Psychologists talk about life after brain injury

Hi Karen,

If you are interested in messaging David Roland, you will find him in this community here. 

Simply click on his profile image to message him directly, or post questions to him through his blog.

Cheers,

Diana

Diana I have a copy of David,s remarkable book so found the video so interesting, reading the transcript a extra bonus. I am very interested Inthe blue light therapy but unsure how to go about doing so. Jenny

Hi Dianna,

This is what Karen Thompson from the Northern Brain Injury Service told me: "The blue light is the Philips (can buy on ebay) or you can download an app for either macs or android – if you type in blue light apps a few come up. Philips is the only company that make them but not in Australia. If you are going to buy one, it cost about $160 or Margaret said the Macapp cost $4."

I have just looked up on eBay and see that the Philips Golite blue energy light (not the app) costs $A216. As far as I am aware it can only be purchased through eBay from the US. Otherwise check out the blue light app that Margaret talks about.

Hi Again, I've just found it on Amazon as well - a few varieties. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Philips-goLITE-BLU-Therapy-Device/dp/B001I45XL8

Hi Jenny,

I'm not overly familiar with the use of blue light therapy for fatigue following stroke. There are details on how to use the app on iTunes. It does include a disclaimer: 

"These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This app is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any medical condition. Always consult your physician, psychiatrist or caregiver before starting any new programs, especially using free apps from the app store!"

Although not free, the app is low cost and if you have no history of seizures and have discussed with your Doctor and rehabilitation team it might be worth checking out. Here is some more information from the website.

I haven't done a full search of the literature and evidence but here is one article I found documenting a randomised control trial using blue light therapy for fatigue following traumatic brain injury conducted in Melbourne.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24213962

Also mentioned here as a promising means of enhancing daytime alertness, improving mood and vigilance.

It will be useful to hear from other survivors who have used it or health professionals.

Keep us posted and I will come back if I find out any more information that may be helpful.

Best wishes,

Simone (StrokeLine)

David, 

I just had the chance to watch your video on Vimeo via enable,me. I was fantastic for me to hear about your journey, the rehab, the  post-stroke opportunities and who to rebuild your brain. All the things that you talk are all the problems I have found and still finding during my journey. One of the many interesting parts of your story is the one about accepting that you have a disability and then finding that it takes a way a lot of stress and worry about what people will feel or talk you. 

... I just lost what I was writing to David's comment. Bummer. I will write it later as I just used the last of my cognitive energy. Time to sit back and relax.

Hi Mal,

I think it is there above your last comment. - Is that correct?

I will make sure David sees your comment.

Diana 

Hi Diana, 

I had two more short paragraphs on an app I use to check my writing (Grammary, free), but I didn't copy those two.  

Hi Mal,

No problems.

Do you know that you can message David through enableme directly? Here is his profile you can read all David's blogs, and click on message button under his photo to message directly.

Diana 

Hi Tom,

Call the team on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 - they will be able to point you in hte right direction.

Diana