I have shrapnel between the scull and brain, the MRI scan shows no damage. How likely is scan not to have picked up damage.

[Onceaborderer]

[Hidden]

I think a radiologist might know best.

[Onceaborderer in reply to Hidden]

I have lots of symptoms of brain injury, but because the incident happened over 17 years ago and no one was any the wiser I had shrapnel in there, I have been treated for depression for the past 7 years. But I had never truly believed that it was depression, although I do suffer it now.

[Hidden in reply to Onceaborderer]

I have a brain injury and I also suffer from chronic depression ever since my accident, anti-depressants temporarily relieved my symptoms and helped me to attend university and continue my studies despite the challenge of it all. The anti-depressant effect worn off a long time ago however and I continue to suffer from "depression", unfortunately I now feel that i'm fully dependent on these drugs, without them I feel awful, it's goes beyond a temporary withdrawal, this effect seems permanent. My point is, depression and brain injury go hand in hand, it is very common. When I had my injury I was a teenager and my parents thought that I was just behaving like a typical teenager, even they were none the wiser about my depression being related to my injury.

I assume from what you wrote that you're claiming for compensation or protecting your legal status. You have my sympathy, i'd have thought that 17 years ago they didn't even know brain injuries existed and you've probably been neglected by the medical profession and labelled "depressive" for lack of any clear evidence of an injury. It's not uncommon that MRI's of brain injuried are labelled as being "normal" especially if the brain itself wasn't touched e.g. in concussion cases, explosions, etc. The MRI result appearing normal doesn't preclude any claim to an injury, any reasonable neurologist should tell you this.

[Onceaborderer]

I have a number of issues, pains through my head, build up of pressure through my neck, head and shoulder, and when I can't crack my neck to release the pressure I need to get physio therapy to release it. I have issues with my memory and concentration, and became unable to carry out day to day things in a job I have been doing for 21 years. I suffer sleep problems and fatigue as well. I get upset at my kids when they make to much noise when I am the one who starts the play. It takes forever to think, the best way to put it is like a computer, a computer works fast, then I am like a computer with a virus, I work but it takes ages for the information to get through. On top of this there are loads more issues, but the neurologist says it is depression, and I don't believe that. What advise would u give me m8 !!

[headwayuk Partner Headway]

Hi Onceaborderer,

Thank you for your post, and very sorry to hear of the issues you are experiencing.

Have you ever had an assessment from a neuropsychologist? They tend to specialise in the cognitive/behavioural changes after brain injury, things like the memory problems, concentration, fatigue etc could be well within their remit.

You can speak to your GP about a referral.

At Headway we do publish a few booklets that may help you to argue for this, and will be useful to you and your family in dealing with the problems you are having.

What AnthonyM says is spot on - sometimes the damage does not show up on an MRI scan for a variety of reasons, and a scan should only be considered a diagnostic tool, rather than a definitive answer.

If you would like me to post our booklets out to you please send a private message on here with your name and address. Alternatively, you can contact our helpline on 0808 800 2244 or [e-mail].

Best wishes,

Headway.

[Onceaborderer in reply to headwayuk]

Is it normal to feel anger, hate and frustration towards your own kids. I have times when I can't control myself and want to lash out. I hate feeling this way and feel very confused and angry at myself when I do. What can I do to stop these feelings.

[headwayuk Partner Headway]

Hi Onceaborderer,

I've just posted on your other blog, but wanted to answer here too. Feelings of anger and frustration are common after brain injury - you are certainly not alone in experiencing this. As you know having posted on here looking for help, it becomes a problem when there is a feeling of lack of control, and I think we will be able to guide you towards appropriate support.

Can I ask you to contact our helpline using the details above so they can have a proper detailed conversation about this? I think with their expertise they will be able to guide and support you to getting the best possible help. It can be a long road, but with the right support you can get back in control of your feelings.

Best wishes,

Headway.