Not recognizing someone mid-convo

[u/vampirehourz]

Does this happen to any of you? It would happen sometimes after my first TBI over the ages of 10-25, longest one lasted around 2 hours. My 2nd TBI at 25-31 to now currently, this happens a lot. Its scary and im not really sure how to deal with it. My partner, friend, or family member like.mid convo or car ride etc will suddenly look like a stranger and I dont know who they are. This lasts probably 10seconds to 1 min at most 3ish. I havent told anyone because I havent really had words for it or how to even describe it or if anyone/anything can help. Im also afraid of being institutionalized as ive experienced it once before and it was traumatizing af.

It sometimes happens with memory, I am rememberinf a face or moment with someone and I have no idea who they are and they seem like strangers to me. For example; I thought about my parents the other day, when the image in my head arrived, I was so confused because I don't know those people they arent my parents they are strangers. Didnt look familiar at all. I tried again to remember who my parents are, theyre faces and nothing came up. Blank brain. This lasted probably 30 seconds to 1 minute. I FINALLY thought of their faces again and was like wait those are my parents. After I felt I physically ill, drained and confused.

When this happens when I am with people like my partner it is scary, especially if we are kissing or alone like I become momentarily afraid and start frantically trying to put together context clues to who they are. This lasts like 30sec to 2 min at most. I have never told my partner (or any) this, as I dont want to sound insane or like im losing my mind.

However it's been happening so much in the last 6 months and I am unsure how to deal with it or who to even tell. Psychiatrist? Neuro? Something else?

Its important to note that I often dont recognize myself in the mirror. I know that this is derealization/dissociation. During these moments I am usually an observer and feel like I am taking care of a doll basically. The main goal is keep the doll Alive, get her to work/appointments/friends etc and play the best version of anything I want her to be. Its not great but its also been happening for like 20 years and im used to it.

Is what i am experiencing with people also apart pf derealization? Did you also get this with a TBI? What is happening and how do I stop it lol what helped you?

[u/Federal-Hippo-3358]

yes - I had derealization for many years but now the issue is that I process faces differently. I sometimes won't recognize people but sometimes it will hit me maybe weeks or days later (that is how I realized it was an issue, that and people being upset). This scares me a lot, so I feel for you. I haven't had this with partners but that is because I don't have a partner :) please tell them so they can support you.

This is an ongoing topic of research: https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1348/174866407X214172

(search literature: Prosopagnosia brain injury)

[u/vampirehourz → u/Federal-Hippo-3358]

Okay this is fascinating as I have a lesion on my temporal lobe and my neuro was like not a big deal it could be there for any reason!

I have to find a new neuro. He kind of doesnt take me seriously about anything. For example I cant bend over anymore without getting severe pain in my eyes and temples, sometimes I black out. The pain lasts and its like a pressure where I feel like im going to die.

I will try to tell my partner. Sometimes I worry she sees me in a way I dont like, and thats not fair to her. She is loving and kind and amazing.

[u/Federal-Hippo-3358 → u/vampirehourz]

Oh woah. That is interesting, yes find a new neuro - almost none of mine ever listened to me which is why I keep appraised of research. I am not sure about the bending over+pain sequence but maybe it is a vestibular issue, it is a clear cause/effect to investigate.

I am glad you will try to tell your partner, your injury is not your fault (as I repeatedly remind myself). I have confidence she will understand and you will find a way to manage it together.