Journal
I’ve mentioned Neuroplasticity before, but I’d like to discuss it some more
What can be said to an invisible brain injury sufferer who gets teased for what he does because of it
As a visibly-disabled person, what this is about isn’t what I face, but I’ve seen circumstances like this, and can confirm what this is about. When someone who has an invisible brain injury is facing teasing or ridicule because of what the injury makes them do, it’s important to offer support, understanding, and encouragement. Here are some things you can say to show your empathy and help uplift their spirits:
I wrote about how one morning I woke up thinking I only spoke french, and from an article I learned that that kind of thing isn’t too unusual!
When I saw this story on CBC (How ‘bizarre’ behaviours made this scientist appreciate what the brain can do) I remember being told that one morning, after the crash, I woke up thinking that I only spoke french. I thought I was unique with that, but from this story I’m actually not. An injury can indeed provide fascinating insights into the capabilities and adaptability of the human brain. When the brain experiences damage due to injury, illness, or other factors, it sometimes undergoes various changes and adaptations to cope with the loss of function or damage.
How I was after the crash made returning to work impossible, but others do. What are the challenges that they might face?
Returning to work after a brain injury can be a complex process, as individuals often face various challenges that can impact their ability to resume their previous employment or engage in new work activities.
Bodychecking can lead to Acquired Brain Injuries — should the age when it’s allowed be 15 (raised from 13)?
On August 3 there was a story in The Ottawa Citizen that prompted my writing this. I didn’t play hockey, but know plenty of people who did (and do). The topic of bodychecking in youth hockey is a subject of ongoing debate among players, coaches, parents, and medical professionals. Some argue that bodychecking should be introduced at an earlier age to teach players proper techniques and awareness, while others advocate for delaying bodychecking until a later age to prioritize player safety.
Kids are curious, but how to best describe what happened to someone (like their best friend) who received an Acquired Brain Injury?
Kids are seeming to know everything these days, but they’re probably like everyone else in that while they might know the words “Acquired” along with “Brain Injury”, they might not understand what they’re about. If you’ve got a kid to whom you’d like to explain what it is, here’s an idea: Hey there! So, you know how our brains are like super smart computers that help us think, learn, and do all sorts of amazing things? Well, sometimes, just like how a computer might accidentally get a little glitchy, our brains can get hurt too. When something happens that makes a part of our brain get hurt or not work as well as before, we call it an “acquired brain injury.”
Brain injuries can cause different things, and some are in the weird-zone, for sure!
Acquired brain injuries (ABIs) can have a wide range of effects on individuals, and the outcomes can vary significantly depending on the location and severity of the injury. While some effects may be common, such as cognitive impairments, memory issues, and motor deficits, there are indeed some rare and unusual manifestations that could be considered “weird” or unexpected. I’m not certain, but I think that one day in the hospital I woke up saying that I don’t understand english — in french.