• Brain Longevity

• Interview With Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD

There are many fine companies marketing algae today. The one with which we are most familiar is Cell Tech. Along with the general benefits to be gained from eating algae, it is believed by some that Cell Tech's "Omega Sun" product, in particular, is very helpful in enhancing brain function.

• Nutricise article on Blue-Green Algae

• The Blue Green Algae Shop

• Cell Tech

 
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:

It was believed 50 years ago that if you ate a balanced diet, full of fresh fruits and vegetables, then you would receive all of the vitamins and minerals needed by your body. It is possible that may have been true back then -- but it is NOT true today. Unfortunately, our soils, our growing methods, our food packaging, and even our cooking styles have all contributed to robbing us of the important ingredients we need to survive.

• Brain Supplement Strategies

• Jean Carper: "Boost Your Brain"

• Overworked and Undernourished

• Your Health Is Priceless

As above, there are many fine companies marketing these products today. We are most familiar with USANA, since we have used their products for several years. Indeed, even when our son was still in the early recovery stages, being fed through a G-tube, we crushed USANA supplements and mixed them with the hospital's liquid diet. We firmly believe that this aided in his recovery. Whether you choose USANA or one of their competitors, though, we highly recommend nutritional supplements to aid in your loved one's recovery. Obviously, caregivers can benefit tremendously, too, by taking supplements and thus remaining strong enough to continue to be of help.

• USANA

• Mega Antioxidant

• Chelated Mineral

 
HERBS:

Herbs and herbal remedies have been significant in healthcare since the dawn of recorded time. Their use in "modern medicine", however, diminished as pharmaceutical companies and others found that they could patent stronger concoctions, sell them at notable profit, and then fund the medical schools to train people to recommend their products. Okay, all cynicism aside, modern "wonder" drugs are certainly wonderful and are often true lifesavers. That does NOT mean, however, that the traditional use of herbs should not also be continued. Indeed, it should!

There are many sources available on the benefits of using herbs in "natural" healing, a few of which are highlighted below. And the St. John's Wort reference identifies the single most popular herb in use today. For people who have suffered a TBI, as for others, this can be an effective mood elevator. Some have called it a "natural high", with no apparent side effects.

• About.com: Herbs for Health

• Herb Research Foundation

• The Herbal Encyclopedia

• Herbs & Their Uses

• St. John's Wort (Hypericum)

 
HOMEOPATHY:

Another "old fashioned" school of thought is homeopathy. As detailed in the sites below, it is believed that small doses of homeopathic remedies can have a very positive impact. Hypericum, for example, is the active ingredient in St. John's Wort (see the Herbs section for details) and is thought to act in much the same way, to improve mental well-being.

• Introduction to Homeopathy

• What is Homeopathy?

• Homeopathy - An introduction

• Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions on Holistic Medicine

• Frequently Asked Questions About Homeopathy

 
SMART DRUGS:

As described in the introductory articles below, "smart" drugs are ones which are thought to enhance cognitive or intellectual ability. In-depth scientific research studies are only now being developed, but anecdotal evidence is readily available. In our own son's case, we saw significant qualitative improvements after starting to take Piracetam on a regular basis. And when combined with Hydergine, we again saw noticeable improvement.

Many of these items are available over-the-counter in other countries (or they can be imported online or through mail-order). Many are also available by prescription here in the US. In any case, we strongly recommend consulting with your physician before using any of them.

• Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute

• Nootropics - reviewing piracetam and analogues

• Piracetam and smart drug information

• Hydergine

• Hydergine article by Ward Dean, MD

• Vinpocetine - Nature's "Smart Drug"

• Vinpocetine - European Smart Drug

• Lucidril

• Lucidril (Centrophenoxine)

• Nubrain-Store.com

 
ACUPUNCTURE:

Acupuncture is an ancient medical treatment (over 5,000 years old) that involves the insertion of very fine needles on the body's surface in order to influence physiological functioning of the body. It encourages the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning.

Many people also believe that a more recent variation, known as "scalp acupuncture", can be effective in improving memory. There are at least 2 different versions of this micro acupuncture system, Chinese and Yamamoto (Japanese).

• Acupuncture, A Brief Introduction

• General Acupuncture Informaiton

• "Doctor, What's This Acupuncture All About?"

• Scalp Acupuncture

• Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture

• Acupuncture For Neurological Conditions

 
CHIROPRACTIC:

As defined at ChiroWeb.com, "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

Obviously, TBI is not a musculoskeletal issue, but many such issues often do occur at the same time as or subsequent to suffering a traumatic brain injury. In particular, working with a "Specific Chiropractor" or brain-stem specialist could prove to be worthwhile.

• What is Chiropractic?

• What a Rational Chiropractor Can Do for You

• Yahoo! Health - Chiropractic

• What is "Specific Chiropractic"?

• "Houston Control"...Brain Stem

 
MASSAGE:

Other forms of "hands-on" therapy include therapeutic massage, CranioSacral Therapy, reflexology, and acupressure (sort of like acupuncture without the needles). Each of these in its own way focuses on how to assist the body in returning to a healthy state of functioning.

• Massage Therapy: Enhancing Your Health With Therapeutic Massage

• Massage Therapy and Bodywork: Healing Through Touch

• The Therapeutic Value Of The Craniosacral System

• Making Gains: Rehabilitation from traumatic brain injury combines a variety of methods

• Dolphin-Assisted Therapy Opens New Vistas in CranioSacral Therapy

• The Healing Art of Reflexology

• Defining Reflexology

• Acupressure

• Yahoo! Health - Acupressure

 
NEUROFEEDBACK:

"EEG neurofeedback" or "EEG biofeedback" are names given to a relatively new discipline that has proven effective for many who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. This is a high-tech variant of the ancient practice of meditation and the use of focused mental energies. Sensors attached to a person's skull are capable of monitoring brain waves and the changes in them. The signals are digitized and transmitted to a personal computer, where the data are recorded and both video and audio feedback can be generated. For example, a person can control the images on a computer monitor simply by thinking about them.

Many who have received such training have seen notable improvements in memory, in executive functioning, in speech, and in general cognitive development. Listed below are a few introductions to the field, including anecdotal success stories.

• Introduction to Neurofeedback

• What is Biofeedback?

• Therapeutic Uses - Traumatic Brain Injury

• EEG Biofeedback, or EEG Neurofeedback, or Neurotherapy

 
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used as a medical treatment for many years. It is best known as a treatment for divers suffering from the “bends”. However, there are many other ways in which HBOT can improve, restore or maintain a person’s health. Many believe it to be effective in helping to restore healthy brain function in those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Brain Injury

• Perlmutter Hyperbaric Center

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

• Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

 
MAGNETS:

Although questioned by many, magnet therapies have become increasingly popular in recent years. There is little scientific evidence as yet to support the use of magnets for any medical condition. However, several recent small studies suggest that magnets may indeed have a genuine therapeutic use. They have been used for conditions as varied as pain relief, wound healing, insomnia, and fatigue.

• Magnet Therapy

• History and Overview of Biomagnetic Therapy

• MagnetTherapy.com

• Nikken sleep systems, support wraps, and many, many others

 
MUSIC:

Music has been used for recovery activities in many different ways. For example, music therapists work with individuals and groups, proving every day that music has healing properties. The Tomatis and Samonas methods are both used to enhance listening and auditory processing abilities. And the "Mozart Effect" highlights the "transformational powers of music in health, education, and well-being."

• FAQS about Music Therapy from the American Music Therapy Association

• Overview of the Tomatis Method

• Samonas International

• The Mozart Effect Resource Center

 
ART:

The American Art Therapy Association states that "Art therapy is based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing." Others believe that "The healer is discovering that art, music, dance and poetry have profound healing effects." And whether in a formal setting or not, it is obvious to most of us that painting, sculpture, music, dance, poetry, storytelling, and other artistic endeavors can have a very positive impact on us all, patient and caregiver alike.

• Art Therapy: Definition of the Profession

• How Art Therapy Works

• Art As a Healing Force

• Survivors Art Foundation

 
HIPPOTHERAPY:

No, this is not the use of hippo's in therapy. The name comes from the Greek word "hippos", which means horse. Therapeutic horseback riding (in general) and hippotherapy (in particular) have been shown to help those with movement dysfunction and to improve neurological function and sensory processing. For those recovering from a traumatic brain injury, it can also provide a newly regained sense of freedom and independence.

• American Hippotherapy Association

• North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

• Hippotherapy Explained

• The Horse as Healer

 
INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS:

Proper training in internal martial arts, such as Tai Chi or Chi Kung, improves physical ability, health, and willpower. Many practice to improve self-defense skills or to gain a "macho" image. For our purposes, however, we recommend a focus on the many health benefits available. Many feel that the primary purpose is to increase the sense of harmony within oneself and in the world. This is called an "internal art" because the progress each person makes internally -- mentally and psychologically as well as energetically -- is often more important than that made externally.

• A Chi Kung (Qi Gong) Primer

• What is Qigong (Ch'i Kung)?

• Tai Chi & Chi Kung

• An Introduction To Chinese Martial Arts

 
MEMORY SYSTEMS

Business executives have their "Franklin Planners" or "Palm Pilots", teachers have their lesson plan books, and actors have their scripts. These are all tools which assist them in doing what they need to do. In fact, we all could benefit from a structured approach to pursuit of our goals, to completion of our priority tasks, and to living up to our basic values.

For someone who has had a traumatic brain injury, however, such tools are not just important for goals, priorities, and values. Being able to routinely use some type of "memory system" is the key to getting through each day! Whether on the job, in school, or simply remembeing to bring home a loaf of bread, some external assist is needed. When memory and executive functioning have been compromised, then new ways must be found. Some memory systems may be designed with the professional in mind, while others may be more focused on daily living skills. Either way, the goal is the same: To provide structured memory and management tools for those who no longer have full use of their own inherent skills in those areas.

Note: Phrases such as "assistive technology" and "memory orthotic device" can be used for rehab prescriptions and insurance reimbursement purposes, if such eligiblity is pertinent. For a person recovering from a traumatic brain injury, a solid memory system is every bit as important as a mobility device. Both can help to provide a sense of independence!

Some people swear by computerized systems (and other people swear AT them). Some people feel that color-coded paper systems are best. Whatever is chosen, stick with it. If you are the person recovering from a TBI, then you need to let your memory system become your best friend -- call it "Fred" or "Bob", if you must -- but use it every day, every hour, every moment when you need to take control of your life. Listed below are some of the alternatives available today.

• Brain Book Life Management System

• How Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) Work

• Get Organized with a Personal Information Manager

• Palm.com (Palm Pilot, etc.)

• FranklinCovey (Franklin Planner, etc.)