Turn Text Only Off

Home | TBI Topics See All TBI Topics Up Arrow

About Traumatic Brain Injury

Caregiving & Brain Injury

Intimate Relationships

Seniors & Brain Injury

Advocacy

Coma / Vegetative State

Legal Issues

Sleeping Problems

Anxiety & Stress

Concussion / Mild TBI

Living with Traumatic Brain Injury

Speech & Language Therapy

Behavioral & Emotional Symptoms

Diagnosing & Treating Brain Injury

Military & Veterans

Substance Abuse

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Employment & Training

Physical Symptoms of Brain Injury

Thinking / Cognitive Symptoms

Brain Injury Symptoms

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

TBI Basics

For People with TBI

For Family and Friends

For Professionals

Javascript is not enabled!
Please be aware that without javascript enabled this site will not look or function as intended.
If you have any questions, please contact info@brainline.orgBrainline.org - Preventing, treating, and living with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Home | Finding Resources | TBI Topics | Video and Multimedia | Personal Stories | Calendar

Q&As by Topic

See All See all Q&As by topic

Q&As by Expert

See All See all our experts

Ask The Expert Q&As

Starting or Nourishing Romantic Relationships After TBI

Emilie Godwin, PhD | May 13, 2013

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but when a partner or spouse sustains a brain injury, other problems can arise, too.

Can Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus?

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | April 15, 2013

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common symptom of TBI. Learn when hearing aids can help and what other treatments are available.

Disability Benefits Through the Social Security Administration Are Available for People with Brain Injury

Shana De Caro, Esq. | March 26, 2013

Careful preparation of the disability application is crucial to obtaining appropriate benefits for people with TBI who cannot work.

How to Stop Fumbling for the Right Word After a Brain Injury

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | January 22, 2013

Getting a full speech-language evaluation is important when trying to solve communication issues post-TBI.

What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and How Does It Relate to TBI?

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | December 3, 2012

Learn about this uncommon form of chronic pain and the various treatments available to help.

Does Scanning Therapy for Vision Problems Post-TBI Work?

Gregory L. Goodrich, PhD | November 30, 2012

Scanning therapy for hemianopsia after TBI isn’t a cure nor is there a guarantee that everyone will have good results. But oftentimes, there is great benefit.

Why Am I Having Seizures Seven Years Post-Brain Injury?

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | November 12, 2012

Five to 10 percent of people who have had a TBI later experience seizures. Learn what the risk factors are.

Is It True That You Should Keep Someone Awake Who Has Sustained a TBI?

Jeffrey Bazarian, MD | October 22, 2012

Keeping someone awake after a mild TBI is no longer recommended, but keeping an eye on the person is.

Improving Tolerance for Exercise After a Brain Injury

Elliot J. Roth, MD | October 1, 2012

Gradually and systematically increasing your activity levels may help you exercise with fewer TBI-related side effects.

Learning Ways to Help People with TBI Who Are Unable to Manage Their Finances

Shana De Caro, Esq. | September 10, 2012

Crafting a plan to protect a person with a brain injury from his inability to manage finances while still affording him a degree of freedom and personal control is possible.

Can the Brain Itself Feel Pain?

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | August 13, 2012

Although the brain has no pain receptors itself, it is the main tool the body uses to detect and react to pain — physically and emotionally.

There are Treatments for Post-TBI Hearing Loss that Can Boost Your Quality of Life

Janet Brown, MA, CCC-SLP | July 30, 2012

An audiologist can help solve or ameliorate hearing loss after a brain injury.

The Ups and Downs of Changing Medications After Brain Injury

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | July 9, 2012

Talk with your health provider about fatigue, medication, and side effects.

My Daughter with a Brain Injury Acts Like a Teenager

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | June 25, 2012

Skills required for parenting can be taught but a safe, loving environment is critical.

What Is Confabulation and How Does It Relate to Brain Injury?

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | May 29, 2012

Your loved one with brain injury is not deliberately making up conversations or situations that never happened.

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.

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.

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.

Is Sudden Memory Loss a Symptom of Traumatic Brain Injury?

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | April 2, 2012

Memory loss may need further evaluation.

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.

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.

Fatigue and Sleep After TBI

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | January 3, 2012

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Martial Arts and Brain Injury

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | June 6, 2011

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

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.

CTE from Abuse, Not Sports?

Steven Flanagan, MD | May 7, 2011

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

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.

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.

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.

How Much Therapy Is Enough for Someone with TBI?

Elaine Phillips, MSP | March 18, 2011

Balancing needs and costs can be difficult.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Risky Behaviors and Brain Injury

Michael Paul Mason | June 1, 2010

Therapeutic intervention can change lives.

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.

Getting Help After a Second Brain Injury

Michael Paul Mason | April 1, 2010

Neuropsychological testing can help identify impairments and treatment options.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Problems with Coordination After Brain Injury

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | February 1, 2010

“I just want to walk normally again.”

Finding Strategies That Work After Brain Injury

Elaine Phillips, MSP | February 1, 2010

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

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.

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

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | January 1, 2010

If symptoms persist, get re-evaluated.

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?

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.

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?

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.

Help for Undiagnosed Brain Injury

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | December 1, 2009

A childhood fall can cause problems later.

Enjoying the Holidays After Brain Injury

Elaine Phillips, MSP | December 1, 2009

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

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.

Staying Sober After a Brain Injury

John D. Corrigan, PhD | November 1, 2009

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

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?

Do Men and Women Fare Differently After TBI?

Jeffrey Bazarian, MD | October 1, 2009

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

Aphasia

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

Strategies for communication after TBI-related aphasia.

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.

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.

Anti-Convulsant Drugs for Headaches After TBI

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | September 1, 2009

Do they work — and what are the pros and cons

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?

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.

What the Disability Laws Say About Service Dogs

Shana De Caro, Esq. | August 1, 2009

Can a child bring his dog to school?

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?

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.

Motivation After a TBI

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | July 1, 2009

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

Why So Many Questions?

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

How to help when your loved one keeps repeating herself.

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.

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?

Using Anti-Depressants After TBI?

Brian D. Greenwald, MD | July 1, 2009

Are they safe? Do they help?

Where Are My Keys?

Elaine Phillips, MSP | June 1, 2009

Helpful strategies to keep track of your belongings.

What Should Sports Coaches Know?

Michael Paul Mason | June 1, 2009

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

Tinnitus and Brain Injury

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

Learn strategies to deal with ringing in the ears.

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.

Worsening Headaches After TBI

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | May 1, 2009

Sometimes a neck injury can cause persistent symptoms.

The Specifics of Neuropsych Tests

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | May 1, 2009

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

Driving After a Sports Concussion

Nathan D. Zasler, MD | May 1, 2009

When is it okay to get behind the wheel again?

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.

Socializing Safely After TBI

Carolyn Rocchio | April 29, 2009

Helping an adult child move toward independence comes with risks.

Group Versus Individual Rehab Therapy After Brain Injury

Elaine Phillips, MSP | April 1, 2009

Is one more effective than the other?

When to Go to the Hospital

Jeffrey Bazarian, MD | April 1, 2009

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

Employee Rights in the Workplace

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

Sometimes simple changes at work can make all the difference.

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.

Selecting an Attorney After a TBI

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

Learn what questions to ask.

Sleep Issues After TBI

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | March 1, 2009

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

Balancing Recovery and Compensation

Elaine Phillips, MSP | March 1, 2009

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

Figuring Out Social Security Benefits After a TBI

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

Detailed advice to help you navigate the maze.

Finding Respite Care

Michael Paul Mason | February 1, 2009

Respite care is always in short supply. Learn more.

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.

Research on Memory After TBI

Elaine Phillips, MSP | February 1, 2009

How to cope with memory issues.

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | February 1, 2009

Learn how the brain can rewire itself after an injury.

Remembering to Take Action

Celeste Campbell, PsyD | January 1, 2009

Guidance on helping a friend follow through on his commitments.

The Benefits of Peer Mentoring

Michael Paul Mason | January 1, 2009

In what ways can peer support be a life saver?

The Importance of Rest

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

Learn how to diminish stress and fatigue after a TBI.

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.

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

Carolyn Rocchio offers advice to prepare someone with a TBI for holiday party interactions with family and friends.

BrainLine Footer

Getting Started

Site Features

About

BrainLine.org is a WETA website funded by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center through a contract with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. Government funding support is not an endorsement of WETA or any of its products, including this website.

Turn Text Only Off

Ask The Expert Q&As

BrainLine Footer

Getting Started

Site Features

Follow Us

About