Fatigue and Insomnia Following Traumatic Brain Injury (and what you can do to help!)

/0 Comments/in , /by

Fatigue and Insomnia Following Traumatic Brain Injury (and what you can do to help!)

Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Sleep and daytime energy are two crucial aspects to a happy and successful life. That is why it can be very unsettling to traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients to struggle falling asleep, and consequentially, thrive during the daytime. A disruption in the chemical balance in the brain can leave one with a chronic condition of sleepiness and, frustratingly, the inability to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. If this is what you are experiencing, you are not alone. Up to 70% of individuals with TBI will suffer from sleeping problems, even after minor injuries. Lack of sustained quality sleep can be serious, leading to or worsening symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or physical pain.

Insomnia can possibly appear directly after brain injury and possible persist for years after. During this time, personal relationships, family life, and school/work success can be compromised by sleep-related symptoms. The two most common types of interventions for those with TBI-related insomnia are behavioral modifications and medication. Each case of TBI is different— Pathways emphasized comprehensive evaluations to assemble an individual treatment plan. While it is important to seek professional help for TBIs, here are some general suggestions for those suffering from insomnia:

*Stay consistent! Go to bed and wake up at consistent time (7-9 hours for adults is ideal)

*Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine! These substances disrupt sleep substantially.

*Minimize distractions such as computer, smartphones, television and lights. 

*Exercise regularly. In addition to its anti-depressant effects, exercise can restore chemical balance in brain and get one on a reliable sleep schedule.

*Keep day-time activities out of the bed. Try keeping television and iPhone away when trying to go to sleep. If you cannot fall asleep, use electronics outside of the bed.

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post Fatigue and Insomnia Following Traumatic Brain Injury (and what you can do to help!) appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Fatigue and Insomnia Following Traumatic Brain Injury (and what you can do to help!)

Parenting a Child With ADHD

/0 Comments/in /by

Parenting a Child With ADHD

adhd evaluation

Do: Educate Yourself About ADHD 

A great (and immensely important!) starting point for a parent is understanding what ADHD is and what it means to you and your child.  It is important to realize that the behavior of a child with ADHD is a result of a developmental disorder that affects executive functions. He or she cannot just “snap out of it”.

While professional help is very important, here are some good starting books to help you start your education about ADD/ADHD:

“Smart but Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults with ADHD” by Thomas E. Brown, PhD

“New ADHD Medication Rules” by Charlers Parker, MD

“ADHD: What Every Parent Needs to Know” by Michael I. Reiff, M.D.

“Nowhere to Hide: Why Kids with ADHD and LD Hate School and What We Can Do About It” by Jerome J. Schultz, Ph.D

“Driven to Distraction” by Ned Hallowell, MD and John Ratey, MD

Dont: be a downer

Being negative can make one lose perspective and overshadow the positives. Tomorrow is always a new day.

Do: be your child’s advocate

It can be tough for a child to realize that he or she may not be meeting expectations.

Your child needs a proud supporter, one who nourishes and sports the uniqueness and talents. Believe in your child and fight for your child’s success, whether it is talking to school administrators or tutor.

Dont: be militant and take everything personally

Most children will protest and talk back to their parents. While strict limits and discipline must be employed, too harsh of an effort to mute your child can be damaging. This can suppress the spirit and will of a vibrant child. Make sure to set reasonable limits when it comes to disciplining behavior and focus much more on positive attention and positive reinforcement.

Do: trust your child to make choices

Provide opportunities for your child to make choices. This will provide a sense of independence while teaching the value of decisions and consequences. For instance, you can ask your child “would you rather start your HW now or practice your guitar first?”

Don’t: lose control over relationship with child and stay calm

While a child with ADHD may act disorderly, a parent must never lose their grip and authority. Do not be intimidated just because you may feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Patience can be a virtue, but it is ultimately up to the parent to make the rules for acceptable behavior. Try to be accommodating and flexible but make sure to set personal parenting limits of what is “crossing the line.”

Do: Promote Patience

Having ADHD can be very frustrating. Make sure your child understands that success is gradual. Help set incremental goals such as “high marks on the next three English tests” before jumping to grander goals. Over time, the bar can be set increasingly higher.

In addition, set up an organized household with limited distractions. It is beneficial to have a quiet space that is neat and free of messes and distractions such as television and video games. This organization will set good example and reduce any additional burdens a student with ADHD may encounter with unnecessary disorder.

Don’t: Try to fix everything at once 

Parenting a child with ADHD is a marathon, not a sprint. Personal time for yourself can be extremely beneficial in preventing “burnout.” Relax. Go to the gym. Go on a walk. Get proper sleep. The better mindset you are in, the better job you will do parenting. Be confident in yourself and in your child. Positive change will come with gradual persistence.

Do: focus on the basics and set rewards!

Exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet are key ingredients for improved behavior. Poor sleep, poor nutrition, and insufficient exercise can make ADHD symptoms worse. Recreational sports, family hikes, and routine bedtimes are all good ideas. Set a good example!

In addition, make sure your child is rewarded for positive steps in right direction. Children with ADHD are highly sensitive to cognitive reward responses. Positive feedback can reinforce good behavior. For instance, you can make a marble jar that is filled with a marble for each high test mark, positive teacher review, etc. Once the jar is filled, you can reward your child with an agreed upon prize.

Do: seek expert help

Dr. Gordon is an experienced ADHD expert. He is devoted to helping you learn more about ADHD and find solutions for each individual’s need!

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post Parenting a Child With ADHD appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Parenting a Child With ADHD

Parenting a Child With ADHD

/0 Comments/in /by

Parenting a Child With ADHD

adhd evaluation

Do: Educate Yourself About ADHD 

A great (and immensely important!) starting point for a parent is understanding what ADHD is and what it means to you and your child.  It is important to realize that the behavior of a child with ADHD is a result of a developmental disorder that affects executive functions. He or she cannot just “snap out of it”.

While professional help is very important, here are some good starting books to help you start your education about ADD/ADHD:

“Smart but Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults with ADHD” by Thomas E. Brown, PhD

“New ADHD Medication Rules” by Charlers Parker, MD

“ADHD: What Every Parent Needs to Know” by Michael I. Reiff, M.D.

“Nowhere to Hide: Why Kids with ADHD and LD Hate School and What We Can Do About It” by Jerome J. Schultz, Ph.D

“Driven to Distraction” by Ned Hallowell, MD and John Ratey, MD

Dont: be a downer

Being negative can make one lose perspective and overshadow the positives. Tomorrow is always a new day.

Do: be your child’s advocate

It can be tough for a child to realize that he or she may not be meeting expectations.

Your child needs a proud supporter, one who nourishes and sports the uniqueness and talents. Believe in your child and fight for your child’s success, whether it is talking to school administrators or tutor.

Dont: be militant and take everything personally

Most children will protest and talk back to their parents. While strict limits and discipline must be employed, too harsh of an effort to mute your child can be damaging. This can suppress the spirit and will of a vibrant child. Make sure to set reasonable limits when it comes to disciplining behavior and focus much more on positive attention and positive reinforcement.

Do: trust your child to make choices

Provide opportunities for your child to make choices. This will provide a sense of independence while teaching the value of decisions and consequences. For instance, you can ask your child “would you rather start your HW now or practice your guitar first?”

Don’t: lose control over relationship with child and stay calm

While a child with ADHD may act disorderly, a parent must never lose their grip and authority. Do not be intimidated just because you may feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Patience can be a virtue, but it is ultimately up to the parent to make the rules for acceptable behavior. Try to be accommodating and flexible but make sure to set personal parenting limits of what is “crossing the line.”

Do: Promote Patience

Having ADHD can be very frustrating. Make sure your child understands that success is gradual. Help set incremental goals such as “high marks on the next three English tests” before jumping to grander goals. Over time, the bar can be set increasingly higher.

In addition, set up an organized household with limited distractions. It is beneficial to have a quiet space that is neat and free of messes and distractions such as television and video games. This organization will set good example and reduce any additional burdens a student with ADHD may encounter with unnecessary disorder.

Don’t: Try to fix everything at once 

Parenting a child with ADHD is a marathon, not a sprint. Personal time for yourself can be extremely beneficial in preventing “burnout.” Relax. Go to the gym. Go on a walk. Get proper sleep. The better mindset you are in, the better job you will do parenting. Be confident in yourself and in your child. Positive change will come with gradual persistence.

Do: focus on the basics and set rewards!

Exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet are key ingredients for improved behavior. Poor sleep, poor nutrition, and insufficient exercise can make ADHD symptoms worse. Recreational sports, family hikes, and routine bedtimes are all good ideas. Set a good example!

In addition, make sure your child is rewarded for positive steps in right direction. Children with ADHD are highly sensitive to cognitive reward responses. Positive feedback can reinforce good behavior. For instance, you can make a marble jar that is filled with a marble for each high test mark, positive teacher review, etc. Once the jar is filled, you can reward your child with an agreed upon prize.

Do: seek expert help

Dr. Gordon is an experienced ADHD expert. He is devoted to helping you learn more about ADHD and find solutions for each individual’s need!

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post Parenting a Child With ADHD appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Parenting a Child With ADHD

Brain Injury Awareness

/0 Comments/in /by

Brain Injury Awareness

brain injury, traumatic brain injury, tai, concussionsMarch is Brain Injury Awareness Month. As the month comes to a close, it is important to discuss what causes– and what happens during– a traumatic brain injury (TBI). After all, TBI’s effects over 2.5 million individuals in the United States.

What is a TBI?

Simply, a TBI is a physical injury to the brain. However, the injury comes from a physical outside impact or the brain’s impact with the skull. A TBI does not refer to hypoxia (lack of oxygen to brain), stroke, or tumor. Instead, the major causes of TBI are falls (28%), car crashes (20%), and blunt force from an object (19%). After initial assault, further damage could be done in what is known as a secondary injury. An example of a secondary injury is restricted blood flow to a region of the brain.

“I am confused. Do I have a concussion or a TBI?”

The short answer is: most likely both! That is because a concussion, by definition, is a type of brain injury often referred to a mild TBI (mTBI). A concussion is therefore a type of brain injury that, depending on the severity, can be quite serious. Sports players are especially vulnerable due to physical contact with the skull. If you are experiencing headaches, fatigue, and/or poor balance, it is wise to make a consultation before continuing intense physical exercise. To learn more about concussions, check out the Pathways website!

What happens to your brain during a TBI?

The human brain is an astonishing organ, weighing in at roughly over  three pounds  and consisting of 86 billion neurons (brain cells). The texture of the brain can be best compared to that of gelatin. The skull is a hard protective barrier between the delicate brain tissue and the environment. However, when the brain is injured, it swells and fills with fluid just as other parts of the body would. Swelling can cause your brain to push against the skull, causing immense pressure inside the head that could potentially cause further damage, discomfort, and pain.

The neurons of the brain communicate via special messenger molecules called neurotransmitters. These chemicals are in proper balance in order to control mood, sleep, desire, and sense of happiness. A TBI will often disturb this delicate chemistry, resulting in altered emotions and thoughts. Consequently, behavior is often disturbed in those with TBIs.The brain’s chemical balance will often restore itself upon healing. When the injury is very severe, sometimes medications are warranted to intervene in brain’s chemical makeup.

“I am not sure if I have a TBI. What should I do?!”

Professional medical attention is crucial if you are suspicious that you may have a brain injury. Through comprehensive evaluations and sophisticated brain imaging, you can work together with your doctor to heal and prevent further injury.

Check out Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN discuss TBIs:

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post Brain Injury Awareness appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Brain Injury Awareness

Sex Life and Emotional Wellness after Traumatic Brain Injury

/0 Comments/in /by

Sex Life and Emotional Wellness after Traumatic Brain Injury

traumatic brain injury -tbi and sex

For both male and female adults recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), self-confidence and sexual enjoyment can be compromised on the road to recovery. Sexual difficulties are not trivial, as they can lead to low self-esteem and significant relationship problems. Decreased sex drive, decreased arousal, erectile dysfunction, inability to achieve orgasm, and/or hypersexuality are common experiences after TBI.

Neurotransmitters are the messengers between brain cells and are vital for cognitive function and emotional well being. Neurotransmitters are also responsible for feelings of intimacy and sexual arousal. Moreover, they message the body to send blood to sexual organs. Therefore, assaults to the brain that affect its chemical makeup may have significant implications for one’s physical satisfaction and intimate relationships.

Every TBI case is different and, depending on the primary injury and consequent manifestation of the disease, the extent and nature of sexual wellness in each patient will vary. It is our goal at Pathways to tailor treatment and therapy options in a personalized manner. 

Sexual dysfunction after TBI can result from a primary direct assault to the brain or a secondary cause downstream of the initial impact. The location of the brain that has been insulted will dictate the type of sexual problems one may encounter. Even within a region of a brain, specific subregions entail different functions. For instance, within the frontal lobe of the brain, damage to the dorsolateral frontal lobe typically leads to a reduced sex drive while damage to the orbitofrontal region may lead to hypersexuality. When damage impairs neurochemical/neuroendrocrine functions of the brain, a secondary cause of compromised sexual function can result from the impairment of blood hormone levels. Medications, another secondary source of sexual impairment, such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anticholinergics, and serotonergic agonists can reduce sex drive, among other side effects.  Anxiety and depression, often coinciding with TBI can also interfere with sexual functioning and desire.

At Pathways, we are here to make an environment of comfort and openness regarding sexuality concerns. Mental well-being and sexual health is incorporated into our comprehensive evaluation and treatment of TBIs.

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post Sex Life and Emotional Wellness after Traumatic Brain Injury appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Sex Life and Emotional Wellness after Traumatic Brain Injury

Military Study: Aerobic Exercise as an Effective Treatment for mTBI

/0 Comments/in , /by

Military Study: Aerobic Exercise as an Effective Treatment for mTBI

military TBI brain injuries led

David K Johnson, PhD and the Department of Defense have teamed up to investigate the healing effects of aerobic exercise on mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). The researchers are focusing on United States soldiers who have experienced brain injuries from improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, in Iraq and Aphganistan. While rarely resulting in penetrating harm, IEDs are a common tool of terrorist organizations and their detonation can result in severe head trauma followed by up to six minutes of loss consciousness. Johnson’s results, which show beneficial improvements to soldiers’ conditions upon significant exercise, may have broad implications to those diagnosed with mTBI that are fit enough for aerobic exercise.

Although a specialist on Alzheimers, Johnson appreciates the possible overlaps with mTBIs in younger patients when it comes to the biochemical processes in the brain. When talking about his study, which was spearheaded by a $500,000 grant to improve the life quality of US soldiers, Johnson explains that, “An awful lot of the biochemical process in mTBI appears to be related to Alzheimer’s disease […] we know aerobic exercise can reduce the amount of biochemicals associated with Alzheimer’s disease, reduce the plaques and tangles, so we think it will work with mTBI as well. Aerobic exercise helps the brain heal itself.” To further test this hypothesis, Johnson is working with one hundred volunteers at Fort Riley to test for cognitive fitness before and after structured aerobic training.

mTBI is the most common brain injury. Athletic activity and warfare dramatically increase the chance of mTBI, most often due to non-penetrating impact on the brain. The good news is, however, that young athletes, soldiers, and veterans that have mTBI can still partake in aerobic exercise unless physically barred from running. Johnson and his team are hopeful and eager about their study. Moreover, by looking for physical and chemical signatures, more can be understood about prolonged brain injuries. “Because mTBI shares so much biologically with early Alzheimer’s disease,” Johnson explain, “I hope that what is working in our older adults also works in these young men and women.”

SOURCE: 

https://news.ku.edu/2016/12/06/researchers-use-aerobic-exercise-promising-treatment-wounded-warriors-mild-traumatic

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post Military Study: Aerobic Exercise as an Effective Treatment for mTBI appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Military Study: Aerobic Exercise as an Effective Treatment for mTBI