Conquering Concussion: Healing TBI Symptoms With Neurofeedback and Without Drugs

by Mary Lee Esty, C.M. Shifflett

"This lively, well-researched, and hopeful book is an excellent primer for anyone dealing with TBI and its aftermath, from victims to caretakers. It is clearly written and illustrated for the average reader, but contains information that may be new to many healthcare professionals puzzled by odd and unresponsive symptoms and the realization that time alone does not heal the brain. Conquering Concussion by Mary Lee Esty, Ph.D., and C. M. Shifflett presents history, new research, treatments, and 20 years of clinical case histories. These are real stories about real people struggling with post-concussion symptoms: terrible fatigue, headache and body pain, emotional swings, mental fog, insomnia, weight gain and balance problems. It shows how TBI symptoms overlap with other diagnoses such as ADHD and depression, and reveals the link with PTSD. It features neurotherapy, but presents additional therapies that can aid recovery. Topics include: Head injuries in history, from Henry VIII to Elvis Presley. What happens in concussion, the many symptoms that may appear, and problems with standard testing and treatments. The origins, supporting research, and results of neurofeedback. Detailed case histories of children, adults, and soldiers with memory problems, severe head pain, insomnia, ADHD and PTSD. Medical issues which may need attention before symptoms of concussion can heal. The rest of the story: What happened to people in this book who never expected to work or function normally ever again. How they regained their skills, jobs, families and lives."

Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2014

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Presents a lot of evidence of effective treatment, but gives no information on how neurofeedback is conducted or actually works. Excellent and in-depth descriptions of symptoms and their causes, but reads more like an extended advertisement for the neurofeedback treatment than any sort of manual on the mechanism for healing or why neurofeedback is so effective.

[Tina Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary work and I wish it was better known. Concussion is a major issue that is often overlooked. The depth of the research and accessibility of the case studies in this book are incredible. Fans of Dr Daniel Amen also should check this out.

[Trudy Barnum · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first purchased "Conquering Concussion: Healing TBI Symptoms with Neurofeedback and Without Drugs" by Mary Lee Esty and C.M. Shifflett, I thought it was going to read like one of those dry, quasi medical texts that are really written to promote a particular medical technique or method of treatment. The authors do take a stand on treatments that are proving to be effective, but their information is thoroughly researched and documented, and they avoid any self-promotion.

My other expectation was that it would be too technical for a layperson to really get into. I was surprised to find an easy, entertaining and educational read. First of all it was fascinating to read stories about historical figures who had head injuries. There is plenty of evidence to indicate that concussion and brain injury were the root of their bizarre behaviors, but in their time period and the state of medicine at the time, there was little that could be done to alleviate their symptoms. Frequently it wasn't even recognized that concussion was the precipitating issue. Even today the effects, both short and long term, of concussion are poorly understood by most medical professionals. For instance, the authors point out that, even after two thoroughly documented head injuries in the history books, there are still claims that Henry VIII may have suffered from some depression, but otherwise was ok.

The book documents how difficult it is sometimes to get the medical establishment to recognize the severity of head injuries and the cascade of post-concussion symptoms that may continue for years afterwards. Amazing also to see the connection between concussion and chronic migraine headaches. So many books on migraines and headaches discuss how they're mostly a female medical condition, brought on by hormonal fluctuations. But that does not explain the life-long post-concussion headaches and migraines of Henry VIII, Howard Hughes, Elvis Presley,and others mentioned in the book. It also does not explain the large number of men coming back from the Afghanistan and Iraqi wars with traumatic brain injuries and very bad migraines.

This book discusses much more than just the connection between concussions and migraines. However, if you are interested in getting a fuller picture of multiple causes and treatment of migraines, check out C. M. Shifflett's previous book "Migraine Brains and Bodies."

This book is a refreshing look at the causes and symptoms of concussion/dramatic brain injury, and the availability of treatment that is far and above more effective than the current medications that most doctors provide. It's an interesting read, often presents itself like a mystery and really flows like a novel. More importantly, it is a real eye-opener in terms of explaining behavior that all of us have noticed but could not really put a finger on the cause. I'm betting that concussion/traumatic brain injury is much more common than we realize, is misdiagnosed and/or underdiagnosed, and that we can find examples of these conditions in our own families and friends. This book is well worth reading and it is something that I know I am going to buy for several of my friends and family -- and military veterans -- and I believe you will want to as well. This book has my strongest recommendation.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected a bit more technical information about specific eeg leads for various symptoms of post concussive syndrome and this book does not provide that. It does make me want to get to Esty and get treatment because the examinations and treatment plans are so comprehensive. It is not a book that claims neurofeedback is the one treatment needed to cure the symptoms and even at times proceeds with other treatments to correct another problem first so that the neurofeedback can then be more effective. The case studies of those treated by Esty and colleagues were fascinating to read and brought so much hope about finally leading a migraine-free life and dealing with light sensitivity. But it also was equally fascinating to read about historical figures such as Mary Lincoln, Howard Hughes and Elvis and their probable head injuries that resulted in their bizarre behaviors and obsessions and demises. This is a book to recommend to others to better understand what we deal with on a daily basis with regards to symptoms and how it impacts our lives.

[Wisetraveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my three favourite books on the brain and neuroplasticity. Written in an almost textbook format but very friendly and easy to follow. Incredibly informative on explaining brain injuries. Plenty of diagrams and pictures. Interesting case studies, including historical figures. At least half to ⅔ of the book is about brain injury with the last portion on neurofeedback. Published in 2014, it is also up to date, which is important in this rapidly developing field of science/medicine.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

FTC disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome. Really interesting research. I learned a lot, and am interested in learning more!