Re: Hv: Please answer

fell down from a flight stairs nearly 3 weeks ago which caused the back of his head to be pierced by a sharp rock. Although there was somewhat of a profuse bleeding, thankfully there were no broken body parts. He was taken to the ER.

X-rays were negative. Although CT scan was deemed normal, INITIALLY, we were told a 5-6 mm Hydrocephalus was present. Ironically he was at the same ER approximately one week earlier due to dizziness. He was diagnosed with Directional Vertigo at the time and released.

We were also told that a CT Scan at that time also showed a 2 mm Hydrocephalus but but it was not noted on the report for some reason and the attending physician did not report it.

The attending ER physician consulted with a neurosurgeon.The neuro did not seem to be concerned.

Six days later the patient was seen by his neurologist who looked at the ER reports and told us that there is no Hydrocephalus. However there was bleeding in the area between the brain and the skull. The neurologist thinks this is probably due to a blood vessel rupturing during the fall. He advised the patient to refrain from taking Plavix for at least four weeks. Another CT will be taken in mid March to make sure that the bleeding has stopped.

What were the results?

At this time the patient has not experienced any headaches, dizziness or vomiting at all. However he appears to be depressed at times and there is still quite a bit of muscular soreness in addition to episodes of low grade pain. This individual also suffers from spinal stenosis which may attribute to some of the discomfort.

He likely overextended the muscles and tendons in the fall and this will heal on its own.

Generally, he complains about weakness in the knee and areas below when he is walking. He does not feel confident in walking without a cane or walker. Thankfully he uses the walker sparingly as the strength of the muscles may have improved since the fall.

So far, we have been following this regimen:

1) 1/2 teaspoon of Bone and Joint Formula upon rising.

Three times daily works better.

2) One egg white in addition to Oatmeal with two packets of gelatin for breakfast.

3) The following supplements are taken after breakfast:
a) Magnesium Malate
b) CO-Q10
c) Butcher's broom
d) Zinc (50 mg)
e) GTF Chromium (for high cholesterol levels and very mildly elevated fasting blood sugar levels)
f) B12 (methylcobalamin) 1000 mcg

4) Two cod liver caps after lunch.

Cod liver oil is actually a blood thinner.  Until you know there is no bleeding it would be best to avoid this.

5) 1/2 teaspoon of Memo-Reze (for short term memory impairment) with the following prostate formula in the afternoon:
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/OL042/ItemDetail


6) The following medications and supplements are taken after dinner:
a) Magnesium Malate
b) Butcher's broom
c) GTF Chromium
d) Plavix was discontinued until the results of CT is known.
e) Zocor
f) Norvasc

7) Lecithin Granules is taken 3 times daily.

The said individual apparently also suffers from Nocturia Polyuria. There does not seem to be any sign of urgency or frequent urination during the daytime hours. It seems that the OL prostate formula, at least for the time being, has reduced the nighttime rest room visits to one.

1) Would you add or delete anything from the above regimen?

Just the cod liver oil if there is bleeding.  He also needs to be careful about using fish oils with drugs like Plavix.

2) Please state your opinion in the regards to the following formula for muscular pain and discomfort:

http://www.gaiaherbs.com/products/detail/30/Ginger-Supreme

The only drawback is that this also neutralizes the stomach acid, which can lead to a variety of problems.

3) Given the said individual is taking hypertension medication, is DLPA for long term use advisable?

DLPA only raises blood pressure in rare individuals.

4) Is there a possibility that the depression may be a result of trauma to the brain? Or perhaps is it just a natural byproduct of the muscular pain and discomfort? What can be done for this?

There are numerous causes of depression so it is hard to say what the likely culprit is in his case.  Chronic pain though can be one cause or the use of some pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

5) Since the individual has had no episodes of headaches, dizziness or vomiting in the span of three weeks since the fall, is it to safe to state that the dangers of subdural haematoma have passed?

Very likely.  A continued increase of intercranial pressure would have presented with specific symptoms that he is not showing.

6) Is intake take of 1 scoop whey protein advisable for strengthening of leg muscles?

Simply taking protein will not strengthen the muscles.  They really need to be exercised.  Even something as simple as one of those "bicycle exercisers" that you use while sitting in your own chair.

7) Is it plausible to add Folic Acid into this regimen? If so, should rice bran be the source?

Rice bran or other high B vitamin sources would be best as B vitamins work best when taken together, not as isolates.

8) Please comment on Nocturia Polyuria.

Sterol sources and zinc work the best for this.  He is already taking zinc.  For sterols I recommend jiaogulan (Gynostemma), licorice root and yucca root.  The last two are also steroidal anti-inflammatories to help with the pain and all support the adrenals to further reduce inflammation.

Please ask any further questions that you may have.

The only other thing that I would recommend off hand is the amino acid carnitine, which also helps with muscle strength including the heart muscle.  Carnitine should be taken on an empty stomach or away from high protein sources.