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Q&As by Topic

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Ask The Expert Q&As

About Traumatic Brain Injury

How Much Therapy Is Enough for Someone with TBI?

Elaine Phillips, MSP | March 18, 2011

Balancing needs and costs can be difficult.

Shana De Caro, Esq. - Ask the Expert

Shana De Caro, Esq. | August 1, 2010

Learn from this expert, a lawyer whose practice focuses on representing people with traumatic brain injury.

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | February 1, 2009

Learn how the brain can rewire itself after an injury.

Accessibility

What the Disability Laws Say About Service Dogs

Shana De Caro, Esq. | August 1, 2009

Can a child bring his dog to school?

Advocacy

Ask the Expert: The Importance of "Showing" a Brain Injury

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | March 29, 2010

Seeing a picture or a model of the brain, especially in court, can help explain what happened to a person's brain when injured.

Ask the Expert: Determining Brain Injury in Court

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | March 29, 2010

Discussions and techniques necessary to prove the "invisible injury" in court.

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology for People with TBI

Michael Paul Mason | January 1, 2009

Learn how assistive technology can make life easier for someone with a TBI.

Tecnología asistencial para personas con una lesión cerebral traumática

Michael Paul Mason | January 1, 2009

Aprende cómo la tecnología de apoyo puede facilitarles la vida a las personas con una lesión cerebral.

Behavioral & Emotional Symptoms

Hallucinations and Delusions After a Brain Injury

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | January 17, 2011

Can certain medication, social isolation — or both — cause psychiatric problems for someone with a TBI?

Flat Affect and Brain Injury

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | November 15, 2010

A brain injury can sometimes limit a person’s ability to express emotions — temporarily or permanently.

Why Does My Wife Ask the Same Questions Over and Over?

Elaine Phillips, MSP | October 1, 2010

Learn what perseveration is and how to cope after a brain injury.

Why Has My Sister’s Personality Changed Since Her Traumatic Brain Injury?

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | July 1, 2010

Emotional regulation can be challenging after a brain injury.

Risky Behaviors and Brain Injury

Michael Paul Mason | June 1, 2010

Therapeutic intervention can change lives.

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Brain Injury

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | December 1, 2009

Research is not conclusive, but we do know that the risk of mood disorders increases.

Motivation After a TBI

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | July 1, 2009

Behavior can change after a TBI. Learn the causes and how to help.

Socializing Safely After TBI

Carolyn Rocchio | April 29, 2009

Helping an adult child move toward independence comes with risks.

Brain Injury, Behavioral Challenges, and the Holidays

Carolyn Rocchio | December 1, 2008

Worried about your loved one's behavior during the holidays?

Brain Injury, Social Skills, and the Holidays

Carolyn Rocchio | December 1, 2008

After a traumatic brain injury, holidays and social gatherings can be rocky for someone with brain injury. Carolyn Rocchio offers advice to prepare someone with a TBI for holiday party interactions with family and friends.

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Fifty Years After a Concussion, Can Treatment Still Help?

Steven Flanagan, MD | November 21, 2011

The earlier the treatment the better, but it’s never too late to help your brain recover.

Finding Strategies That Work After Brain Injury

Elaine Phillips, MSP | February 1, 2010

Learn how to break down strategies into smaller, easier steps.

Are Brain Injury Support Groups Worth the Time?

Carolyn Rocchio | July 1, 2009

A place to share resources and feel more connected to others with TBI who understand.

Group Versus Individual Rehab Therapy After Brain Injury

Elaine Phillips, MSP | April 1, 2009

Is one more effective than the other?

Balancing Recovery and Compensation

Elaine Phillips, MSP | March 1, 2009

Deciding what course of treatment to pursue after a TBI isn't easy.

The Benefits of Peer Mentoring

Michael Paul Mason | January 1, 2009

In what ways can peer support be a life saver?

Brain Injury Symptoms

Fatigue After Brain Injury: Getting Tired of Being So Tired

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | June 27, 2011

Depression, pain, sleep disturbance, and neuroendocrine abnormalities can all be reasons for extreme post-TBI fatigue.

When to Go to the Hospital

Jeffrey Bazarian, MD | April 1, 2009

Even a seemingly minor bump on the head can be dangerous.

Concussion / Mild TBI

When Can We Stop Worrying After a Hit on the Head?

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | January 1, 2010

If symptoms persist, get re-evaluated.

When Is a Mild TBI "Mild"?

Michael Paul Mason | October 1, 2009

Even a seemingly innocuous hit on the head may have serious — or deadly — consequences. Don't scoff off help.

Depression

Using Anti-Depressants After TBI?

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | July 1, 2009

Are they safe? Do they help?

Diagnosing & Treating Brain Injury

Does Having a Brain Injury Mean I'll Get Dementia When I'm Older?

Steven Flanagan, MD | April 23, 2012

An association between TBI and dementia exists, but the definitive research is still out.

Martial Arts and Brain Injury

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | June 6, 2011

Learn more about “bumps to the head” and their possible future ramifications.

What’s Initiation Deficit?

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | July 1, 2010

Learn why it can be so difficult for people with brain injury to follow through with a plan or intention.

Getting Help After a Second Brain Injury

Michael Paul Mason | April 1, 2010

Neuropsychological testing can help identify impairments and treatment options.

What Is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy – and What Should Athletes Know?

Steven Flanagan, MD | January 1, 2010

What is being done to help protect athletes from repetitive hits to the brain?

Help for Undiagnosed Brain Injury

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | December 1, 2009

A childhood fall can cause problems later.

Not All Nutritional Supplements Are Safe After Brain Injury

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | December 1, 2009

Nutritional supplements can have positive — and negative effects on short-term memory.

What Happens When a Brain Bleeds?

Jeffrey Bazarian, MD | November 1, 2009

Learn the difference between subdural and epidural hematomas.

Do Men and Women Fare Differently After TBI?

Jeffrey Bazarian, MD | October 1, 2009

Learn what researchers know — and still don't know.

The Pros and Cons of Taking Preventative Anti-Seizure Meds

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | September 1, 2009

Waiting or preventing: what’s the best choice?

How Best to Deal with Professionals Following Brain Injury

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | August 1, 2009

Get the most from your legal and medical appointments.

Getting a Brain Injury Far from a Hospital

Jeffrey Bazarian, MD | August 1, 2009

What do we do if we don’t live near a trauma center?

The Specifics of Neuropsych Tests

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | May 1, 2009

Learn what you need to know — and ask for — from a neuropsych evaluation.

Employment & Training

How to Find Local or State Support After a Brain Injury

Elaine Phillips, MSP | December 12, 2011

Learn what help is available before filing for disability benefits.

What Do I Tell My Employer?

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | July 1, 2009

Will my boss know that "mild" TBI is much more than mild?

Employee Rights in the Workplace

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | April 1, 2009

Sometimes simple changes at work can make all the difference.

Family Concerns

How to Deal with a New, Angrier Version of a Beloved Husband and Father?

Emilie Godwin, PhD | April 30, 2012

Family counseling is crucial to help everyone deal with the emotional effects of a brain injury.

Enjoying the Holidays After Brain Injury

Elaine Phillips, MSP | December 1, 2009

Adjusting routines and expectations after a loved one's brain injury.

Finding Respite Care

Michael Paul Mason | February 1, 2009

Respite care is always in short supply. Learn more.

Finances

What to Know About Trusts and Structured Settlements After Brain Injury

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | February 1, 2010

Make sure the funds you’ve saved for your child with TBI last his lifetime.

The Olmstead Decision of 1999

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | June 1, 2009

What you should know about the right to services in integrated community settings.

Planning Your Estate

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | April 1, 2009

Advice on how to provide long-term financial care for a loved one with a brain injury after you are gone.

Figuring Out Social Security Benefits After a TBI

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | March 1, 2009

Detailed advice to help you navigate the maze.

Headaches

Occipital Neuralgia and Brain Injury

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | January 11, 2012

A painful dent in the back of the head might mean an injury to the occipital nerve.

Brain Injury or Neck Injury: Getting the Right Diagnosis Is Key

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | April 2, 2011

Dizziness after a TBI may actually be from a neck injury.

Anti-Convulsant Drugs for Headaches After TBI

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | September 1, 2009

Do they work — and what are the pros and cons

Worsening Headaches After TBI

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | May 1, 2009

Sometimes a neck injury can cause persistent symptoms.

Legal Issues

How Attorneys Can Help People with Brain Injury Dispute "Pre-Existing Conditions"

Shana De Caro, Esq. | October 31, 2011

“Aggravation of pre-existing conditions” can be difficult to substantiate.

Proving in Court That a Brain Injury Merits Workers Compensation

Shana De Caro, Esq. | April 29, 2011

Medical experts are key, even in the court room.

What Are an Attorney’s Obligations When a Client Has Had a Brain Injury?

Shana De Caro, Esq. | February 28, 2011

Making legal decisions after a brain injury can be challenging.

Selecting an Attorney After a TBI

Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | March 1, 2009

Learn what questions to ask.

Living with Traumatic Brain Injury

Is It Safe to Fly After a Brain Injury?

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | April 16, 2012

Pressurization in the airplane and the risk of seizures should be considered before flying after a TBI.

Memory Problems

Is Sudden Memory Loss a Symptom of Traumatic Brain Injury?

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | April 2, 2012

Memory loss may need further evaluation.

Strategies for Improving Memory After Brain Injury

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | March 1, 2010

The tired brain can’t efficiently store information in its memory.

Where Are My Keys?

Elaine Phillips, MSP | June 1, 2009

Helpful strategies to keep track of your belongings.

Research on Memory After TBI

Elaine Phillips, MSP | February 1, 2009

How to cope with memory issues.

Remembering to Take Action

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | January 1, 2009

Guidance on helping a friend follow through on his commitments.

Physical Symptoms of Brain Injury

Does Brain Injury Cause Early Onset Menopause?

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | August 29, 2011

A brain injury can cause hormone abnormalities that could jumpstart early menopause.

Hypopituitarism After Brain Injury

Jeffrey Bazarian, MD | August 8, 2011

Can a brain injury disrupt healthy endocrine function?

Urinary Difficulties After a Brain Injury

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | April 11, 2011

A consultation with your doctor can help find the cause of TBI-related urinary issues.

Anosmia or Loss of Smell from Brain Injury

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | November 1, 2010

Is there anyway to help someone regain their sense of smell?

Problems with Coordination After Brain Injury

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | February 1, 2010

“I just want to walk normally again.”

Changes in Taste and Smell After Brain Injury

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | January 1, 2010

Almost 25% of people with TBI experience changes in taste and smell.

Increased Muscle Spasticity After Traumatic Brain Injury

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | November 1, 2009

What is muscle spasticity, why does it occur after TBI, and how is it treated?

Eating Issues After TBI

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | August 1, 2009

Learn how to deal with problems swallowing or eating after a brain injury.

Tinnitus and Brain Injury

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | June 1, 2009

Learn strategies to deal with ringing in the ears.

Hearing Loss After TBI

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | February 1, 2009

Suggestions to help someone with a hearing loss stay connected to family and friends.

The Importance of Rest

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | January 1, 2009

Learn how to diminish stress and fatigue after a TBI.

Sleeping Problems

Could My Husband’s Sleep Problems Be Related to Earlier Concussions?

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | February 21, 2012

A neuropsychological exam can often get to the root of sleep issues.

Can a Brain Injury Damage the Reticular Activating System?

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | January 30, 2012

The functions of the RAS like the sleep/awake cycle and pain signals can be damaged from a TBI.

Fatigue and Sleep After TBI

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | January 3, 2012

Good sleep hygiene can make a world of difference after a TBI.

Is Hypersomnia a Symptom of a Brain Injury?

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | October 11, 2011

“Excessive sleepiness” can be a result of a TBI — or several other medical issues.

Sleep Issues After TBI

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | March 1, 2009

Fatigue can be an issue after TBI. Learn about the importance of scheduling rest.

Speech & Language Therapy

My Husband Thinks My Voice is Quieter After My Brain Injury

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | June 9, 2011

Strategies for better communication after a TBI.

After My Brain Injury, Why Is Speaking Harder on Some Days than Others?

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | May 16, 2011

Aphasia can occur after a TBI and affect a person’s use of language.

Communicating After a TBI

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | February 1, 2010

Finding the right words and keeping your train of thought after a brain injury can be hard.

Aphasia

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | October 1, 2009

Strategies for communication after TBI-related aphasia.

How to Avoid Being Tongue-Tied After a Brain Injury

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | October 1, 2009

Reading out loud can be challenging after a TBI. Learn ways to cope.

Educating Others About Slurred Speech After Brain Injury

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | May 1, 2009

Here are ideas to help others understand why you talk slowly or with difficulty.

Sports Injuries

Are High Altitudes Bad for Someone who Sustained a Brain Injury?

Jeffrey Bazarian, MD | September 20, 2011

A mother wants to know if her daughter should go skydiving.

CTE from Abuse, Not Sports?

Steven Flanagan, MD | May 7, 2011

Symptoms of mild TBI and chronic traumatic encephalopathy can be confusingly similar.

What Should Sports Coaches Know?

Michael Paul Mason | June 1, 2009

Find out how to keep your players safe during practices and games.

Driving After a Sports Concussion

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | May 1, 2009

When is it okay to get behind the wheel again?

Substance Abuse

Is It Okay to Smoke Pot After a Brain Injury?

John D. Corrigan, PhD | November 15, 2010

Drugs and alcohol can make symptoms and problems worse after a brain injury.

Should I Tell My TBI Rehab Staff About My Previous Addiction?

John D. Corrigan, PhD | March 1, 2010

Sharing medical history with your doctors after TBI helps more than it hurts.

Avoiding Substance Abuse After Brain Injury?

John D. Corrigan, PhD | January 1, 2010

Is there a best treatment or is it all up to the individual?

Staying Sober After a Brain Injury

John D. Corrigan, PhD | November 1, 2009

If you went to AA meetings before TBI, keep going.

Coming Clean About Drugs with Your Doctor

John D. Corrigan, PhD | September 1, 2009

The overlapping problems of pain, prescription drugs, and substance abuse.

Recognizing TBI in Substance Abuse Support Groups

John D. Corrigan, PhD | September 1, 2009

Symptoms from brain injury and addiction can seem the same.

Thinking / Cognitive Symptoms

Why So Many Questions?

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | July 1, 2009

How to help when your loved one keeps repeating herself.

Vision Problems

Diagnosing Vision Problems After a Brain Injury

Gregory L. Goodrich, PhD | June 1, 2010

Figuring out the root of a child’s problems in school.

What Does a Comprehensive Vision Exam Entail?

Gregory L. Goodrich, PhD | March 1, 2010

Are these only available for returning service members or civilians, too?

What Is Hemianopsia and Why Does It Happen After TBI?

Gregory L. Goodrich, PhD | March 1, 2010

Why can’t I see anything on my left side?

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