Suggestions

[Jareel10]

I suffered a traumatic brain injury August 14th of last year. I have a hard time remembering things and it be so hard for me to focus. What are some things I can do to improve my cognitive abilities?

[Pairofboots]

Hi Jareel, I'm not sure about specific techniques to help, but memory, the more way you can include the better the chance of remembering. So keeping notes, using a phone with alarms, use it as a dictaphone, use the camera function, think of strong smells that you can tag memories with, draw little pictures, the more things you can add the more chance you are going to be able to hold on to memories.

Talk to the rehab team, occupational therapist (OT) may be able to work with you to improve focus, and a neuro-psychologist may be of assistance. 🍀

[Jareel10 in reply to Pairofboots]

I really have a phone full of notes and I keep alarms for when I have to take my medicine or have doctor appointments. My neurologist basically tells me nothing. I spent months in the hospital and when I came home in October I was telling him all the things I’m dealing with. He told me that he only treat me for seizures because after that accident I started having seizures and by me having a traumatic brain injury that’s what’s expected. So he basically gives me no type of suggestions to help improve things

[Pairofboots in reply to Jareel10]

Neurologist only treat the brain, not necessarily the more subtle results, that is why I suggest the OT, and the neuro-psychologist, that help with the wider picture.

[cyclinghu]

Hi Jareel10 - besides the great and practical tips that Pairofboots suggested the main thing that causes me massive problems with memory is tiredness and fatigue - your OT will definitely be able to help with that too

[Jareel10 in reply to cyclinghu]

Thank you so much!! I been reading up on things and keeping notes. I was trying to see what suggestions could other people give me to help

[sashaming1]

Brain/remembering games, playing cards, Word Search games, Lumosity website.

[AliCathy]

Hi Jareel, Do give yourself time, you're in early days we need to get our physical strength back. What I got into was Lumosity - not nice to see how poor I was to start with but it really helped my recovery. Still not good at recognising people - but I let them know they may need to remind me how I know them. Take care pal, keep in touch and let us know how you are.

[Jareel10 in reply to AliCathy]

I just installed the app and I’m definitely going to get into it. I tried the memory matrix game and Yeah im terrible but I can tell it’s going to help

[AliCathy in reply to Jareel10]

Brilliant; it’s reassuring to see progression; keep it going 😉

[Pedal2]

Hello Jareel10, I am now 20 years plus since my injury but remember some parts of the early days quite clearly nonetheless. I used to find that I forgot things when I moved from one room to another. Like why I walked between the rooms. What I was going to retrieve etc. ? So I started repeating in my mind what the purpose of my movements were, this is still something I do now which makes me sound like a mad man I suppose but overtime you get used to all these little idiosyncrasies and they become second nature to you - believe me, this is definitely true. Another thing I did (after accidentally leaving my car keys in the car in a supermarket carpark to name just one of many lucky escapes- the car was still there when I returned - from memory problems) is create a kind of to do list either on paper or in my mind of things you definitely cannot forget. Like locking your door, turning the gas off and taking the keys out of the ignition of your car.

It takes a long time to get used to thinking in this way so take it easy on yourself, progress is slow but reward yourself mentally when you remember stuff. It is important to acknowledge progress no matter how small it may appear to other people. Small successes lead slowly to bigger - remember that too, in case you're ever feeling down and thinking "what's the point of trying? It's impossible!"

I have just remembered another story when the police suddenly appeared at my front door because I had left my wallet in the local shop! At the time it was devastating but now I have to laugh about it. Laughter is sometimes the only medicine available. Thank god I had written my address in my wallet . . . . probably to remind me where I lived. 😁