Anyone in this boat? What does this mean for prognosis for cognitive recovery w/treatment if anything at all?
A SPECT or fMRI would probably be abnormal. I have a pretty hard time retaining names, details, etc, although it's sure gotten a lot better.
Getting glimpses of my life back has made me want it back even more. Thanks guys.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- What you describe is normal for lyme and it's not something that most brain imaging tests can show.
A QEEG (similar to a fMRI - functional MRI) would be the best test to show you how your brain works when doing a task such as reading, math, answering questions, etc. It's important to map the brain while trying to do think.
Most doctors don't do QEEG, though - and very few do the fMRI.
You can search QEEG and also "neurofeedback" which can help as a biofeedback for your brain. However, it's best to wait until infection is well treated or it just won't work very well.
A SPECT might show hypoperfusion (low blood volume/flow). But, then, treatment is still the way back.
Tai Chi or Qi Gong can help. So can the herb, Gotu Kola, among other things. But the most important thing is getting the infections treated adequately. Infections cause the swelling in the brain can cause such problems thinking, etc.
It will get better. Really. I'm not there yet but I hear that others do get their brains back. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- GOTU KOLA --------------
Gotu Kola (not a cola) can calm the nervous system while also helping with alertness. It helps give a sense of well-being without feeling ``wired'' or ``hungover''.
Of everything I've used over the years, I cannot say enough good about the wonderful effects I've seen - in many ways - from Gotu Kola.
GOTU KOLA -- An Under-Appreciated Herb: Multifaceted Benefits on Microcirculation for Cardiovascular and Cognitive Health -- By Linda Fugate, PhD
The best nutrition in the world will not do anyone any good if it doesn't reach our tissues. The gatekeeper to tissues is the microcirculatory system, which includes blood vessels smaller than 0.1 mm in diameter. The health of the microcirculatory system is now recognized as critical to the total health of the individual. (1)
Gotu Kola's Effect on the Circulatory System . . . .
From Wound Healing to Brain Health . . . .
. . . Gotu Kola's primary action is enhancement of the health of the circulatory system. Because circulation is critical to the health of the entire body, Gotu Kola offers benefits in a variety of conditions.
The antioxidant and collagen supportive functions of Gotu Kola are particularly important in enhancing healing of damaged tissues. . . .
- Full article - and citations - at link above.
=========================
From: The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook (Tillotson, et.al.)
. . . bitter and astringent in taste and cooling in action. It is a brain and memory tonic, and an anti-poison, and very useful for wound and skin healing. . . .
. . . TAM doctors use it as a brain and memory tonic, and have found it especially useful in children.
In Nepal, during the ceremony for the first day of spring, gotu kola leaf is given to schoolchildren to help them in their studies by improving memory and concentration.
It is very safe and extremely effective. TAM doctors also use it to cleanse the system of toxins and reduce inflammation. TCM doctors use gotu kola to clear up boils and toxic fevers. . .
The primary effects of gotu kola include both wound healing and improvement of mental clarity and emotional balance. . . .
. . . * The Indian Central Council for Research on Ayurveda and Siddha, citing more than ten pharmacological and animal studies of gotu kola, also found evidence of the following characteristics:
CNS depressant [calming without causing drowiness], memory enhancer, ** anti-convulsant, ** antispasmodic, behavior and intelligence enhancer, and blood sugar regulator (Pandley et al., eds, 1996).
One of the solutions mentioned (by Tillotson) for calming is Seven Forests Acorus Tablets. A search will bring up sources and the ITM link in the article takes you right to a research article about that.
I have taken many of the things suggested and, while no longer a child and not (exactly) ADD, I have a very sensitive system and would be glad to share my experiences with certain things if that helps.
===========================
From: The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook (Tillotson, et.al.)
Chinese Herbal Treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a broad syndrome that may include hyperkinetic syndrome, hyperactivity, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
=====================
Acorus was mentioned in an link above as being calming. Here is more on that:
Neuroprotective Herbs and Active Constituents Approaches to Preventing Degenerative Diseases
by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D. -
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
I never had a spect scan, MRI, or CT scan done.
I didn't want to know any results.
I had significant neurological issues as well as physical.
No damage on scan means there is nothing discernable at this time.
That is good news.
Treatment should help the other issues resolve.
Mine did.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by stork (Member # 24167) on :
Thanks guys. Keebler I will have to look into that herb. Less important to me is knowing how screwed up I am now (I get a pretty good idea of this when I pick up a book.) More important is getting back on track down the road.
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Thanks to Keebler's suggestion, I started Gotu Kola a couple months ago. I noticed that I began to feel a little better overall, which is significant for me, as some supplements have made me feel worse.
After a month, I noticed that the peripheral neuropathy in my hands was improving. It's easier to handle small things like pills and beads.
Keebler and Carol, do you find that the herb helps you make lasting gains in memory/cognition or just works during the duration that you are taking it (and then shortly after, of course)?
Posted by Consuelachacha (Member # 26538) on :
Keebler;
I had forgotten about your post regarding Gotu Kola I have seen elsewhere.
I just started taking Magnesium and Tumeric (too soon to tell anything).
Your description of this Gotu Kola is EXACTLY what I need right now!!!!
Thank you, Thank You!! Posted by TS96 (Member # 14048) on :
Keebler or anyone,
What brand worked best for you? Is it better in tincture or capsule form ?
Each 200 mg. capsule contains 100% Fresh Freeze-Dried: Certified organically grown Centella asiatica leaf. -
Posted by stork (Member # 24167) on :
Is that 90 caps? Is more expensive, I trust that that is because it is organic.
Would you take one a day? What is your recommended dosage?
Also - does the herb seem to help establish lasting gains/help with neuro recovery or is it a supplement that must be continued to experience its positive impact? Either way - helpful
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