Brain injury during surgery

I would like to know if an injury that happeed during brain surgery in which a general surgeon assisting my neurosurgeon retracted too forcefully caused an injury which left me with a left sided hemiparesis, 1.5 years of LT/ST memory loss and a seizure disorder, is actually a traumatic brain injury.  

Also, could this be the cause of my insatiable hunger, inability to lose weight, and pre-diabetes given its proximity to the hypothalamus?

I'm told that I had a hemorrhagic stroke or two.  Inaddition, because of the length of time that the cyst was misdiagnosed/undiagnosed, it completely occluded the pathway for CSF to flow and communication between the ventricles could not be re-established.  In that regard, I needed to have bilateral VP shunts placed, replaced, and revised several times.  I had around a dozen surgeries in the span of 7 ot 8 months, I'm told.  As with before my colloid cyst diagnosis, No one seems to be taking me seriously.

Thank you

[Zoelula]

Those are some very technical and very specific medical questions that nobody on this board are qualified to answer. You could see if there is a forum with a doctor responding more on the topic of brain injury.

As for your hunger, inability to lose weight and pre-diabetes. First I would make sure your thyroid is ok, as that could make it impossible to lose weight. Then I would read up on pre-diabetes and weight loss as it is important to lose weight and alter your diet to slow the progression of diabetes. Send me a PM if you want the name of a website with pre-diabetics and diabetics and a forum on diet.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I understand that traumatic brain injuries can cause what you are describing.   I read something recently that in some cases this is a problem with how the patient's body responds to insulin.  Treatment was actually medication tolower insulin levels.  But this can also be done with a low carb diet, combined particularly with avoiding high fructose corn syrup.

You need to see a neuro-endocrinologist, which is the type of doctor that could deal with  your sort of case.

Yes, I agree with Zoelula that you should have thyroid well checked, as this can contribute.  And the site that she's direct you to is excellent, and well worth a look.

[Maggie134]

Thank you so much for your responses as this gives me the confidence to ask these questions of the competent doctors responsible for my care now.  My fear was that since I am not a doctor or a nurse or anyone else with the credentials who should know this information, I wouldn't be taken seriously like when I tried to get someone to listen to me about the severe headaches that I was having prior to my surgeries.  If there is anything that will turn someone into a hypochondriac, it's chronic neglect and misdiagnosis.

I have an incomplete educational background in the healthcare field, but not higher level professional experience.  Most of what I am able to learn about my situation and how I am affected, I get from reading books and information on credible university or medical center sites

[Super_sally888]

Hi Maggie,

It is hard to get medical profession to listen sometimes and not to be passed off as complaining unreasonably, being a hyperchondriac etc.    Problem I guess is that some doctors get jaded and lose sight of indivual patients.

If you like I'll try to refind you the link (it was a podcast) talking about brain injury and the effect on weight.

Don't give up.  If you know something is wrong, likely you are right.

I found that out when I had chronic appendicitis while pregnant with my daughter (and it took many doctors and much suffering and three months) before I was taken seriously and had surgery.......

Let us know how you go.