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Brain Injury: But, You Look So Good!

by | Mar 7, 2017 | Brain Health, Brain Rehabilitation, Personal Experiences | 2 comments

Brain Injury But You Look So Good WomanMarch is Brain Injury Awareness Month.  It is also the anniversary of my own brain injury. I still remember vividly months after my 60 mile-an-hour head-on auto accident, people would say, “But, You Look So Good!”  This is often the case with survivors of a brain injury, because brain injuries are not visible.  Although I appeared well on the outside, I was not the same person I was prior to sustaining a brain injury and I faced many challenges.  I would often turn away from a person, and turn back to the same person, only to discover that to me they were a new person.  I would say, “Hi, have we met before?”  Often people, depending on your age, misunderstand and think you have early dementia.

There is no doubt that life is different after a traumatic brain injury. It can change every facet of one’s life.  Statistics show that there is a higher divorce rate for, and increased emotional abandonment of, people who incur disabilities.  In my own recovery, I found that the loss of people I depended on to care for me was a major loss.  And then there is grief.  Grieving the loss of the person you used to be is not only normal, but it is a necessary part of recovery.

How can anyone see the severity of your condition in order to understand what you are going through?  They can’t.  People who suffer a concussion (mild traumatic brain injury), or other types of brain injuries, are often judged for not being able to resume normal activities because their injury is invisible. Brain injury survivors are often times misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and under-funded.

Mild and Moderate Brain Injury is the #1 misdiagnosed condition worldwide.   Every 15 minutes a concussion occurs.  The leading causes of concussion include falls, auto accidents, sports, recreational injury, and domestic violence, along with blast injury from combat IED (Improvised Explosive Device).   There are over 20,000 people who sustained a blast injury from the bombing explosion in Boston Marathon in 2013, who are possibly still unaware because “They Look So Good.”  Rather most or all of the 20,000 individuals are aware of experiencing an awful trauma and probably have confused their symptoms with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), since many of the symptoms of a brain injury, specifically Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS) do overlap.   See the table below.

POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME (PCS)

Amnesia – Yes
Anger – Yes
Lack of Awareness – Yes
Concentration Problems – Yes
Depression – Yes
Despair – Yes
Disorganization – Yes
Distractibility – Yes
Dizziness – Yes
Lack of Emotion – Yes
Fatigue – Yes
Headaches – Yes
Isolation and Withdrawal – Yes
Poor Judgement – Yes
Nightmares and Flashbacks – Yes
Personality Changes – Yes
Attempts to regain previous self-image – Yes
Short-term Memory Loss – Yes
Sleep Disturbances – Yes
Ultimate acceptance/resolution – Yes

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

Amnesia – Yes
Anger – Yes
Lack of Awareness – No
Concentration Problems – Yes
Depression – Sometimes
Despair – Yes
Disorganization – Yes
Distractibility – Yes
Dizziness – Sometimes
Lack of Emotion – Yes
Fatigue – Yes
Headaches – Sometimes
Isolation and Withdrawal – Yes
Poor Judgement – No
Nightmares and Flashbacks – Yes
Personality Changes – Yes
Attempts to regain previous self-image – Yes
Short-term Memory Loss – Yes
Sleep Disturbances – Yes
Ultimate acceptance/resolution – Yes

HEALTHY GRIEVING

Amnesia – No
Anger – Yes
Lack of Awareness – No
Concentration Problems – Yes
Depression – Sometimes
Despair – Yes
Disorganization – Yes
Distractibility – Yes
Dizziness – Sometimes
Lack of Emotion – No
Fatigue – Yes
Headaches – Sometimes
Isolation and Withdrawal – Yes
Poor Judgement – No
Nightmares and Flashbacks – No
Personality Changes – Sometimes
Attempts to regain previous self-image – Yes
Short-term Memory Loss – Sometimes
Sleep Disturbances – Yes
Ultimate acceptance/resolution – Yes

Please read over the various symptoms again from PCS, none of them effect how you look ….do they?  NO! That is why a brain injury is often misdiagnosed, because in most situations, your looks, speech and body movement are not disrupted, as you would see in a stroke or severe brain injury.

This is also seen on many of the numerous Facebook groups relating to Brain Injury.  There are thousands of posts from sufferers complaining that no one truly understands what they are going through because, well… “You Look So Good.”   In addition, these suffers are complaining about ongoing symptoms and asking each other for advice, instead if their doctors.  Why? Because in most cases, even medical doctors, unless they specialize in neurology, do not fully understand brain rehabilitation or how to treat concussions.  One troubling issue is that this peer-to-peer advice or suggestions from PCPs tend to give generalized recommendations for a specific symptom. Take, for example, a person who has trouble with their memory. The recommendations that I have seen for this are impersonal, antidotal and subjective. Therefore, they may or may not work, depending on the unique individual.

This is one of the many reasons I co-authored two books on the topic of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. Through my own experience, I realized there was not enough information or resources dealing with traumatic brain injury.  Even my own doctors told me I would not get well and would not make further progress. One doctor actually said the following as he pointed his finger in my face. “You need to go to a therapist to help your understand that you are Permanently Brain Damage, and you are never going to get better.”

But I found ways and methods to regain my life, and now share this knowledge through my books, speaking engagements, and consults in order to help other survivors overcome obstacles and regain their lives as well.

Just the other day, I was speaking with a customer service representative, when the topic of concussion came up.  She told me she sustained a brain injury 8 years ago, and she has many of the symptoms above, yet no one has offered any type of treatment to help her.  I was shocked and dismayed to know the Customer Service Rep was never provided with treatment or information that can truly help her in overcome her symptoms.   Of course, I told her of my own journey, and made her aware of my book, Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and my website drdiane.com for additional resources.

Knowledge is Power

Many people who suspect they suffered a concussion are often taken to the emergency room to have a Cat scan, also called a CT scan.  However, this type of scan only shows major bleeds or tumors.  Even your T3/T4 MRI does not show the subtle injury to brain tissue or vascular system as does a SWI MRI, that shows minute gray matter structure.

If ever in a legal battle to substantiate a brain injury, it is extremely important to get neuropsychological testing done by a neuropsychologist who has specific training in brain injury.  Also, the SWI MRI that clearly shows minuscule injury to the “gray matter” brain tissue and injury to artery, veins and capillaries.  To detect injury to your brain neurological system, called the “white matter,” it is important to get a diffusion tensor imaging called DTI MRI.  This is the only type of imaging that shows the tears and shearing of the electrical system in your brain which causes a wide variety of symptoms seen in a Brain Injury.

One of my patients is an equestrian, who fell off her horse. She went to her PCP, who proclaimed from his observation; she did NOT have a concussion. Yet she had many of the classic symptoms seen in the table above. She was doubtful, because she felt the injury wasn’t that bad and her PCP said she didn’t have a brain injury.  Only after months of symptoms and doubts, I finally convinced her to have a Quantitative EEG, called a QEEG.

Many of you have heard of an Electroencephalography (EEG), which  the measurement of electrical patterns at the surface of the scalp which reflect cortical activity, and are commonly referred to as “brainwaves”.  Quantitative EEG (qEEG) is the analysis of the digitized EEG, and in lay terms this sometimes is also called “Brain Mapping or just a Q”. The qEEG is an extension of the analysis of the visual EEG interpretation which may assist and even augment our understanding of the EEG and brain function, which then is converted into color maps of brain functioning called “Brain maps”.  QEEG are also specific evidence that can be used in a court of law to prove that you’ve had a brain injury.

On my patient QEEG, it clearly showed she had a concussion with significant disruption to her brain.  She had sustained a brain injury from the fall from her horse.  From this QEEG, we were able to do specific neurofeedback treatment that has been extremely successful.

When No One Seems to Understand, Know There is Help and Hope

In the book I co-authored, Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, I present personal true life vignette of actual life experiences for each of the symptoms that occur from Concussion, also called mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Each of the true life stories are from individuals, who on the outside look well. Rarely, are there any visible signs of physical injury, because the true injury is physical, specifically to the brain.

A Book Confirmed by the Experts – Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Neither I nor co-author Barbara Albers Hill are medical doctors, nor are we experts in each of the various modalities that are presented in this book. Therefore, I asked the leading experts to proofread and comment on the chapters in which they had expertise. Each chapter has been approved by the leading experts on the information contained in said chapter. Their names appear in the acknowledgment section of the book.

There is no other book on the market that provides as much in-depth and accurate information. In addition, we used a higher standard of quality control of the information than any other book on this subject.

What I can ensure you about this book is that the methods described within to help overcome the various symptoms have been approved by the leading authority regarding that particular symptom. This book offers both conventional and alternative methods of treatment, so no matter what your stance on modern medicine may be, there will be some proven method for you in this book to help you with your symptoms.

Seeking Legal Advice After a Brain Injury

The majority of brain injuries are caused by falls and automobile accidents. Along with methods and treatments of how to treat the symptoms of the accident, “Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury” also provides information on how to choose the best legal counsel, including personal injury attorneys. The book also acts as a guide explaining what medical diagnostic tests you may need as proof of your injury and extent of your injury.

Endorsement from the CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America

Susan H. Connors, president and CEO, Brain Injury Association of American, wrote a review of this book. She stated, “Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury is a long-awaited prescription for the millions who experience a so-called mild TBI and for their families and care providers. Incorporating detailed information, practical suggestions, and personal insight, Dr. Stoler has compiled a must- have encyclopedia for managing life after a concussion.” No one can argue that this book will be the only guide you need when handling the aftermath of your own or a loved one’s brain injury.

You Have a Choice – You Can Get Better!

You have a choice to continue enduring your current symptoms or to learn about real methods and treatments that are easy to read, clear, concise, accurate, and approved by the leading authorities in the field. I used the information in the book myself to regain my life and I wanted to share this with you.

National Brain Injury Awareness Month

brain_injury_awareness_month_round_stickerThis month only, March 2017, we are having a special discount on a consult with Dr. Diane, along with a free book of Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Or you can receive an autographed copy of Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, normally retailing at $20.00, for just $12.00! To get your discounted copy, visit this page, select the autographed copy, and use the code AWARENESS when checking out at the shopping cart.}}

A portion of the proceeds from book sales during the month of March 2017 will be donated to the Brain Injury Association of America to improve access to care, spread awareness and fight for life-saving research, treatment and services.

Wearable Wellness Neurotechnology

In addition, I want to share some exciting therapeutic products for those who specifically deal with symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia or chronic pain and want relief from these symptoms.

Wearable Wellness Neurotechnology

These Wearable Wellness Neurotechnology products provide effective, drug-free relief from anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression, and chronic pain, and can be used at home, in the office, or on the go.

TYPES OF WEARABLE WELLNESS NEUROTECHNOLOGY

CES Device

CES stands for Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation. It is the process of using low power electrical current to stimulate the brain to restore and re-balance the various neurohormones. This has been shown to give especially great results for anxiety and insomnia. However, CES has been a relatively unknown and underused technology due to the fundamental Western bias in favor of pharmaceuticals.

EmWave2®

Is a portable and convenient way to reduce stress, balance emotions and increase performance. Used just a few minutes a day, this simple-to-use technology helps you transform feelings of anger, anxiety or frustration into more peace, ease and clarity to be at your best.

The emWave2® will teach you to change your physiology through breathing and focusing on positive emotions. The emWave2® collects pulse data through a pulse sensor and translates the information from your heart rhythms into breathing guidelines to help you achieve syncopation between the heart, brain, and autonomic nervous system. This state of syncopation is called coherence and is a foundation for well-being and a healthy response to stress. FEATURES OF EMWAVE2® Use emWave2® on the go as a portable training device and store your sessions for later review

  • Run a session while at your computer and watch your coherence through real–time charts
  • Store all session information on your computer for future comparison and review
  • Four challenge levels including a challenging Advanced User mode
  • Adjustable brightness of the LED displays and audio feedback
  • Make sessions entertaining with the coherence building tools

Restorative Health Blanket and Cushion

The Restorative (Solaris) Health Blanket and Cushion were developed to rebalance and restore harmony to the body’s natural energy flow providing amazing health benefits by working as both an “energy shield” and as an “energy mirror”. Reflecting the body’s own “energetic portrait” provides favorable conditions for healing and enhancing overall well-being for ALL ages. Restorative Health Blanket and Cushion Uses:

  • Strengthens the immune system and increases resistance to seasonal allergies, cold, flu with repeated use.
  • Improves recovery period from traumas, injuries, surgery, and common illnesses.
  • Aids in redistributing the body’s energy, which promotes faster healing and encourages blood flow in areas of poor circulation
  • Increases brain wave activity thereby enhancing one’s mood and outlook
  • Protects from harmful electromagnetic fields
  • Reflects the problem areas in the body’s “energy portrait” back on itself, thereby acting as a homeopathic stimulus for immune and healing responses
  • Safe to use, with no complications, or side effects
  • Can be used as a stand-alone treatment or combined with other therapies, fitness, or wellness programs
  • Practical and portable—can be used in the home or office, fitness center, or on the road.

For more on these products go to:  https://www.drdiane.com/shop/

You Are Not Alone

For all of you millions of misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed people with a brain injury, who have been told, “But, You Look so Good,” know There is a Way!™

There is a treatment for each and every one of your symptoms of your brain injury.

Please check out this link.  https://www.drdiane.com/treatments/by-condition/traumatic-injury/post-concussion-syndrome-treatments/

You can also consult with me.  I work with individuals seeking help with brain rehabilitation or brain fitness, specifically in the areas of memory issues, anxiety, sleep disorders, concussion, post concussion syndrome (PCS), stroke, ADD/ADHD and more, to help them overcome life’s challenges and reach their goals.

If you or your loved one has been told by every doctor that there is nothing more they can do for you, I can provide you with real Solutions & Resources℠.

With over 30 years of experience as a Neuropsychologist, Board Certified Health Psychologist, Board Certified Sports Psychologist and brain injury survivor Dr. Diane can help you!

SCHEDULE A CONSULT

CONTACT DR. DIANE®

Dr. Diane® Roberts Stoler, Ed.D.
7 Hodges Street
N. Andover, MA 01845
Phone: (800) 500-9971
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Dr. Diane is a catalyst for change

Image Credit Elaine Boucher

Within each person shines an inner light that illuminates our path and is the source of hope. Illness, trauma, suffering and grief can diminish the light and shroud hope. I am a catalyst for hope and change, offering a way to rekindle this inner light.

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