It is not just an injury, it is a major life changer!
No matter how your brain was injured, it is traumatic. There maybe no obvious physical issues; but maybe headaches, dizziness, etc. There most likely are cognitive issues with attention, memory, decision making. Most importantly there is often a need to adapt for work, family and even your identity.
The brain has an amazing ability to be resilient. Its called neuroplasticity. However, it requires exertion on your part. It requires you literally exercising your brain in a certain way to recover to your fullest. Clinically this is called Cognitive Rehabilitation. However, this effort requires a degree of motivation that may be missing either from the energy demands of physically healing or from depression and anxiety from stresses related to the loss.
Many succumb to the loss of energy and end up on medications, having a “disabled” mindset and depression. Dr. LaVine offers comprehensive therapy based on neuropsychology that will reduce anxiety and depression, improve attention, memory and cogntion and help discover a new life better than your old one.
You can recover body, mind and spirit!
While you may be feeling at your lowest, many others have been there and found the way out. You may not believe you will get better, hell you may even have been told by the medical community that you would not get better, but you can decide to move forward now. Right now.
What is FND?
FND is a condition where patients experience neurological symptoms such as weakness, movement disorders, sensory symptoms, and blackouts. These symptoms are real and can cause significant distress and impairment.
Symptoms:
Common Symptoms:
Motor symptoms:
- Tremors, dystonia, gait issues
- Sensory symptoms: numbness, tingling
- Cognitive symptoms: memory issues, concentration difficulties
- Seizures: non-epileptic attacks
Variability:
- Symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may fluctuate in severity.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Epilepsy
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or can lead to a wide range of symptoms, which vary depending on the severity of the injury, the area of the brain affected, and the individual. Symptoms can be categorized into physical, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral domains:
Physical Symptoms:
- Headache: Persistent or recurring headaches are common after a TBI.
- Dizziness and Balance Issues: Difficulty with balance and coordination.
- Fatigue: Increased tiredness and reduced energy levels.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Especially in acute stages following the injury.
- Sensitivity to Light and Noise: Patients may find bright lights and loud noises overwhelming.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
- Seizures: In some cases, TBI can lead to seizures, particularly with moderate to severe injuries.
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Memory Problems: Difficulty remembering new information or recalling past events.
- Attention Deficits: Challenges with focusing, sustaining attention, or multitasking.
- Executive Functioning Issues: Problems with planning, organizing, and decision-making.
- Slowed Thinking: Reduced processing speed and difficulty with complex tasks.
- Language Difficulties: Trouble finding words, forming sentences, or understanding spoken/written language.
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms:
- Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, including irritability and emotional volatility.
- Depression and Anxiety: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or excessive worry.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, leading to risky behaviors.
- Social Challenges: Difficulty with social interactions and maintaining relationships.
- Lack of Motivation: Reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Sensory Symptoms:
- Vision Problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty tracking objects.
- Hearing Issues: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or difficulty hearing.
- Altered Taste and Smell: Changes in the ability to taste or smell.