Brain injury - lost sense of smell and taste and cant sleep — Scope | Disability forum
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Brain injury - lost sense of smell and taste and cant sleep

CARL58
CARL58 Community member Posts: 178 Courageous
Hi all should I be concerned CARL58 since his brain injury gradually he's lost all sense of taste & smell does anyone know if this is common.he would only drink tea never coffee but of late will only drink decafe coffee now hates tea GP puts it down to medication as he's on 24 tablets aday but I can't agree with that as 6mths ago he was on that amount of meds he's on another 4 tablets aday making it 28.he says everything tastes the same of nothing there's a few other changes like never sleeps for more than 20 mins to 30mins in any 24hrs GP puts that down to severe insomnia but won't give any sleeping tablet's. To aid sleep. have tried herbal remedies,calomile,lavender.,tried Himalayan salt lamp.tried all CDs for relaxation and sleep nothing works or am I over reacting jen

Comments

  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,671 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi Jen
    We can't give any medical advice on the community and can only suggest to go back to the GP and ask further questions, other members might be able to share their own experiences but of course, we can't say if this is 'normal' or not.

    Personally I use a sleep meditation app that I have found really helps me with sleep and I have had medication that has changed my sense of taste but if you are concerned you should speak to the GP or does he have a consultant/specialist you can speak to?
    Scope
    Senior online community officer
  • CARL58
    CARL58 Community member Posts: 178 Courageous
    @Sam_Scope thanks Sam CARL58 was under Walton hospital but the specialist there discharged him basically done all tthe tests and treatment they could do in a nutshell something he will have to live with for the rest of his life they referred him to an epileptic clinic but she wasn't helpful just gave out medication and said because of his age there wasn't a lot they could do I was gobsmacked seemed to only be interested in the youngsters these days.but she would see him again in 6mths.went to receptionist to book another appointment the earliest available appointment was 2yrs away I couldn't believe it but was told quietly it's his age and other health problems he has that's not helping jen
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,671 Disability Gamechanger
    Oh that sounds so disappointing Jen :( Have you had any contact with Headway? They are a brain injury charity and they do have a helpline and an email address to contact them for support. 
    0808 800 2244  - open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and their email address is 
    helpline@headway.org.uk

    Headway say:
    If your relative has been discharged home without any access to rehabilitation, and you have reason to believe that they would benefit from it, there are still options available.

    You are perfectly within your rights to actively seek rehabilitation services, even if you have been told that there are none available or needed. The first thing to do is discuss the matter with your relative's GP and/or consultant. They may be able to provide a referral. You can also contact rehabilitation services directly. The Headway helpline can provide information on specialist brain injury rehabilitation centres and you can search for Headway approved care providers in the In your area section.

    It is advisable to contact several units and visit them to assess their suitability before making a decision. There are several other directories of rehabilitation professionals in private practice and you can find some of these in the Useful organisations section. 

    For more detailed information on brain injury rehabilitation see the Headway booklet Rehabilitation after brain injury.


    Scope
    Senior online community officer

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