800-444-6443

To Drive or Not to Drive? Getting Behind the Wheel after a Traumatic Brain Injury

Jun 6, 2019 | Awareness, Caregivers, Education, News, Survivors

Driving is the ultimate symbol of independence and control. Losing the ability to drive after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may feel devastating and can greatly affect a person’s quality of life during recovery. But considering that driving is one of the most dangerous activities we do on a daily basis, the decision of if and when to return to driving can be complex. Safe driving requires a number of skills which may be altered after a TBI including:
  • Visual acuity and perception
  • Memory to recall directions or destination
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Reaction time
  • Safety awareness and judgment
  • Sustained and alternating attention
  • Range of motion and strength of arms, legs and neck
  • Confidence behind the wheel
  • Anxiety level
Research indicates that 50-70% of people with moderate to severe TBI will return to driving regardless of recommendations from their healthcare team or safety concerns (Schultheis & Whipple, 2014) (Classen, 2009). That’s why it’s important for TBI survivors to discuss and address return to driving with their healthcare team openly and honestly. As a first step in the path towards returning to drive, therapists are able to incorporate pre-driving skills into therapy sessions. These pre-driving therapy sessions focus on remediating, refining and strengthening any of the above skills that may impact driving ability or safety. Many rehabilitation providers offer pre-driving screenings or programming to jumpstart the process. After pre-driving skills are mastered, TBI survivors can benefit from working with a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialists (CDRS) for on-the-road training. These experts also assist in obtaining and practicing the use of adaptive equipment. Various types of equipment such as hand controls and adaptive steering wheels can be used if traditional foot pedals or wheels are not optimal. A CDRS can even help coordinate securing an adaptive vehicle with ramp access and modified seating if necessary. Safe return to driving after a traumatic brain injury is possible with the right training and resources. The first step toward safely getting behind the wheel after a traumatic brain injury is starting a conversation with the rehabilitation team.

References:

  • Classen, S. e. (2009). Traumatic brain injury and driving assessment; and evidence-based literature review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 580-591.
  • Schultheis, M. T., & Whipple, E. (2014). Driving after traumatic brain injury:evaluation and rehabilitation interventions. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, 176-183.
Angela West, MSOT, OTRL
Occupational Therapist + Therapy Best Practices Coordinator
Special Tree Rehabilitation System

Brain Injury Association of Michigan: One-Sided No-Fault Reform Bill Doesn’t Go the Distance

May 9, 2019 | Advocacy, Caregivers, News, Professionals, Survivors

Association joins Gov. Whitmer and House Democrats in calling for strong consumer protection, permanent rate relief, and long-term solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information:
Janna Wilson
(248) 810.229.5880 LANSING, Mich. (May 9, 2019) – The passage of SB1 and HB 4397 may now be a reality, but those who protect consumers want more. In response, President and CEO of Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) Tom Constand issued the following statement: “We thank Gov. Whitmer and House Democrats for standing up for Michigan consumers in rejecting the bill as written. Although it addresses the basic tenets of reform, it does little to ensure a permanent solution. Moreover, instead of allowing for constructive committee discussion and debate, this 82-page bill was railroaded through the House in the middle of the night with no opportunity for thoughtful deliberation.” “We are looking for fair, reasonable and sustainable legislation that provides strong consumer protections, offers immediate rate relief and protects benefits for the insured. This bill provides weak concessions that don’t ensure ongoing rate relief, provides a pittance of coverage options, and will leave survivors and their families even more exposed to the unethical and predatory practices of the insurance industry. We must do better than this.” About the Brain Injury Association of Michigan
The Brain Injury Association of Michigan is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those affected by brain injury through education, advocacy, research and local support groups, and to reducing the incidence of brain injury through prevention. Founded in 1981, Brighton, Michigan-based BIAMI is a national leader in its efforts on behalf of the approximately 200,000 Michigan residents who live with disabilities as a result of a brain injury.

###

Brain Injury Association of Michigan
7305 Grand River, Suite 100
Brighton, MI 48114-7379
BIAMI.ORG

If you support Governor Whitmer, please add your name to our petition on Change.org.

What Is A Concussion and How Do We Treat It?

May 2, 2019 | Awareness, Education, News

One of the hot topics right now in the world of brain injury is Concussion Prevention and Treatment. In order to fully be able to discuss this topic, we first have to understand and answer this question: What is a Concussion? Newer research has shown that a concussion happens from acceleration or deceleration of the brain inside of the skull. This can happen from activities such as a hit directly to the head or body as in contact sports, falls, military activity, or motor vehicle accidents. This acceleration/deceleration of the brain causes stretching of the brain tissue and creates an excitatory response that places the brain in an energy deficit resulting in any of the below symptoms. Symptoms are typically temporary and usually dissipate by 8-10 days. What are some signs and symptoms of a concussion?
  • Loss of Consciousness (only occurs in ~10% of all concussions!)
  • Seizures
  • Delayed verbal/motor responses
  • Confusion/Disorientation/Memory deficits
  • Lack of focus/Concentration
  • Speech disturbances such as slurred speech
  • Balance/Incoordination
Sports are one of the leading causes of concussion resulting in approximately 3.8 million concussions per year in the United States. Rugby, ice hockey, football, and soccer are the top high-risk sports for both men and women due to the amount of contact. The large number of concussions sustained from sports has led to a push for prevention measures such as advancements to helmets. Research has shown that the use of a properly fitting helmet may reduce the risk of the severity of the symptoms of a concussion; however, there is lack of evidence supporting the use actually reducing the number of concussions sustained. Since concussions cannot be completely prevented, we now need to look at treatment! Due to the wide variation of symptoms that can present following a concussion, a comprehensive treatment plan should be utilized. The brain accounts for approximately 2% of our body weight and it takes approximately 20% of our blood supply! Why is this important? A concussion can temporarily reduce blood flow to the brain by up to 50%! This makes exercise one of the most crucial treatment options for an individual following a concussion. Treatment will be based on the presentation of symptoms and following Return-to-School and Return-to-Play guidelines and only moving to the next stage if they are symptom-free for 24 hours. What kind of treatments should be used?
  • Rest
  • Nutrition
  • Physical Exercise
  • Visual and Vestibular Retraining
  • Cervical Spine-Alignment and Musculature Issues
  • Balance Retraining
What does the Return-to-School and Return-to-Play Guideline look like?
  • Rest Initially 24 hours
  • Light Cognitive Activity
  • Half Day of School
  • Full Day of School
  • Clearance for Physical Activity
  • Light Non-Contact Sport Specific Activity
  • Higher Intensity Non-Contact Sport Specific Activity
  • Full Contact Sport
  • Return to Competition
An important fact to remember is that typical concussion symptoms dissipate in 8-10 days; however, the brain metabolic state (no longer being in an energy deficit) does not return to its own baseline until 22-30 days after an injury. Why is this important? Three words: Second Impact Syndrome. If there were to be another concussion prior to the brain reaching its metabolic baseline, the effects of the first concussion can now be compounded, thus placing the individual at an increased risk for permanent deficits or even death. Comprehensive Baseline Testing can assist with not only making sure all aspects of the individual's brain function, including both physical and cognitive aspects, have returned to their baseline. The testing also significantly assist clinicians in the Return-to-Play decision. Early comprehensive treatment of concussion can also decrease the time that symptoms are experienced thus reducing the likelihood of Post-Concussion Syndrome (where the concussive symptoms last greater than 2 weeks). In summary, a concussion can and should be treated with a comprehensive approach and in a collaborative effort between the individual and their family, a trained rehabilitation professional, a physician, school administrators, and coaches. This collaborative approach will help minimize the possible long-term effects of a concussion.

References:

  • Prien, Et al. “Epidemiology of Head Injuries Focusing on Concussions in Team Contact Sports: A Systematic Review” Sports Med. 2018 Apr:48(4):953-969.
  • Langlois Et al. “The epidemiology and Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Brief Overview” Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation: September-October 2006: Vol21. Issue 5. Pg 375-378.
  • Patel, Et Al. “Aerobic vs anaerobic exercise training effects of the cardiovascular system” World J Cardiol. 2017 Feb 26:9(2):1324-138.
  • Viano Et al. “Concussion in professional football: biomechanics of the struck player part 14” Neurosurgery. 2007 Aug:61(2):313-327.
Karley Glashauser, PT, DPT, CBIS, CF-L1 Physical Therapist, The Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation Center

Karley graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University in May of 2009. She has been employed at The Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation Center, Caro location, since July of 2009. Karley has continued education in the areas of Hippotherapy, NDT, and Concussion Management. Karley is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer at Davison CrossFit and Flint CrossFit with a special certification in Adaptive CrossFit.

Triangulation – What Is It and How Does It Apply to the Role of Caregiver

Apr 4, 2019 | Awareness, Caregivers, News, Support

As caregivers, we are each drawn to the work we do for a reason. It may be because we simply like to help, have someone in our lives suffering from a disease or an injury, or are just stopping along the way to get to another spot. Whatever the reason, our jobs involve helping people. This can be very rewarding and enriching – it can also be troubling, stressful and distressing. One tactic we come across in the world of therapy is triangulation – a form of manipulation where a person will not communicate directly with another person, instead they use a third person to relay the information to the second person – thus forming a triangle. Triangulation is a concept primarily used in trauma-based therapy, taught to mental health professionals specifically trained to work with individuals who have experienced a traumatic incident, such as a car accident, fire, death of a loved one, etc. The way these individuals perceive life and relationships can be drastically influenced by that experience.
This has much to do with how the brain is wired, through social and emotional experience, and how social experiences have affected the individual. The act of triangulation can be intentional or unintentional – a very complicated cycle that negatively impacts everyone involved. Triangulation can be common in many aspects of our lives, but as a psychologist in the world of brain injury rehabilitation, I see it quite often. To have a triangle, you must have three people: a victim, a persecutor, and a rescuer.
Victim: “The good guy”. No voice, no power. In this frame of mind, the victim does have power and a voice but are afraid to use them. Persecutor: “The bad guy”. The attacker, the one who bothers the victim. It could include allowing the victim to experience the natural consequences of their choices or behaviors. Rescuer: “The hero”. Swoops in and takes care of the victim’s problem – but at the same time ensures the victim never finds their own voice or personal power. Let’s use the characters in the movie The Wizard of Oz as an example... Dorothy – the victim. Riding in a house which drops and kills the Wicked Witch; obtains the Ruby Slippers. Wicked Witch of the West – the persecutor. Unhappy about sister’s death, but more importantly – wants the Ruby Slippers. Glenda the “Good Witch” – Dorothy’s potential first rescuer. Glenda is good, and tells Dorothy how to solve her problem but doesn’t do it for her. In the movie, Dorothy picks up potential rescuers along the way – the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow – all victims of their own life circumstances. Each of them do their best to rescue one another from their fears. We also see several persecutors for the victims, each of whom are looking for help/rescuing from the Wizard of Oz.
“When we cast ourselves in the victim role, we often feel helpless, hopeless, powerless, inept, etc. Sometimes, we may think “I can’t do it, I need you to do it.”
Fast forward to the Emerald City, where the best rescuer is believed to reside – the Wizard. Dorothy asks the Wizard for help, but is denied. [Oh, no, that isn’t supposed to happen – the Wizard (rescuer) is supposed to help me.] For the Wizard, his role quickly transitions from rescuer to persecutor.
“Now the victim has to find a new rescuer.”
In the case of the Wizard of Oz, that person becomes Glenda. Glenda helps Dorothy rescue herself by finding her voice and enacting her power to dissolve the witch with a bucket of water, and with three taps of the shoes, we see Dorothy back home.
“Rescuers, understand: if you are not able to rescue your victim, the victim doesn’t like how you rescued them, or other reasons – you – the rescuer is now becomes the persecutor.”
So, how do we break out of the triangle?
  • Support, don’t rescue. If someone comes to you to rescue them, assist them in figuring out how to solve the problem themselves.
  • Refer the victim back to the person with whom they are having the problem.
  • Help the victim find their voice. Role play what they could say by using the “I” message concept:
When your [insert description of behavior], I feel [insert name the emotion], I want [insert description of replacement behavior]. Example:
“When you act like a jerk, you make me angry, I want you to stop” will serve to incite more conflict versus help resolve. A different approach might be “when you keep your headphones on when I am trying to talk to you, I feel frustrated. I would like you to take the headphones off.”
We can also use this method to communicate positives. “When you take off your headphones when I’m trying to talk to you, I feel appreciative, please keep it up!” Some helpful reminders:
  • When we say “I feel,” we’ve taken responsibility for our own emotions, versus when we say “you make me feel,” we give all the power to the other person.
  • Make sure the description of the behavior is without opinion or judgement.

References:

Kimberly McGowan, MA, LLP, CBIS
Limited License Psychologist
Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation

Celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month

Mar 7, 2019 | Awareness, Caregivers, Education, Healthcare, News, Prevention, Professionals, Research, Support, Survivors

Brain injury is often referred to as an “invisible” injury or disability since the effects of the injury are not always visible or immediately evident. However, to anyone who has suffered a brain injury, or to those that care about someone who has, the effects of brain injury are complex and can pervade many aspects of the individual’s life. Brain injury can be difficult to understand, the symptoms can be significant, and the rehabilitation process can be extensive. We are proud to join brain injury survivors, caregivers, and supporters in celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month. For decades, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has led a nationwide public awareness campaign during the month of March to de-stigmatize brain injury through outreach and education.
According to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI), in Michigan alone, 58,500 people sustain a brain injury each year. The truth is that no one plans for a brain injury, but brain injuries can happen to anyone, at any time. Please join us this month as we spread awareness and educate others on the definition of brain injury, its causes, and where to seek proper rehabilitative care.

What is a Brain Injury?

Just as there are no two people alike, no two brain injuries are the same. An acquired brain injury is an injury to the brain that has occurred after birth; these injuries are not a result of heredity, nor are they congenital or degenerative. There are two types of acquired brain injuries, non-traumatic and traumatic. A non-traumatic brain injury is caused by damage to the brain by internal factors, such as lack of oxygen, exposure to toxins, pressure from a tumor, and so on. A traumatic brain injury is an injury to the brain that is caused by an outside force or impact that is sudden and damaging.

Common Causes of Brain Injury

  • Stroke
  • Anoxia/hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain)
  • Neurotoxic poisoning (ingestion of insecticides, solvents, lead)
  • Tumors
  • Virus/infection
  • Seizures
  • Falls
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Struck by an object
  • Sports
  • Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
  • Assault

Brain Injury Recovery

Following a brain injury, it is imperative to receive the proper rehabilitative care. Brain injury survivors can experience an array of cognitive, physical, and emotional/behavioral challenges. These symptoms can often concur feelings of hopelessness in survivors and caregivers, but there is hope. The goal of brain injury rehabilitation is to maximize function and encourage survivors to achieve their fullest potential. Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center brings together a team of experts from the following disciplines including physiatry, psychiatry, psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy, rehabilitation nursing, vocational, and more in order to tailor a care plan to the needs of each survivor. The rehabilitation journey begins with a thorough assessment to identify the individual’s exact needs and goals. At Origami, survivors and their support systems are an essential part of the interdisciplinary team and the rehabilitation journey. It is important brain injury survivors and caregivers know they are not alone on this journey. If you have a question about brain injury or if you are interested in learning more about brain injury rehabilitation, please visit our website at origamirehab.org or call us at 517-336-6060. For those looking for support, visit BIAMI's Support Group page or call them at (800) 444-6443. Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation care for survivors of brain injuries and their families. Through their compassionate and innovative services, Origami creates opportunities and transforms lives.

What is Therapeutic Recreation?

Feb 25, 2019 | Caregivers, Healthcare, News, Professionals, Survivors

February is National Therapeutic Recreation Month. If you’re wondering what therapeutic recreation is, you’re not alone. It’s the question recreational therapists get asked the most! Therapeutic recreation uses recreational and leisure activities to promote well-being and overall fitness with the goal of improving, maintaining or restoring physical strength, cognition, and mobility for individuals with a disability or illness. Recreational therapists get to know each patient and what motivates them so they can participate in enjoyable leisure activities to address functional skills for recovery. In a rehabilitation setting, recreational therapists work closely with a patient’s rehabilitation team to help them achieve their therapy goals. Recreational therapy, as it’s also known, encompasses a wide array of activities that focus on community integration, exercise and strength training, sports specific adaptations, and aquatic therapy/aquatic exercise. An activity is considered recreational therapy when it’s used as a treatment modality to maximize skill development and improve quality of life. For example, participating in a leisure activity in the community may increase life satisfaction while also connecting a person to community resources, improving time and money management skills, and increasing confidence in getting from one place to another. Recreational therapy can be very beneficial for a person who has sustained a TBI. After a brain injury, a person may experience various lifestyle changes which may include a decrease in leisure participation, increase in free time, loss of income, decrease in social skills which affects old friendships and establishing new ones, a shift to more sedentary activities, and less social activities. Experiencing these changes can have a negative impact on life satisfaction and quality of life. When an individual is ready to return to leisure interests, recreational therapy can address these changes to help individuals find new ways to enjoy life which also positively impacts the recovery process. Kristin Claerhout, CTRS, CBIS
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Special Tree Rehabilitation System
Brain + Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Dignitas
Eisenhower Center
Special Tree
Community Connections
rainbow_logo
Lightouse Neurological Rehabilitation Center