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The Cognitive FX Blog

Your source for everything you need to know about traumatic brain injury and concussions.

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Education & Resources (4)

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hormone Imbalance (Including After Head Injury)

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hormone Imbalance (Including After Head Injury)

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

At our post-concussion treatment clinic, patients sometimes present with short- or long-term hormone dysfunction after brain injury. While we don’t treat hormonal imbalance at our clinic, we often make referrals for it and communicate with our patients’ physicians about their condition.

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The Truth About Alcohol, Caffeine, and Post-Concussion Recovery

The Truth About Alcohol, Caffeine, and Post-Concussion Recovery

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

Some doctors say it’s absolutely unsafe to drink liquor when you’re recovering from a concussion. Others say it’s safe, but it might set back your recovery. Still others say, “Why not substitute a fancy coffee for your favorite cocktail on your next night out?” (Please don’t do this. We’ll explain why later in this post.)

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Are the Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury Treatable? What You Need to Know About TBI Symptoms and Treatment

Traumatic Brain Injury Long-Term Effects, Symptoms, and Treatment

Image of Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.
Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.

Between 80,000-90,000 of people who suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year develop long-term disabilities related to their TBI. Many others suffer from a variety of long-term, problematic symptoms that continue to interfere with their lives. When they try to get help for these issues, they are often told there’s nothing more that can be done — or worse, that there’s nothing wrong with them at all. Here’s the good news: Recovery can and does continue for patients who find the right help.

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Long-Term Anxiety After a Concussion: Why You Feel This Way and How to Move Forward

Image of Dr. Diane Spangler Ph. D.
Dr. Diane Spangler Ph. D.

There is a whole world of hurt and pain for patients who experience mental health symptoms after a concussion. Not all of them realize that concussions can cause anxiety, and those who do know it don’t know why it’s happening or how to fix it. Many visit psychiatrists who prescribe medication that may just make things worse (something we’ll explain in depth later in the post). 

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The Long Term Effects of Encephalitis: How to Recover

The Long Term Effects of Encephalitis: How to Recover

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

Many viral and bacterial infections are capable of affecting the brain and causing widespread dysfunction that may outlast the acute disease symptoms. Patients with long-term symptoms after viral encephalitis or meningitis may suffer from fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, sleep issues, memory problems, emotional changes, and more. 

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Do I have a concussion? Take the quiz.

Quiz: Do I Have a Concussion? (Plus What to Do About It)

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

Note: While this quiz will give you some insight into your current conditions, your results are only as good as your answers. It is not a substitute for seeing a doctor and is not official medical advice. If you’re experiencing any of the signs of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), seek medical attention immediately. Otherwise, feel free to use this quiz as a starting point to determine if you need further care. Also note that, while we may record your responses, it is not linked with any personally-identifying information.

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17 Cognitive Exercises for Post-Concussion Syndrome You Can Do at Home

17 Cognitive Exercises for Post-Concussion Syndrome You Can Do at Home

Image of Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.
Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.

If you’ve had a concussion (or two, or three … ), there’s a good chance someone told you to rest in a dark room and do nothing until your symptoms go away. But research over the past few years has revealed that resting in a dark room (known as “cocooning”) is not the best way to treat a concussion.

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The Link Between Concussions and Attention Deficit Disorder

The Link Between Concussions and Attention Deficit Disorder

Image of Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.
Dr. Jaycie Loewen Ph. D.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is difficult enough to handle alone. When you add concussions into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. The relationship between ADHD, concussions, and post-concussion syndrome is still being researched, but that doesn’t mean there’s no good info or treatment options for patients who need them.

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Personality Changes After a Brain Injury or Concussion

Personality Changes After a Brain Injury or Concussion: Anger, Sadness, Social Struggles, and More

Image of Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.
Dr. Alina Fong Ph. D.

Personality changes (or what feels like them) are common following a traumatic brain injury. Even a concussion can affect the brain long after it’s healed from the initial injury. The way we process and understand information can change as a result of the injury, so it’s not surprising that our emotions are affected too.

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