Cranial Electro Stimulation

My son had a more directed version of this therapy after his severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rather than just introducing the low electric pulses thru an ear clip, his practitioner did a detailed electrical "map" of his brain and brain waves to determine where his brain was misfiring due to the injury.

My (non-professional, but researched) understanding of emerging science suggests that the same kind of misfiring (too fast, too slow, not synchronized) that can result from physical injury is present in a number of conditions - PTSD, depression, ADHD, etc. and placing electrodes over those part of the brain that are misfiring and "training" or "retraining" the brain to pulse in the right way by introducing the right frequency can result in demonstrable improvement.

There is only so much this treatment can do (at least so far) and while my son is still permanently disabled, this therapy sure seemed to help him tremendously. The part of the brain that controls the month and tongue were severely damaged in his injury. When he began this therapy he could only say one or two words. After a couple of treatments his speech therapist could see a difference, even though she didn't know he was getting any treatment outside of her therapy. In fact she called me completely baffled by his sudden improvement.

His practitioner (she has a Phd. in health psychology) has done NIH funded research and has done a lot of research and treatment of troops coming home with TBI. Her website is very helpful: http://www.brainwellnessandbiofeedback.com/index-neurofee...
PS
I hate to hear when someone is chided for giving meds to a kid who needs it for ADHD and the like - no one would tell you he's "too young" to take meds for asthma, a cold or an ear infection. The heartbreak, determination and vigilance it takes to care for a child with issues is burden enough without the judgement of others who've been blessed with "easy" children and haven't got a clue. Hang in there.

No experience with it (and no judging you either!). I've heard good things about accupressure and accupuncture in young children who don't sleep or have anxiety. Not sure if it would work for your son... but you might want to add it to the list of things to look into?

S., I don't know a thing about this, but I just want to ask if you would update us after your appointment with the doc and tell us what he or she says about it, if you don't mind!

Thanks, and good luck tomorrow!
Dawn

I would love an update also. I don't have experience with this kind of treatment, but my son used to be the same way. He takes clonidine to help him sleep now and we have see good results.

S.,

I am very sorry to hear your little one is having trouble. You might want to research Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. Melatonin works great with resetting the clock. Also make sure he has little stimulation 1-2 hours prior to going to bed.

Good Luck! Hugs to both of you!!!!

Is this the same as TMS?

Just wanted to say... hope this works out.
And or acupuncture as a previous person suggested.
On this site as well, so many Moms talk about Melatonin, for helping with sleep.
Or maybe, could his medication cause insomnia?

As you probably know, "sleep deprivation" for an adult or child... that alone can REALLY cause, mental degradation and also emotionally.
Look at Heath Ledger...they say before he died he was very sleep deprived and was taking meds to help him sleep. Sleep deprivation causes focusing and logic problems as well. The person simply can't think straight with continued... lack of sleep. And it can cause anxiety, as well.
And it exacerbates any existing problems, for a person.
I imagine it is so hard... for him, for you.
Good luck.