CHAT WITH PAT
Answers to your personal questions from someone who
cares........ 
DEAR PAT:
I was in a serious car accident and sustained a major blow to my head. The CT
scan came out negative, but I had a lump literally the size of an egg on my
forehead, two black eyes and bruises to the rest of my body and head. I have
been evaluated by a neuropsychologist who states that there is nothing wrong
with me that was not present before the accident, and that I am complaining of
problems for which there is no physical evidence. The neuropsychologist has many
academic degrees, so I am questioning myself! It is so hard to put my finger on
what is wrong, but it takes me ten times longer to do things now than before the
injury. My house used to be immaculate and now it's a disaster. Is it possible
that this professional, who is apparently highly trained (and has written books
and given lectures), is wrong?
PAT'S RESPONSE:
It is not uncommon for someone who sustains a mild brain injury to
receive a clean CT scan. You were smart to consult a neuropsychologist for
more diagnostic information. And, the neuropsychologist's conclusion that
your problems were present before your injury makes sense. If you stunk in
math before your injury, you'll still be counting on your fingers after the
accident. A person with depression prior to the accident probably will
emerge from the injury with depression. In fact, the depression may be worse
because you are reacting to the fact that you experienced a traumatic event.
There may be no physical/organic cause for your depression that did not
exist prior to the accident. You simply would be reacting normally to a
traumatic event. What you need to do is find out why you take longer to get
things done, to clean house, etc. if these problems did not exist before the
accident. Feeling slowed down is very common after a brain injury, by the
way. You may benefit by getting a second opinion from another
neuropsychologist or a neuropsychiatrist if you feel that you need
medication. This does not diminish the opinion of the first
neuropsychologist; a second opinion simply gives you more information.
DEAR PAT:
At the age of 18, I sustained a severe head injury when I was hit by a driver
in a pick-up truck, and I was as messed up as a Don King hair-do. I was in a
coma for 8 weeks, and I really don't remember much of my recovery except that
the food sucked. I guess I'm either too stupid to realize the severity of my
injury or too stubborn to let it keep me down, because I'm in college now trying
to get into the field of cognitive rehabilitation. I'd like any information you
can provide on this topic. By the way, the best advice I can give others: NEVER
GIVE UP!
PAT'S RESPONSE:
The Don-King-hairdo syndrome is one of the most disturbing results of a
head injury. It's ugly, it's humiliating, it ruins lives...don't even kid
about it. Thank heaven you were granted entrance into a college in spite of
it. Some good sources of information on cognitive rehabilitation include
university libraries (look at the scientific journals), medical college
libraries, and university- and hospital-based federal research centers such
as the Model Systems of Care and Research & Training Centers. For specific
information on resources near you, contact your state Brain Injury
Association or the national Brain Injury Association at 1-800-444-6443. A
wealth of information exists.
DEAR
PAT:
My friend was caught in the cross-fire of a gun battle between gangs here in
L.A. just 2 months ago. A stray bullet passed all the way through his brain and
lodged in his skull. The bullet was removed and after a couple of weeks he was
moved to a rehabilitation center. He has made a miraculous recovery, but now
that he's back home he's not getting the valuable therapy he needs to continue
making good progress. He doesn't need my help for motivation and enthusiasm, but
I would like to help him with practical therapy to get the left side of his body
functional again. He is exhibiting improvement already, so I think it's just a
matter of time and appropriate therapy for him to regain function. He cannot
afford professional help - any advice?
PAT'S RESPONSE:
A periodic consultation with a professional, such as a physical
therapist, might be a good idea. . A physical therapist willing to come to
your friend's home would be best. Check with rehabilitation clinics versus
major hospitals for therapists that do some private work. You could attend
the consultation with your friend and his family and learn some techniques
to help him at home. The therapist could be hired to come once a week, once
every two weeks, or even once a month to assess your friend and give you
guidance on helping him with exercises. Of course regular, frequent physical
therapy that tapers off as the person makes progress is best; however, you
can be creative and at least get some guidance from a professional who can
help you keep your friend active. Some help is better than none, in Pat's
opinion. Also, think of ways to help your friend fund more therapy. He
should apply to social services for help, at least. Maybe you and his other
friends could get together and hold a small fund-raiser. If nothing else,
your being there and helping him use his body and mind (instead of lying on
the couch all day) will be extremely beneficial.
DEAR
PAT:
I teach pre-school children with disabilities. I have a student who is
developmentally delayed and has serious emotional/behavioral issues. He has a
history of banging his head on hard surfaces. I am curious if all those years of
banging his head could have caused some sort of brain trauma which has affected
his behavior and his ability to process information.
PAT'S RESPONSE:
Emphatically, YES. Children's brains are very vulnerable. The effects of
a brain injury in a child may not show up until months or years after the
actual injury. This is because pediatric brain trauma injures a developing
brain. There is a wealth of information on pediatric brain injury and
positive, effective behavior shaping techniques. You may want to start by
contacting:
May Institute Center for Education and Neurorehabilitation
Ron Savage, Ed.D. (Specialist in pediatric neurorehabilitation)
35 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368
617) 963-3600
Research and Training Center on Rehabilitation and Childhood Trauma
New England Medical Center
750 Washington Street, #75K-R, Boston, MA 02111
(617) 636-5031
DEAR
PAT:
I was a teacher for many, many years when I was beaten unconscious by one of
my students. I am now learning to accept my brain injury. My husband walked out
and has a new girlfriend. My school is trying to make me retire early, but I
cannot afford that. I have lost my creativity as well as my spelling ability.
Everything seems so pointless. I do not know who I am; will I ever?
PAT'S RESPONSE:
Who You Are: a human being with innate value who is deserving of
compassion and kindness. There are others who have experienced what you
have. They want to help you. Consider contacting the Florida Brain Injury
Association and attending a support group for people who have sustained
brain injuries. Telephone the Florida Brain Injury Association in Pompano
Beach at 954-786-2400 or 800-992-3442. And send your ex-husband a box of
chocolate-covered grasshopper heads from Pat.
PAT'S
FINAL WORD:
From a very wise site visitor: "One thing I have learned since recovering
from amnesia: to ignore is worse than forgetting."
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