Hi, apologies that I”ve asked this before but now have no way to access that answer. (No search box for the community, and the ‘my account’ link, to try to see my posts, returns an error.
What treatments show promise for an overstimulated brain esp. in TBi? Leading also to neurofatigue. I am curious about things like neurofeedback, brain wave therapy, etc.
I don’t have the means to come to the Amen Clinic but am curious about some therapies that might be covered in-office and by insurance.
Thank you
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Non-medication reatments for overstimulation/Flooding with TBI
Updated on June 22, 2023 in
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Here’s the conversation thread about neurofatigue:
I’m having a prolonged issue with this from a TBI. I’m fine, until I’m not. Neurofatigue hits quickly and usually as a result of extended listening, as in a conversation. Happened today, now I have a headache that will probably last the rest of the day. My whole day is derailed.
I’m working with someone who has helped me develop compensatory strategies. So I’ve got those. Even though today didn’t go well, my primary strategy is to pay attention to the bodily cues of energy emptying out, stop in time and hence not to get fatigued in the first place. I’ve been told this is the primary option and that this does not get better. However, it’s derailed my friendships, social interactions and my work even though I look fine from the outside (until I don’t).
The question is, has the Amen Clinic seen actual progress in actually increasing stamina when it comes to neurofatigue in TBI? Not compensating, but actually moving the fatigue marker back?
Or is anyone aware of any strategies that can do that?
THanks
I’ll chime in here for the question about Amen Clinics…We do see patients increasing stamina over time with a comprehensive approach that is different for each individual but may include supplements, nutrition, specific kinds of movement, neurofeedback, and as you highlight, rest. Typically, the sooner interventions are made from the time of the TBI, the better the path of recovery and healing. I would encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians to learn more about whether our approach feels like the right fit for you. Thanks-Zoe
Zoe, curious if the Amen Clinics ever use medications, such as Adderol or other things, as a strategy for neurofatigue. Not asking for medical advice as each situation is unique. Just curious whether that is a strategy they use or discourage.
It’s been recommended to me to try some drugs such as that, but I really don’t want to take them. Supplementation such as Omega 3s has been problematic also, as even small amounts seem to cause me insomnia. It can also exacerbate the sister issue of OVERstimulation. (Two sides of the same coin).
Yes, our physicians utilize many different approaches to care for the brain, including medication when necessary.
As a reminder, the source of omega3 is very important as quality varies greatly and contaminants are possible, and problematic for many.
If that doesn’t fit your situation, you might consider having a nutrient panel to explore if there are other substances (minerals, vitamins) besides omega-3 EFAs that could support your individual biochemistry. You might ask your physician to run a nutrient panel, or there are many at-home tests you can buy.
Hope that helps. Best!
That’s an interesting thought. I guess a general
nutrient approach might be helpful – the usual health advice also (eat well move more).
What supplements might be helpful for disinhibition/overstimulation/neurofatigue (from executive function issues)? Also for menopause brain.
Omega 3s give me insomnia but they do help a bit with clearer thinking. I take general multis, eat well (some Amen recipes also). Could exercise more, but am following the guidelines. Issues are speed of processing and neurofatigue from exec function issues, although I do fairly well with my strategies in place, Until I don’t.
Question – Regarding drugs for neurofatigue, it makes sense that a stimulant of some sort might be helpful once you are already fatigued.
But if what’s happening is uneven energy – for instance one day is even and good and focused, another day is overstimulated, and one day is fatigue- wouldn’t it wig you out on the good days? Or send you flying on the overstimulated days? Or are there medications that just even it out and increase stamina, without being drugged?
I’m not speaking here of antidepressants that make you a Xanax zombie. Only of drugs that would address brain energy and stamina specific to neurofatigue.
While I can’t speak to specific medications, there are a combination of factors including medications and specific supplements, as well as lifestyle interventions and therapies to support improving neurofatigue and balancing of the nervous system and energy levels overall.
When we are talking about neuro-energy, we are in part talking about how to support mitochondrial function. Mitochondria, as you might remember from biology courses in school, are the “powerhouse” of the cell as they are the energy providers, and they are in abundance in the nervous system. Therefore, addressing mitochondrial health through nutrition and lifestyle factors is key. Some supplements can support the mitochondria such as quercetin, resveratrol, b-vitamins, minerals, etc., as can intermittent fasting, lower carbohydrate diets for some, certain types of exercise, avoiding toxicants, and supporting healthy stress levels. Best!
Interesting, I see that reservatrol is in grapes. Would eating lots of grapes do what the supplement does? I literally crave grapes, grape juice, blueberries etc.
Also, I suppose supporting the overall underlying function would be beneficial in any sense. However, how much are supplements, diet etc likely to make an impact when the fatigue is set off by executive function breakdowns? As opposed to medications?
But it just does not seem to be getting better (this has been long term). The only thing that seems to help is energy conservation strategies.
I do eat pretty healthy although I haven’t gone full Tana Amen (almost there though).
Resveratrol supplements are much more highly concentrated than foods that contain it, but including grapes and other food-sources would be a great addition to your diet.
When you say “fatigue that is set off by executive function breakdowns” you are in effect talking about a neurological sub-optimal function resulting in fatigue. Since mitochondria are a vital component to neuronal activity, focusing on mitochondrial health can be an effective intervention. However, it’s never just ONE intervention that is most helpful. The cumulative effect of supplements, diet, avoidance of toxicants, stress attendance, emotional health support, medications, etc. are where the real power is to improve neuro fatigue. You might consider working with a functional medicine practitioner who specializes in neurological health if coming to our clinic is cost-prohibitive. The Institute for Functional Medicine is a great resource for such practitioners.
Best! Zoe
Absolutely, and there is growing research to back up both of these therapies for supporting brain healing. There is an incredible yoga series (and some FREE programs) for folks with TBI through the wonderful organization called Love Your Brain Yoga.
Best!
Zoe, you mentioned neurofeedback. I don’t suppose that would help with neurofatigue. But can that help with brain overstimulation (flooding), when a TBI is involved? What specific types of naurofeedback have you seen that work? Are there affordable home units one can purchase to do this? I don’t imagine something like this would be covered by insurance.
Yes, neurofeedback can help to optimize brain function and research has shown benefit for TBI, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and many other concerns. While there are at-home neurofeedback devices like this one, I would encourage you to work with a practitioner first to learn about how to get the most out of the process. Of course we would recommend our neurofeedback providers, but if you don’t live near one of our clinics, here is a directory of neurofeedback providers nationally.
And while not typically covered by insurance (ask your carrier), you may be able to use a health-savings account if you have one. Best!
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