Brain Injury

FAQs

There are three pages of Questions and Answers:

Below are Answers to common questions about concussion and brain injury.
There is also a page of e-mails that Dr. Diane® has received asking more specific questions.
Finally there are some excerpts from transcripts of conversations with Dr. Diane® from radio, television or online interviews.

Question: Dear Dr. Diane®,
I loved your book and it was most helpful. I'm living with most of the symptoms of brain injury, including fatigue, memory problems, headaches, light sensitivity, mood swings, depression, low energy. I saw in your book and on your website that certain foods and vitamins can significantly impact my recovery. I want to know is there anything that would help me feel better or improve my life. Could you please write back ASAP? Thanks ahead of time. Carol

Answer: Dear Carol,
Over the past 10 years, I have found that certain foods and vitamins can really make a significant difference in recovery. To obtain an optimum result for you, it is important to know your specific needs, such as do you have a cholesterol problem or are you diabetic, etc..
In general the following would be helpful.

1) Eliminate all alcohol and wine.
2) Eliminate all sugar and sugar substitutes, instead eat fruit with low sugar content.
3) Eat lots and lots of protein
4) Eat lots of vegetables
5) Drink plenty of water
For a more in-depth and personalized recommendation of the types of foods, vitamins and their amount, you can set up a consultation with me at 978-352-6349. To see how my diet has helped other people, please read the letters to me on the Success Stories page.
With Warmest Regards,
Diane

Question: Hi! I am still reading your book. I know a little slowly, but I am trying to absorb all that I can. My husband has been leery about discontinuing your diet. He reads it every day, (sometimes 2 or 3 times). He feels desperate to get better. I do not want to discontinue everything. I think the vitamins, magnesium, etc., and no sugar he should stay with, as well as no ice cream. He alsowants to keep carbs at a bare minimum, if any. Could you tell me about cereal and bread please? Thanks, Cindy

Answer: Dear Cindy,
Grains, such as corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, rice all can be made into alcohol. All of these grains in the brain are converted to glucose. Thus, eating them, to the brain is like drinking a high concentration of glucose. Now the brain needs glucose and amino acids to function. But as you know if you eat too much sugar at first you feel great, but then you get fatigued and foggy. Like after a few drinks. This is the same when a person with a brain injury eats too much grains.
My suggestion, if your husband needs some carbohydrates to increase his quantity of legumes, such as black bean soup, lentils, soy products and soy cereal. He can have more fruits. You can balance his diet with legumes, nuts, fruits and various vegetables. I would never suggest that he not have a balanced diet.

I hope this has helped.
Dr. Diane

Question: What are some of the danger signs in children?

Answer: Your child should be taken to the hospital emergency department immediately if she has had a fall or blow to the head and won't stop crying; can't be comforted; won't eat, or has any of the signs listed above. Vomiting once or twice is more common in children and may not be the danger sign that it is in an adult. Call your pediatrician if you notice: irritability; change in eating or sleeping patterns; lack of interest at play; loss of balance; change in performance at school; fatigue.

Question: What are the symptoms of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury?

Answer: Click here for a listing of possible symptoms of a brain injury

Question: What is Postconcussive Syndrome?

Answer: It is a clustering of symptoms that may appear immediately after injury. Often these symptoms, get better with time, usually in 6 weeks following injury. However, they can continue. If they do and are causing problems in your daily living, Coping with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury can help you.

Question: Since my brain injury, I struggle each day just to do the ordinary things I used to do. I'm afraid and I don't know what's ahead. Will I get better?

Answer: Every brain injury is different. With time most people recover from their injuries. However, recovery depends on the severity of injury, the part of the brain injured, your age, and how healthy you were before injury. Medical and psychological help is available to help you cope with the challenges and uncertainties of living with brain injury.

Question: Is treatment available? Whom should I contact in my local area?

Answer: Treatment is available to help in dealing with the effects of brain injury. Brain injury can be life-changing and presents new physical and psychological challenges. Loss or change in former abilities brings fear and uncertainty. My book, Coping with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, can help you understand your injury and direct you to qualified health-care providers. Consult The Brain Injury Resource Network on this website for referrals, or contact the Brain Injury Association (BIA) national helpline (1-800-444-6443).

Question: My family member has a brain injury. What do I do?

Answer: If you notice a family member or a friend has long-term symptoms of brain injury, talk to them and their doctor about getting help. Coping with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury deals with the causes and effects of brain injury and offers practical suggestions for coping with the problem.

Question: What are some tips for recovery?

Answer: The brain heals slowly, given rest and time. But there are some things you can do to speed up the healing process: get plenty of rest; gradually resume your normal activities; avoid activities that could result in re-injury to the brain; ask your doctor for help in dealing with your injury; avoid alcohol and unnecessary drugs; talk with your employer about adjusting your work conditions; and if you have difficulty remembering things, write them down. Above all, be patient with yourself.

View a page of e-mails with more specific questions and answers.

Put my 30 years of professional and personal experience to work for you.

Schedule Your 90 Minute Consult >