Brain injury Survivor Forum information and how to submit an article.

Changes in memory after traumatic and acquired brain injury can cause difficulty for survivors, families and caregivers. CT scans can help identify changes in the brain that affect memory. The differences between long-term memory, short-term memory and post traumatic amnesia are explained. There are suggestions for improving memory at home with daily routines and exercises.

Alcohol use can worsen depression after brain injury. The physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, and financial changes that often follow a traumatic or acquired brain injury frequently result in depression among survivors and family members. Seeking treatment can improve coping skills and help survivors and family members grieve their losses. The use of alcohol to blunt emotions carries new risks after an injury due to neurological changes in the brain. No amount of alcohol is safe for a survivor of a brain injury.

Case managers and attorneys working together can help persons with brain injury The relationship between case managers and attorneys show the benefits of using case management in a personal injury claim, such as a traumatic or acquired brain injury or some other catastrophic condition. It explains the role of case managers in hospitals, insurance companies, rehabilitation programs, and legal practice. Case managers act as liaisons, advocates, and negotiators to assist in life care planning.

A life care plan after a traumatic brain injury identifies needs, resources, services and supports necessary for an individual’s physical health and emotional well being. Case managers specialize in implementing life care plans by working with medical and rehabilitation staff, attorneys, service providers, insurance companies, community agencies, and federal and state programs to identify, negotiate and coordinate services. Case managers are a critical link for the child or adult who has been injured as well as the family.

A mother’s narrative of perseverance following her son’s traumatic brain injury, Unthinkable is a book filled with universal lessons of struggle and triumph. Each chapter includes insights and tips for families and caregivers on coping, managing stress, and surviving the trauma of brain injury.

Dixie Fremont-Smith Coskie is a mother of eight, writer, public speaker, fundraiser, and advocate for children and persons with disabilities. Dixie Coskie and her son Paul speak at schools, camps, trauma centers, hospitals and rehab hospitals talking about the consequences and the reality of traumatic brain injury and childhood cancer.

Communication changes after traumatic brain injury can be major and involve loss of speech or they can be subtle changes in reading, writing and comprehension. Questions about expressive and receptive aphasia and dysarthria illustrate how language areas of the brain directly affect the survivor’s ability to communicate after an injury or stroke. Assessment and treatment with a speech language pathologist may help recovery and rehabilitation.

Symptoms ranging from mild anxiety to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are being seen in veterans. Depression, alcohol abuse, anger, and difficulty concentrating have been reported by returning troops from Iraq. Seeking mental health treatment carries a negative stigma that results in many veterans and service members denying symptoms, avoiding comrades, and delaying treatment. Stereotypes about mental illness and barriers to mental health counseling make it even more difficult for service members and veterans to seek support and obtain treatment in the military culture.

Cognitive changes after traumatic or acquired brain injury can result in difficulty with attention, focusing, and thinking. Cognitive fatigue can affect the ability to concentrate, complete tasks, remember, and problem solve. Personal questions demonstrate the impact of cognitive changes on the daily life of survivors of TBI and ABI.

A traumatic or acquired brain injury can cause changes in physical abilities such as walking, balance, coordination, and strength. This article discusses how physical therapy, a home exercise program and conditioning can improve physical skills after TBI. Personal examples explain how physical changes can affect daily life and give suggestions for coping and improvements.