Short term memory loss

[Smum16]

HiI was looking some advice/hope

My mummy was knocked down 3 weeks ago,hit her head at the back, developed a clot and needed surgery on the right side to realise pressure.

We were told mummys chances are very slim of survival as her injury was so severe. She had surgery within 4hours of the accident and it went well.

Mummy was sedate and remained in ICU for 12days 9of which she was fully sedated.

Since being transfered to the ward mummy has really surpassed our expectations. Mummy has full use of 4 arms and legs. She is still bed bound. She knows all her family and her long term memory does not seem to be affected.

Mummy can read and write notes to the nurses. She can send short text messages and make short phonecalls to her family. She remembers a significant amount of detail from the long term. We are taken back by how much she can remember!!

However very concerning her short term memory is very poor. We visit twice a day... At half 2 and half 6. Mummy would not be able to remember that we have already been in for a visit. She had zero recollection of anything short term today.Today mummy was taken out of the bed by the physio just to stand out for a very short minute or 2. She was exhausted this evening and could remember being out of bed and was really confused.

It has been 23days from the accident and 2 weeks from being of sedation however it really only has been 6days from mummy has shown signs of being conscious for a period of time.

I am just writing to seek advise (and reassurance) regarding such bad short term memory loss. It is a very difficult time but we are trying to focus on the positives.

[Eltonsilver]

Hi Smum16

My husband was in hospital a year with TBI he's home now and very mobile, can do everything. His short term memory isn't great but improving. He can remember loads from his past.

You are in the very early stages be patient, I know it's hard but fingers crossed your mother will get there.

[Hidden]

Hi, you are clever finding this site and asking these questions. Your mum is in the right place ATM being looked after.

It may be a good idea to phone the helpline number on the main page and someone trained will help answer some of your questions.

Ask for the contact details of your local headway group and they will help you too.

[Smum16 in reply to Hidden]

I really appreciate your reply. I phoned the helpline last week and I know it is too early. We just have to give mummy time to heal. It's such a worrying time. My mummy is such a brilliant caring women. We are devastated this has happened.

[Hidden in reply to Smum16]

Hi Smum, you are amazing and caring, Oppo gives some really good advice and praises her son for help.

Many of us have had brain injuries and post our progress, questions, give advice, take advice have a rant when times are hard or difficult etc or share good news.

There are also many carers here too that share their stories and seek advice.

Your post makes me think there should be some kind of a service on this Headway Site that can connect the children of people who have brain injuries so they can chat and share their experiences with each other. I'm sure it would help and paint a picture more relevant to you, a shared experience may provide a vision of what to expect from your point of view, how you can help and importantly address what help you may need too.

You could maybe create a post asking if other children are on this site.

I think there are other forms of social media on the headway main web page.

You could even create your own social media site.

I think there may be lots on Tik Tok.

Something to think about.

Hopefully a HEADWAY MONITOR will read this and reply.

[Oppo24]

Hi Smum16, you are a star for supporting your mum so well! Brain injuries are strange in that they can affect different people in different ways but the fact that your mum has made such good progress so far is a very good sign. Her long term memory has not been affected it seems, it is the short term and that exactly the issue I have, so I know how frustrating it is both for her and for you her family.

Please give her time and help her by reminding her gently such as “remember when I said such and such and you said so and so” or “oh look we’ve been here before haven’t we when you did such and such”. My son has to support me in a similar fashion and I know it must be frustrating for him to have repeat himself or tell me things several times over but his support is invaluable. Leaving notes, a diary or calendar and writing things down also helps. As will setting up reminders in her phone to do things in certain places or at certain times. I feel it is not always the memories themselves that are lost it is just that I can’t find them any more - with reminders and aids it helps and that does get better.

Her short term memory should improve over time - and I do mean a long time - but the likelihood is it will always be affected now and some memory may just be lost. She will have to adjust to that which is the worst part I feel, in accepting who you are now. As long as she has the love and support of her family she will get through as will you all.

Wish you all the best and any questions just ask

[Mads1975]

further to what has already been written, a brain injury that has affected the short term memory requires a lot of patience, both from the injured person and those closest to them.

I was personally affected by this after contracting TB Meningitis and it is SO frustrating for all involved. I remember a nurse looking frustrated when I couldn’t remember his name and my dad writing it on a post-it note by my bed so I could remember the name! At the same time I recalled a memory from 30 years before when I was 3 yrs old which had my parents flummoxed.

My short term memory has gradually improved over time but is perhaps on 50% of what it was.

I use my phone to write down reminders and set alarms to remind me of tasks I need to complete.

I play games on my phone to try and keep my brain working which I feel helps somewhat.

I will just add that Headway have been a wonderful help and with your amazing support you can all enjoy a good life with your ‘new’ mum