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Understanding Rehab and Recovery from TBI

References of Interest Re: TBI rehab

Here are some references/links you may find interesting regarding symptoms, resources and rehab/recovery from TBI.

Dr. Clark Elliott, a professor of Artificial Intelligence in Chicago suffered severe symptoms for many years following a motor vehicle accident-related TBI. The story of how he eventually found appropriate care and recovery is fascinating and inspiring. Here is a link to a YouTube interview with him and the book he has written, The Ghost in My Brain.

Dr. Dan Engle is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. Just prior to beginning medical school he suffered severe head and neck injuries in a diving accident. Over the years, he learned there are many different ways to make a good chocolate chip cookie – or in his case to recover from a brain injury. His book, The Concussion Repair Manual, explores the relatively mainstream, the less mainstream, and the further alternative approaches that he has tried and believes may be helpful. My one reservation with this book is his all but total lack of discussion regarding anything to do with vision. Over half of the brain’s surface is dedicated to processing visual information and 90% of TBI patients experience visual symptoms. I think this is a significant omission. On the other hand, Dr. Elliott’s extensive focus on vision, can act as a counter-balance.

A great resource for all who have experienced a head injury or anything leading to neurological compromise, is the website for the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association – NORA. There’s much more on it than I can even begin to mention here. Please check it out.

Two approaches that we’re very excited about are Photobiomodualtion (PBM) and Pulsed Elector-Magnetic Fields (PEMF). They both show significant promise and may be something you’d like to read more about. Be aware – the PBM article is rather extensive. Here’s a little briefer overview.

HOWEVER, they do not have FDA approval for treating most symptoms you may be experiencing, and we are not recommending you use them or providing medical advice in this communication. The one exception I’m aware of is a device called Cefaly which is approved for migraine treatment and may be recommended and prescribed for appropriate post TBI headache complaints. For a prescription, please speak with your PCP, neurologist, physiatrist, etc…

We do not currently provide visual therapy services to assist in concussion recovery, although we may in the future. We can, however, recommend specific activities to your physical or occupational therapist. Please ask them to contact us if they would like our input.

If you have any questions or would like more in depth information, please feel free to call or email – sjacobs07@comcast.net

Best of luck.

Steve Jacobs OD

BIG NEWS!

We’ll soon be “Eyes on Main”! And that’s not the only news... please offer a warm welcome to Dr. Mike Gowen.

From Dr. J:

I opened my office in 1990 – That’s 30 years coming up on August 1st!!   In some ways it feels like yesterday, and in others, like forever.  Along with so much else that has changed this year, one more occasion is on the horizon.  I am excited to announce that I am selling my practice to Dr. Mike Gowen.  Dr. G and his wife, SallyAnn, met at Virginia Tech close to 40 years ago. They have been proud and loud Hokies ever since and dreamed of returning to live in Blacksburg.  Both are strong supporters of the arts, athletics and the civic engagement that make this a very special place to live, work and play!

I am thrilled to be handing the baton to a doctor who believes as I do in community service. Plus, he is laser focused also on individualized patient care, personal and professional intellectual advancement and enjoying the good things and kind people who come along every day.

Better yet, I’m not going anywhere!  I will continue seeing patients, focusing on visual rehab for those suffering from concussions/TBI, working to control the progression and consequences of nearsightedness through orthokeratology and other treatments, and counseling all regarding the inter-relation of the eyes, brain and body, along with the importance of nutrition, exercise and mental well-being.  There’s so much I yet want to learn and do, and now I won’t have to worry about arguing with insurance companies.  I’m excited!

From Dr. G:

It’s impossible to express how pleased I am to be moving to Blacksburg. It has long been the dream of my wife and I to become a part of this unique town, where we met as Virginia Tech students and continued to frequent as alumni.    I look forward to the privilege of serving the people of Blacksburg and bringing my lifetime of experience in the field of eye care to serve one and all. I'm delighted that Dr. Steve Jacobs will remain with the practice, which will now be “EYES on Main.” I consider it a great privilege to continue the exemplary patient care and community service that Dr. Jacobs has and will continue to provide to the New River Valley. Together we will serve the Blacksburg community with the same culture of care and community involvement that has always been a part of this practice.

 More updates to follow.  Send us a message or give us a call with questions, comments, or to set up an appointment.

We can always be reached at 540-953-0136!

Sincerely,Dr. J, Dr. S, Dr. G & staff