Tag: Traumatic Brain Injury
Living with and recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Covers symptoms, cognitive effects, sensory overload, recovery strategies, and the intersection of TBI with epilepsy and chronic illness.
Dealing with PTSD and Epilepsy: My Path to Recovery
A Difficult Transition in My Epilepsy Journey
I received some disappointing and shocking news—something I never expected. I’ve been with my neurologist for eight years, and together, we’ve tried everything to manage my seizures. Years ago, we even consulted the epileptologist in his group, and the conclusion was that my doctor was doing all he could.
Over the years, I’ve seen more doctors and been through more medical facilities than I care to count—it’s exhausting to think about. My current neurologist works out of a Level 3 Comprehensive Epilepsy Treatment Center, and at my last appointment on Tuesday, after explaining my recent struggles, he looked at me with a heavy heart and said:
“David, it’s not that I don’t want you here, but I need to transfer your care to a Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Treatment Center—UCI—where you’ll be under the care of a team of five epileptologists. They have access to resources I don’t.”
Hearing those words broke my heart.
Building a strong, trusting relationship with a doctor is incredibly difficult, and I had that with him. My first question was, “What are they going to do that we haven’t already tried?” I’ve been on countless medications (26 is more than enough), I’m not a candidate for surgery, and I’ve already had a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) implanted. So, what’s next?
He explained that my case is complex, and UCI has access to new research programs and advanced treatment options that might offer something different. While I understand his reasoning, it doesn’t make it any easier. I first met with an epileptologist at UCI when I was 19 years old—now, decades later, I’m returning to see if they can offer any hope for improvement.
I’ll go. But I’m not feeling hopeful.
Understanding Level 4 Epilepsy Centers
For those unfamiliar, Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers are the highest level of epilepsy care available. They offer:
✅ Specialized teams of epileptologists (neurologists who focus solely on epilepsy)
✅ Advanced diagnostic tools like long-term video EEG monitoring
✅ Access to clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments
✅ Comprehensive surgical evaluations (even if a patient isn’t a candidate, they can assess alternative approaches)
✅ Multidisciplinary support teams including neurologists, neuropsychologists, and dietitians
If you or a loved one is struggling with uncontrolled seizures, you can find an epilepsy center near you through the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC):
🔗 Find an Epilepsy Center
A New Diagnosis to Process
On another note, I’ve been battling through a lot since my mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury) in December. For months, I’ve been overwhelmed by symptoms that I couldn’t fully understand. During my visit on Tuesday, I received an official diagnosis of PTSD and Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS).
While I’m relieved to finally have answers—because a diagnosis means I can move forward with treatment—the news still hit hard. At times, it’s been difficult just to breathe.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)?
PCS is a condition that occurs after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can cause symptoms such as:
🧠 Chronic headaches or migraines
😵💫 Dizziness and balance issues
🔦 Sensitivity to light and noise
💤 Sleep disturbances
😞 Depression, anxiety, and mood swings
🧠 Cognitive challenges (brain fog, memory issues)
Since I also live with epilepsy, these symptoms overlap with my existing neurological challenges, making everything even more difficult to manage.
🔗 More on PCS: Brain Injury Association of America
PTSD: A Silent Struggle
Living with a neurological disorder is already overwhelming, but adding PTSD to the mix has been incredibly challenging. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can develop after experiencing a life-threatening event—like a seizure-related injury, brain trauma, or even the daily stress of living with a condition like epilepsy.
Symptoms of PTSD include:
⚡ Flashbacks & intrusive thoughts – Reliving traumatic moments, even when trying to move forward
⚡ Hypervigilance & anxiety – Feeling constantly “on edge”
⚡ Emotional numbness – Struggling to feel joy or connection
⚡ Sleep disturbances & nightmares – Reliving trauma at night
Coping with PTSD & PCS requires a multi-faceted approach, including:
🧘♂️ Mind-Body Practices – Meditation, breathwork, and grounding techniques
📖 Therapeutic Support – Working with a trauma-informed therapist
💊 Holistic & Nutritional Support – Anti-inflammatory diets, targeted supplements
💪 Lifestyle Adjustments – Reducing sensory overload, prioritizing rest, and seeking supportive communities
If you’re struggling with PTSD, know that help is available.
🔗 National Center for PTSD
Moving Forward
This has been a difficult season in my life, but I know I’m not alone. I also know that accepting help and seeking new solutions is sometimes the hardest step.
To anyone reading this who is also fighting epilepsy, PCS, PTSD, or any other chronic health battle—I see you. You’re not alone. Healing isn’t linear, but every step forward is still progress.
If you have experience with Level 4 epilepsy centers, PCS, or PTSD, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What worked for you? What didn’t?
🙏 God bless everyone walking this journey.
Disclaimer:
The content on this site, including blog posts, shared material, and external links, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen, including medications, diet, exercise, or supplementation.
David Julian, Natural Vitality Advocate, is not a licensed medical professional. The views expressed in this blog and shared content are those of the respective authors and do not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or reliability.
David Julian is not affiliated with Natural Vitality or NaturalVitality.com. He does not promote, sell, or take a position for or against them.
Understanding Sensory Overstimulation (‘Flooding’) After Brain Injury
What Is Sensory Overstimulation (“Flooding”)?
Sensory overstimulation, often referred to as “flooding,” is a condition frequently experienced after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It occurs when the brain has difficulty filtering and processing incoming sensory information, resulting in overwhelm, fatigue, and cognitive overload.
- External stimuli: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
- Internal stimuli: thoughts, emotions, pain, and body awareness (proprioception).
After a brain injury, the brain’s ability to prioritize and regulate these inputs may be impaired. As a result, everyday environments and routine activities can become mentally exhausting and overwhelming.
Common Symptoms of Sensory Overload in Brain Injury Survivors
- Increased sensitivity to noise, light, or crowds
- Feelings of overwhelm or anxiety during routine daily tasks
- Difficulty concentrating when multiple sounds are present
- Impaired decision-making due to excessive incoming information
- Severe mental or physical fatigue from sustained sensory processing
- Irritability or frustration linked to overstimulation
My Personal Experience With Sensory Overload
In December 2017, I experienced another tonic-clonic seizure that resulted in a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Tasks that once felt basic—holding conversations, focusing on a television program, or running routine errands—became increasingly difficult. Sensory overload quickly became a daily and ongoing challenge.
This led to extensive personal research and a focused effort to understand how sensory overload manifests after brain injury and how it can be managed effectively.
Resources and Support for Sensory Overload and Brain Injury
- Brain Injury Explanation – Extensive, well-organized information on brain injury symptoms, recovery considerations, and practical management strategies.
- Understanding Sensory Processing Issues in PTSD – NIH
- Brain Injury Association of America – National education, advocacy, and research.
- CDC Traumatic Brain Injury Resources
- Concussion Legacy Foundation – Research and support for concussion and post-concussion syndrome.
Managing Sensory Overstimulation After Brain Injury
Practical strategies that may help reduce symptoms: dim lighting and reduce screen brightness; use noise-canceling headphones in loud environments; schedule regular rest periods; limit notifications and screen exposure; identify personal triggers; incorporate controlled breathing, meditation, or weighted blankets.
Final Thoughts
Living with sensory overload related to brain injury presents ongoing challenges, but support and effective strategies do exist. Education, shared experience, and access to reliable resources can make a meaningful difference. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Continue advocating.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen, including medications, diet, exercise, or supplementation. David Julian, Natural Vitality Advocate, is not a licensed medical professional. Views expressed are personal and based on lived experience — they do not guarantee specific outcomes. David Julian is not affiliated with Natural Vitality or NaturalVitality.com.
David’s story with Epilepsy
David Julian’s Journey with Epilepsy, Health Challenges, and Faith
My journey with epilepsy began when I was 15 years old during a family trip driving through Blythe, CA. I had my first tonic-clonic seizure while in the car, and at that moment, my family realized that I had likely been living with epilepsy undiagnosed since infancy. The onset of these seizures marked the beginning of a long, complex path filled with physical pain, emotional struggles, and major life changes.
Early Struggles and Loss of Independence
At 16, I was thrilled to receive my driver’s license—a symbol of freedom and independence. However, that excitement was short-lived. After another seizure, my license was suspended for the first time.
By 18, epilepsy had already taken another piece of my independence. I was working fueling planes at John Wayne Airport when I suddenly had a seizure while driving a van. My muscles locked up, my foot jammed on the gas pedal, and I lost control. The van crashed into a private jet and veered toward the runway—directly into the path of a landing DC-9. By some miracle, I survived after crashing into a helicopter and a light pole. That accident ended my career at the airport and led to another driving suspension.
Depression and isolation crept in. I struggled to come to terms with my epilepsy, feeling as though I had lost control over my life. My mother became my biggest advocate, tirelessly researching treatments, specialists, and epilepsy foundations.
Finding Stability, Fatherhood, and a Turning Point
In my twenties and thirties, I built a stable career, eventually becoming a supervisor in a transportation company. For nearly 11 years, my seizures were well-controlled with medication, and I thought I had finally gained control over epilepsy.
Then, when my daughter was three, she had a seizure during a family trip. The pilot made an emergency landing in Ohio, and we spent a week at Children’s Hospital of Ohio. Over the next year, she had two more seizures but thankfully remained seizure-free as she grew older.
By 2006, my seizures resurfaced. A breakthrough seizure at work led to increased medication, followed by further adjustments as my seizures persisted.
The Seizure That Changed Everything (January 2007)
In January 2007, I was outside a church in New Jersey when I collapsed into a massive tonic-clonic seizure. As always, I fell hard. I was rushed to the hospital, where I spent three and a half weeks undergoing extensive testing and medication adjustments.
That seizure didn’t just leave physical scars—it changed my life forever. I lost my job, and my family and I decided that it was best for me to move back to California. I have not driven since 2007. By 2012, it became clear that my condition made maintaining steady employment impossible. After multiple failed attempts to sustain work, I was ultimately declared permanently disabled.
My doctor advised that living alone was no longer a safe option due to the unpredictability of my seizures, and my parents graciously moved me into their home. Over time, I began to see that accepting help wasn’t a sign of weakness—it was an opportunity to focus on my health and healing.
Advocacy and The Epilepsy Connection
Determined to raise awareness, I founded The Epilepsy Connection, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. Our mission included raising epilepsy and SUDEP awareness, providing support groups, educating communities on seizure care, and offering financial assistance for protective helmets, seizure medications, service dog grants, and seizure detection devices. We helped people nationwide. Due to emotional exhaustion, I made the difficult decision to close the nonprofit in 2015.
The 2017 Seizure That Led to Brain Injury
In December 2017, I suffered a severe tonic-clonic seizure resulting in status epilepticus. I woke up two and a half days later in the ICU with a brain bleed, a concussion, and spinal injuries that required cervical fusion (C4-C7) and lumbar surgery. I was later diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and PTSD.
Losing My Service Dog, Allie (2022)
I trained with Little Angels Service Dogs alongside my dog Allie, a yellow Labrador Retriever. She was my best friend and seizure response dog, alerting me before seizures and improving my quality of life immeasurably. Sadly, Allie passed away in 2022.
Faith, Healing, and Nutrition
In 2014, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, a decision that transformed my approach to healing. I have since pursued whole-food, plant-based nutrition and nutritional research, incorporating detoxification protocols and natural remedies that have significantly improved my health. These practices, grounded in my faith, play a key role in my ongoing recovery.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” (Psalm 28:7)
Living with Purpose and Resilience
Despite epilepsy, brain injury, and chronic pain, I refuse to let these conditions define me. Instead, I focus on faith, advocacy, and natural healing. My journey has been filled with loss, struggle, and pain, but also hope, perseverance, and strength. I share my story not for pity, but to offer hope to those who may be struggling.
If you or someone you love is battling epilepsy, chronic illness, or life’s unexpected challenges, know this: You are not alone. There is always hope, always light, and always a path forward.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. No matter where you are on your journey, may you find strength in faith, comfort in love, and the courage to keep moving forward. You are never alone, for God walks beside you every step of the way.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen, including medications, diet, exercise, or supplementation. David Julian, Natural Vitality Advocate, is not a licensed medical professional. Views expressed are personal and based on lived experience — they do not guarantee specific outcomes. David Julian is not affiliated with Natural Vitality or NaturalVitality.com.