HELP FOR HUSBAND

[Emmas Mom]

My husband had a traumatic brain injury about 10 years ago.  As a result his brain now acts like it is bi-polar.  After many many many medication changes he is now on lexapro 20mg, risperdal 3mg 2x a day and trileptil 300mg 2 in the morning and 2 at bed time.

I don't think it is really helping.  He goes through periods of being fine, then he will start getting depressed and moody and then he has his manic episodes, which he has this rage that scares me and my daughter and is very impulsive and does not care about the ramifications of his actions.  All of this is tearing our marriage apart.

Is there anything I can do besides getting him back to his Dr. to help him during these times?  I am so worried for him and for us, any help is appreciated.

[determined2beatit]

Hi,
I too suffered from A traumatic brain injury 15  years ago from a bad car accident. It was then I was also diagnosed with bipolar. It takes the brain quite awhile to regulate itself after a bad injury. It took me years of very erratic behaviors even on meds. Now, I still have bipolar and bad mood swings ect. but my brain has calmed down and at least I have to the expected cycles ect without being all over the map!
I went through rehab for 8 years to relearn how to reprogram my brain. It's tough because you become a victim of emotional turmoil that's beyond your control. It does take a long time to recover. I know what he's going through and I also know what you're going through. It is very stressful on a marriage/family. I got divorced which added to the stress. I agree, you should get help for yourself and maybe he needs to start to try to look at his emotions and learn ways to try to get it under some control. But again, I don't know how recent this PTS syndrome occurred. He may not be at that point. I know I thought I was "Normal" But I didn't realize how off I was. I could not see it at the time.   Hope this helps

[wannabefree330]

Have you thought about getting counseling for yourself?  You need someone to talk to about what is going on.  You are just as affected as he is by this injury.  I'm not sure if medicaiton used to treat bipolar will help or not, but it's worth a try?  Keep a diary of his moods and see if there is a trend?  Persons with bipolar disorder have expected 'cycles' and it will be helpful to have this information when you do get him into the doctor.