of conversation . She has also become quite spiteful rude and angry towards her friends . Anyone else experience any of this .

[Hidden]

Have you identified what might be driving these behaviours?

[boxergirl777 in reply to Hidden]

think that would be the road traffic accident?

[Hidden in reply to boxergirl777]

Quite!!!

But always useful to id patterns/triggers to help her to manage her own behaviours?

Eg...

Does she count/pace at all times of day or at particular times? If so why?

Is it a form of self soothing or frustration? Are there alternatives that can be encouraged - some craft activity like drawing, or more physical like gardening? What other repetitive activities could replace what she's getting from the pacing?

Or is it partly driven by boredom? Could a moving activity like long walks outdoors help burn off energy (If it's self soothing then probably same route at same time daily would help)

Is she actually angry with her friends or angry/resentful that she can no longer do what they do - would counselling help?

Is she in pain and is the pain consistent? If it peaks at times avoid these when meeting other people.

Is she suffering from fatigue - again, avoid planning things at these times.

Are some environments difficult for her - eg conflicting noises, bright lights, too many people?

Would she benefit from very fixed routines for a while to see if helps?

How much can she communicate what she's feeling - assume to a reasonable degree if she's talking to her friends?

These are just ideas - a neuro-psychologist could help ID all of these and strategies to help her and her family build their new life, although reading all the Headway leaflets is a very good place to start...

[Pat-rick1]

It all sounds very familiar, just be there for her and support her

[Alice5]

Hi

Seeing your daughter behave in this way must be so distressing for you.

I think her behaviour depends on the area of the brain that has been damaged.

My son had a Subarrachnoid Brain Haemorrhage 7 years ago, his behaviour isn't as extreme as your daughter's but in the beginning he had obsessions with certain phrases that he would repeat over and over again (doesn't really happen now).

He had some issues with OCD (this has lessened too). He never felt full so always wanted to eat (this turned out to be due to medication for seizures).

He isn't spiteful but has a quick temper.

He saw a Neuropsychologist and I went with him. It was explained that these behaviours can be expected after any sort of brain injury. It was reassuring to hear this and helped us both to understand.

I'm not sure it's possible to manage a brain injury but it helps to understand it.

Have you read the Headway information? I found it invaluable. I don't know if it's possible to see a Neuro psychologist with your daughter, that was a real eye opener and helped us both so much. It didn't change anything but it did help us understand.

Good luck to you and your daughter, make sure you look after yourself too, it can't be easy.

Love Alice

[Exhaust in reply to Alice5]

What medication was your son on x

[Alice5 in reply to Exhaust]

Kepra , he put on lots of weight and had terrible acne...

[Orleans1011 in reply to Alice5]

My husband was taken Keppra and he was in alot of rage. Always watch out for medication side effects.

[DTBI]

If her RTA was only 11 mths ago, still early days in respect of a TBI. Mine occurred 4 yrs ago and it wasn’t until after 2 yrs that my brain started to benefit from it’s reconstruction. In particular, I wasn’t busy enough it is good to get focused on something, whether it is writing a book to describe your experience (including what your family have coped with), or some physical challenge, Pennine Way was my initial one. Patience can be exhausting and upsetting. Good luck x

[bexx87]

I'm sorry to hear your daughter is struggling if it helps I don't fit the box that is brain injury as I started college 2.5 years after my RTA and {insert life story here} the rest is history and atleast you are understanding parent my mum wasn't understanding towards her 13 year daughter she ignored, refused to acknowledge and emotional abused her {inset sob story here}

[ErinSAH]

Hi,

There is a workbook and practical guide to brain injury by Trevor Powell. They are 2 books, one is “Head injury: A practical guide” and the workbook is “The brain injury workbook, exercises for cognitive rehabilitation “.

I read the practical guide early after my brain injury and found it helped. But you can have a look inside the book on Amazon before you buy it if you are not sure it’s suitable.

Hope this helps x