The X Factor in Brain Injury Recovery

Tessa Venell was in a serious car accident and hit her head on the car’s windshield. Most people with severe head injuries like hers do not survive. So far, Tessa’­s made an amazing recovery. A short video of Tessa’s story: Then and Now How did Tessa make such a complete and unexpected recovery? She credits her strong support network. Tessa describes the loneliness and isolation that TBI patients endure. That’s a well-documented problem for brain injury survivors. Many face persistent cognitive issues that take medical precedence over psychological issues. And many rehabilitation approaches don’t include psychological treatments as a regular part of treatment. There’s not much research on how the support and encouragement of family, friends, and medical providers assist

The Quiet Reality of a TBI

Jerry credits his smashed bike helmet with saving his life. He describes waking up in an ambulance, and spending a day in the ER. But it was a full nine months after his bike crash that Jerry was finally diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. Jerry, a long-time cyclist, describes how his physical injuries masked his brain injury. Little by little, his reality completely changed. Serious brain injuries are not always obvious. Jerry’s story is a peek into the reality of a TBI.     There is an old saying:  no surgery is minor if it is happening to YOU. The same is true for mild traumatic brain injuries. Understanding mild traumatic brain injuries   

The best child brain injury advice I’ve ever heard

As a trial lawyer, I have had the privilege of meeting incredible doctors who specialize in child brain injury. This is the best brain injury advice I’ve ever heard.  Preventing child brain injury is why kids wear bike helmets, why playgrounds aren’t built on concrete anymore, and why there are strict rules in kids sports. Every parent knows that they can’t prevent every bump to their child’s head. And we know a bump to the head and a brain injury are not necessarily the same thing. A superficial wound or bump to the head can be no fun for a child, but a brain injury is much more serious. Years ago, I read op-ed by a neurosurgeon who specializes in concussion therapy and spine surgery; one

5 Tips for Safe Summer Sports

About 4 million kids will sustain an injury from sports this year. Most of these injuries are preventable. 1. Check the gear. Are the shoes fitted and comfortable? Does the activity call for shin guards, elbow pads, or a helmet? Biking, skating and skateboarding are responsible for about half of sports head injuries: Safe Kids explains the quick 3-point helmet check in this video. 2. Stretch. Stretching before and after strenuous exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent injury. Kids think this part is boring – find videos for the stretches needed for their sport. 3. Sweat-proof, waterproof sunscreen. Sunburn affects the body’s natural ability to cool down. This leads to serious heat-related illnesses – heat cramps,

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