unresponsive episodes post traumatic brain injury

[mar4bleach]

What could be the cause of sudden onset unresponsive episodes in a middle aged male post traumatic brain injury.  These episodes are triggered by light, noise, concentration, ........There are cognitive impairments such as inititiation, memory, concentration, judgment, following instructions, comprehension, focus, word find. ..... There is considerable fatigue with minimal activity and considerable somnolecence from 10-18 hours per day.  Sleep studies that have been done consistently identify that there is no REM sleep on each of the studies, while one identifies "severe sleep apnea and the other states "there is no sleep apnea".  Other ongoing troublesome issues are right-sided headaches (often sharp and stabbing), balance, dizziness, back pain in the T4 area, neck and shoulder muscle weakness.  With these episodes the blood pressure increases, especially the diastolic which has been as high as 122 mm hg., with a systolic  of 180.  With one of these episodes the Glasgow Coma Scale reached values of 8, then 6 and his O2 Saturation dropped to 86 with respiratory rate also dropping to 10 and less.  Is there Brain Stem involvement?  I am also wondering about prognosis and treatment as it is 4 yrs post MVA.   Meds are Divalproex 250mg QID, Lyrica 75 BID, Effexor II (2)
OD

[LuckyNanaOfTen]

After my head injury, I developed balance problems. My neurologist would give me balance therapy; with knees damaged, this was rather painful and had to stop.
She said the cashew shaped thing in my ears (we all have them) have little bones in them that help with balance, and from the impact (rear-ended) they are on the wrong side. Her assistant did do therapy where I would lie on my back and she would be turning my head this way and that to get them where they belong. I would get sooo dizzy while this was being done. I still get dizzy spells lying down in bed! That is a mystery to me!
Accident 2003 - still have balance issues and walk with a cane.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you, I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

Usually, such symptoms may result due to post traumatic brain injury and may last for weeks or months after the injury that caused from the injury of a fall, vehicle accident, or sports injury.  For treatment approach, first it is essential to get (MRI) done to detect the brain or spinal abnormalities after that injury. Treatment commonly may be suggested for symptoms such as pain-killers, some antidepressants, physical therapy and regular exercises. If you suffer continuous symptoms & dizziness, please arrange an appointment with a neurologist right away who will evaluate the possibilities here and can provide you an appropriate treatment. Further referral to a psychologist may be also helpful in order to treat usual anxiety or depression after such injuries (sometimes one may have) that may be one of the aggravating factors for persistent symptoms. Hope this information proves helpful to you.

Take Care & Regards!!!