Cognitive Problems After Traumatic Brain Injury

I've had my TBI since February 19, 2010. I was Active Duty Army 21 bravo. So long story short I was involved on the 19th of February in an IRAM attack that killed 3 people left 20 wounded in Al Amarah Provence Iraq. The force of the blast was enough to throw a then 175 lb Soldier with 65 plus pounds of gear and a 7.8 lb weapon with 210 55.6mm rounds and my water source about 15 feet into a 12 ft tall concrete T wall barrier hard enough to crack my kevlar and knock me out for a good 6 hours.I think the blast wave was what did the most damage as the medic said the kevlar helmet saved my life.I Have memory problems missing bits and pieces of a lot of my life. I have problems understanding and comprehending what people say. When I go to speak a simple sentence that part in my head that tells me that's what I want to say works fine until the words leave my mouth and it comes out wrong. I have this ringing that comes and goes in my right ear that gets so bad sometimes I get dizzy and nauseous and have to go sit down usually ending in a migraine headache.My moods are shifty if best. I get angry easily at what people say to me and sometimes I misunderstand what they say to me. My child's mother says I'm not caring and sensitive enough and always tells me I'm too slow for her. Why does she have to remind a full grown man simple things? I'm like taking care of another child and I have no sense of even being romantic anymore. I've lost my sex drive and we make love a minimal of maybe once a week and she wants it everyday. I get so upset with how I am now. It's all I think about and I lose track of the small things that make my girlfriend happy. I feel like a child that's looking out behind a window with bars and seeing everybody else play at recess and I'm stuck behind the bars and will never get to be normal like them. How do I live a normal life after this? She says I move painfully slow with everything I do and I just make excuses when I try to tell her I don't understood normal things I used to get. She thinks I do it on purpose. I'm not. How do I have a normal relationship again? I'm 36 years old and feel so drained about all of this I feel like an old man. Then I think what it's going to be like when I am an old man? Am I going to get worse and end up in a home like my dad? I just don't know anymore. A concerned and Heartbroken Soldier

Cognitive problems after brain injury. This seems to be an interesting topic for myself in recent years. I am 42 years old and live a very traumatic lifestyle. My first trauma was at conception. Grandfather kicked mom while she was pregnant with me. Then was recently told of a concussion received at about age 4 or 5 where I fell off a tree at about 20 feet above ground landing on the my side including my head. Over the years as I grew up I experienced more concussions however the most significant being attacked by unknown offenders where they continuously beat the back of my head and neck areas. I walked away from that incident but the world was very different after that. I went to doctor after doctor only to be told there was nothing wrong with me. I am not sure why I am posting all this information, perhaps out of frustration and concern for my current situation. I started my education again about two years ago at my local community college and started the notice how much my injuries were affecting my functioning. Currently, I am re-evaluating my educational goals because I am a computer science major and the high level of mathematics and computer languages seem to be an everyday struggle. Sometimes I have iritis flare up in one eye or the other, yesterday my left eye flared up and this is unusual because I had a flare already during midterms of my spring semester. Usually it happens once in one eye this is the second this year with heavier aggression and anger symptoms. I am waiting to see a doctor about this so hopefully all is well. I think this time I am on the verge of giving up. I really dislike placing burdens on others. My problem is seemingly that there does not seem to be any way out of this. I also seem to be wasting too much money having to retake classes that I fail in. I am thinking these injuries may have impacted my educational functioning.

I am 32 years old and had a TBI about 18 years ago, while playing cricket in school. I was in Class 9th then. I was in coma for almost 22 days and then in the hospital for over a month. Post the TBI, I lost ability to walk properly since it affected both my lower limbs primarily and to a certain extent caused a lack of strength in my upper limbs, but I am able to manage with that. Fortunately nothing was affected in terms of my cognitive abilities apart from a few differences in my emotional response to certain situations. And I am really thankful to my parents and my family (including relatives) who have been there with me acting as my support. I know how it feels like having survived such an accident. Well, I would say Depression, Deep Anxiety and Disordered Life are the three D's that come along with a TBI. I still am unable to walk properly and lately felt a few more difficulties cropping up in my lower limbs but I am trying to manage living with them. I know and have realized that unless a miracle is on the way, nobody other than me can change my life, yet any advice or suggestions for improvement are welcome.

You're testimony almost mirrors mine. I also suffered a severe head injury from an auto accident. I was in a coma for 45 days. I have cognitive problems, mostly in the area of memory and recognition. Thank you for sharing!

I am a 41 year old female who has post concussion syndrome.  My accident was in July of 2015 as I tripped and hit my head off concrete in our yard.  Talk about turning my life upside down.  I used to work in a high stress and fast pace environment which involved a great deal of computer use and driving.  Initially after my accident, I thought I'd be back to work in a week.  Wrong!!!  I had vertigo, nausea, headaches, insomnia, and I was exhausted after basic simple tasks.  In time I was diagnosed with PCS and continue to make progress daily.  The physio helped with the vertigo and balance issues thereafter.  I have also made progress in that the nausea is rare and the headaches are now manageable.  The sleep has also improved.  The key is not to overdo it.  You need to learn what your body is ready for and capable of and this is can be different for everybody.  Be self aware, learn what you can manage and do not overdo it.  Exercise is important even if it is simple like walking or swimming as high intensity exercises are still a challenge for me.    I have made huge gains since last July and I have an amazing occupational therapist.  My biggest issues now are driving, computer use, and managing stress.  The driving and computer use continue to improve as time goes on and with a great deal of practice without overdoing it.  I am learning new tools for my tool box all the time to manage my stress.  Meditation has been a God send although I must admit it is not something I ever pictured myself doing.  My neck and visual system seem to be key factors in my outstanding symptoms.  I am hopeful that a return to work may be possible in the fall of 2016 however I am also terrified as the amount of computer use, driving, and the amount of stress at work is far higher than what I know I am capable of managing at this time.  I am hopeful this will get better in time but I cannot help but think what else I am going to do with my life if these basic things do not get to where they need to be.  Then I wonder, maybe this is God's way of telling me I need to be on a different path in life.  Over the past year,  I have learned to become more self aware, more empathetic to the needs of others, I have learned to be more mindful and present with my children and others, and I have learned to be thankful and appreciative for the simple things in life.  Although things are still rough at times, I am actually thankful I have had the last year to learn so many new things. I am also thankful I had insurance which has allowed me to survive financially and access good supports.  I cannot imagine how difficult it is for those out there who are placed in this type of situation without supports.  They wonder why people get depressed in these situations but once you live it, you understand.   For others who are out there suffering please know you are not crazy, try and focus on the positive, and ensure you seek supports needed that are available for you to move forward.  Keep the faith. 

While driving in 2009, a lady ran a stop sign and I T-boned her going just under 70mph my seat belt is the only reason I am still alive...the other driver was not so lucky. I have struggled silently ever since with remembering things and sometimes finding the right words. It is getting harder and harder for me to remember things that I read. I used to be able to remember everything and it is starting to get frustrating. Is there a specialist that I should be talking to to try fix this problem? I feel like I am becoming more of a hermit just so people don't notice my struggles ... I need to figure something out. Any help would be so amazingly helpful.

Hello Everybody I had 3 major traumas in my frontal, parietal and occipital lobe.  This tragic event put me in a comma for 8 weeks and underwent many cranial surgeries. Now 12 years later I am  finishing my Bachelor Degree But It has been a long time struggle. Academically I do not perform as I used to it is  harder than ever I worker harder than average individuals. Reading all your post I do not fee along it feels good to know that you guys are also around sharing your post. Anyone has any exercises or advices in improving memorization and writing skills along with learning and processing new information.

The most informative article I have read on here. Thank you so much for sharing it and all the comments that have been added. I'm sure this will help others to cope and move forward. It will also give family and friends a better insight. I wish you ALL the very best with the long journey ahead.

Hi All-  It's sure is nice to know that there are others who understand these issues and don't think it's just "all in your head" so to speak!  I'm a 50yr old female.  My TBI (and fractured pelvis) occurred 5yrs ago as the result of an automobile accident.  I was out of it for 3 days.  When I came to I didn't remember a thing from the accident.  Spent a month in the hospital and 2wks as an inpatient at a brain injury rehabilitation center.  Followed by about 1 1/2 yrs of out-patient therapy.  I've since returned to work (3yrs now) at a different job.  My employer at the time of the accident terminated me since I couldn't return to work.  Anyway, said new job was going great for about the first 2 1/2 yrs.  Lately however, things have been a struggle.  I was upfront about my TBI during the hiring process so they couldn't claim they weren't aware of it.  The company is very small (under 25 employees).  Organization is poor, communication is lacking, training is nill, if you do manage to get the paperwork you need it's usually incorrect.  The list goes on and on.  I wasn't aware of this disorganization at first, I thought it was just me.  For the first little while I was able to deal with these issues but as of late it's about to drive me crazy!  Like I said earlier, I was upfront about my TBI right from the get go.  If I try to bring up the subject of how stressed I am the boss doesn't want to hear it and just brushes me aside.  I know he think since I look fine that there isn't anything going on and I'm just making it all up.  Other employees have commented and even quit due to the chaos.  Between the obvious chaos, disorganization, and having a TBI on top of it It's a struggle.  During my rehab ADHD was also mentioned.  Doctor appointment this week to figure out what is going on and what to do!  Any pointers, tips, or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
 

In 1991, I was pulled into a rotating spindle by my hair. It pulled all of my hair out and my ear off. The rescue team said that I hit the machine with the force of a car hitting a solid wall at 40 miles per hour. I ended up with 83 stitches and a concussion. I have problems with several issues. I cannot remember something someone says to me concerning my work for more than a few seconds. I have to write things down immediately and even then, I get it wrong. If someone says something to me, I usually cannot repeat it back to them. If I read something, I cannot remember the details, names or places, just the basic jist of the story. It is like things go in my ears, but that's where it stops. I forget where I put things and I even forget that I have something and will go out and get it again, only to find it months or years later. I tried to take classes and it was a waste of monies because I couldn't remember or retain the curriculum that was being taught. The classes were in something that I have been doing for years..... People get frustrated with me and then I get frustrated with myself. How can I fix my issues??????

What a world to be tapped in.  Par Rehab diagnosed me with a TBI in 2008. I had the accident in 2007.  Initially I thought they (Par Rehab) were playing ticks with me.  I did not trust them ... I did not trust anyone.  I looked at various tests that I just knew were simple and tests that I could perform, but I could not perform them nor figure them out.  I became paranoid because after all, they just wanted my money ... right? ... WRONG. I felt so stupid.  At times even now, I'm afraid to open my mouth for fear that my words would not be so well put together.  Sometimes  the world is so overwhelming that I just have to "unplug".  That means not talking to anyone and not doing anything.  I have one child who is 17 years old now.  She has dealt with this and dealt with me and my forgetfulness for 8 years now.  At one point, I was in fear of losing her.  After receiving calls from the school letting me know that my child was still there waiting for me to pick her up, I had to start setting an alarm so that I could leave work and pick my child up. I never ever want hear the pain in my child's voice saying, "Mommy, you forgot about me".  May God continue to Bless and keep her strong.  When I heard the words from the doctor saying, "You will never be the same again", I thought to myself, "Oh yeah ... that's what you think.  I thought this to myself because I am a fighter (mentally) and I am a believer.  This is my up-bringing ... press your way through.  A lot of times, that mentality works ... sometimes it does not.  I am not where i want to be however, I am a long way from where I was.  I concern myself with myself, my child and my job.  Right now, I do not have the capacity to manage another relationship other than family members who understands when I must go into a shell.  At times I feel so vulnerable.  Yet, I am always thankful.  To the TBI survivors ... Keep on keeping on.  To the TBI care-taker ... get your rest and take your breaks.  It's not easy for either side.  I am grateful for a place to express my feelings.  Thank you.

I am a little over 4 yrs dealing with TBI, I was hit by drunk driver.  I don't remember any of it Thank God.After life support was turned off and I came back I don't remember anything but like 4 days later when all the sudden I recognized a friend without anyone telling me. I knew this lady who was my mom kept telling me who was who and coming in to see me. I have tried learning things my 12 yr old child is, things I know I use to know but the next day they disappear, well when it comes to learning like her school work.  I write things down on my calenday a lot.  I did learn to drive again but was put on restrictions like stay within 5 mile radius of home, no expressways or highways, I can deal with that.  I am 57 yrs old and do okay on simple home things but learning well blood pressure goes up when learning some things which is not good, with me before accident I always had very low blood pressure.  I was a busy person, worked since I was 13, this happened on my lunch hr when I worked at hospital as Administrative secretary and did billing.  Never made it back from lunch hr though which was totally unlike me. So with this I have learned when I m concentrating on getting something done I have a one track mind and that is getting it done.  Even when someone says something to me its like they arent even there. Before all this I had child to get ready for school, then work, picking child up after work, home duties, supper, very very busy.  To me the best way I can see it is God was telling me to slow down and take time to smell the flowers :)

I suffered my injury 12 yrs ago worked hard -thought I was unstoppable -seems like I am-I'm 38 now....an concerned.

when I read the comment of 20may2010 @9:09am regarding cognitive problems after TBI, especially about losing visualization because of TBI, I felt that the words were coming right out of my mouth.  When I hear people say,"everybody visualizes to some degree ", -I don't see jack. I visualized as a child but since the military  TBI I DO NOT PICTURE ANYTHING!  I would appreciate any suggestions or comments.

My son was assaulted almost 3 years ago and suffered a TBI.  He is 38 years old. After 11 months began having seizures.  He takes seizure medication which helps.  My observations as to when he has a seizure is when he has too much going on in his life.  Unfortunately he is unable to do as much as prior to TBI but doesn't see that clearly and becomes depressed..  First because he's had a seizure, and second because  there is a recovery time afterwards that he doesn't want to acknowledge, and so the cycle begins again.  When he gets enough rest (1 to 2 weeks sometimes), he recovers enough to go on with his normal routines of life.  He goes to college and has an 8 year old son and can  function very nicely when he doesn't overdo it.