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How Can Memory Loss And Brain Fog Be Treated?
I fell down a full flight of stairs a year ago. Suffered a concussion, broken neck, broken rib and many contusions. I am 71, female, and have a history of RRMS. Leg collapse at the top of the stairs caused this fall. I had experienced several right leg collapses before that date, from the MS. At the stairs, both legs lost function and it was a very hard fall. I lost consciousness and broke my neck and a rib. Was diagnosed with concussion and now, my PCP, an Internal Medicine Specialist, suggests Post Concussion Syndrome. I have increased memory loss. brain fog and am unable to function like I did before the fall. I realize these symptoms could be from MS, which is well controlled and I have always been ambulatory. Also age is a factor. Now imbalance has increased and I need a cane or walking stick - and sometimes a walker. My neck is being cared for and has caused no new neurological issues. Other injuries have healed, though I am left with profound daily fatigue. I have no new head pain or increased migraine, which is in my history, and I sleep well. It is discouraging to deal with the lingering symptoms for a year, with little improvement. I also have a new sensitivity to light, sound and chaos . After coping with MS for decades, I am anxious to resolve this prolonged recovery from the stair fall. Any suggestions will be welcome. I do see neurologists and other specialists at a well-respected clinical setting. I thank you for your help, L
Tue, 13 Nov 2018
Hello,
As I have my own Acquired Brain Injury Rehab Center for more than 15 years, I have seen many patients with your situation so far.
We have to divide your problems into 2 categories:
1- your memory loss
2- your loss of balance due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
1- Memory loss: As you mentioned that this problem started after your falling and brain contusion, we can say that this is the sequela of the new brain damage.
There are ways to improve your memory problem. Some medications can help improving memory loss (especially if mild), such as Aricept, Exelon, Memantine, NeuroAid.
You can ask your neurologist to prescribe one or two of them if not contraindicated. Also, memory needs exercising.
You can use one of the apps that are specifically developed to improve the memory. This will be of substantial help.
2- your loss of balance due to MS: This is a very serious situation. You need to use strategies to prevent falling.
Regarding to your history, it seems that a simple cane is not enough for you. You should use a quadpod cane or a hemiwalker instead.
Also, you should take steps to increase the power of your lower limbs, especially the quadriceps muscles (that extend the knees) as well as specific exercises to improve your balance.
I suggest you refer to a Rehabilitation specialist to prescribe appropriate rehabilitation program according to your exam.
On the other hand, if not done before, you need to have a Bone Densitometry exam every two years and receive medication for Osteoporosis if present.
-Hereby, I mention some exercises that are helpful for you:
1- Sit on a chair and elevate (extend) your knees one by one. hold each knee in extended position for 5 seconds and then lower it down slowly. It is good to get a "weight cuff" for more powerful training. You can find one easily on the net.
2- If you have enough balance. Stand with a quadpod cane or hemiwalker as support, then raise one of the legs for a second. repeat this 10 times and then do the same with the other leg.
Try to increase the time from one second to several seconds gradually.
If you have enough balance, you can try this without an assistive device. I suggest doing balance exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Hooman Mahmoudi, Neurologist
As I have my own Acquired Brain Injury Rehab Center for more than 15 years, I have seen many patients with your situation so far.
We have to divide your problems into 2 categories:
1- your memory loss
2- your loss of balance due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
1- Memory loss: As you mentioned that this problem started after your falling and brain contusion, we can say that this is the sequela of the new brain damage.
There are ways to improve your memory problem. Some medications can help improving memory loss (especially if mild), such as Aricept, Exelon, Memantine, NeuroAid.
You can ask your neurologist to prescribe one or two of them if not contraindicated. Also, memory needs exercising.
You can use one of the apps that are specifically developed to improve the memory. This will be of substantial help.
2- your loss of balance due to MS: This is a very serious situation. You need to use strategies to prevent falling.
Regarding to your history, it seems that a simple cane is not enough for you. You should use a quadpod cane or a hemiwalker instead.
Also, you should take steps to increase the power of your lower limbs, especially the quadriceps muscles (that extend the knees) as well as specific exercises to improve your balance.
I suggest you refer to a Rehabilitation specialist to prescribe appropriate rehabilitation program according to your exam.
On the other hand, if not done before, you need to have a Bone Densitometry exam every two years and receive medication for Osteoporosis if present.
-Hereby, I mention some exercises that are helpful for you:
1- Sit on a chair and elevate (extend) your knees one by one. hold each knee in extended position for 5 seconds and then lower it down slowly. It is good to get a "weight cuff" for more powerful training. You can find one easily on the net.
2- If you have enough balance. Stand with a quadpod cane or hemiwalker as support, then raise one of the legs for a second. repeat this 10 times and then do the same with the other leg.
Try to increase the time from one second to several seconds gradually.
If you have enough balance, you can try this without an assistive device. I suggest doing balance exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Hooman Mahmoudi, Neurologist
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