Brain Injury Bites

This is a series of podcasts based on the experiences of sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Brooke and Ashwini will be talking about specific experiences and providing advice to those who might be going through a similar thing. They'll also be looking at what support, help and advice are available to those who are suffering the effects of a brain injury. We'll be looking at the basic needs that someone has immediately after a bra...

In this episode, we'll be talking more about the journey of being in a hospital, how as an injured person, it felt like being in hospital and also tips for friends and family members who might have a loved one in hospital after a brain injury.

Resources:

• Episode Two - Journey in the hospital - Information Sheet

Helpful links:

• Journey after major trauma - https://www.gmccmt.org.uk/major-trauma/patient-journey/
• Visitin...

Fatigue is a symptom many people experience after a brain injury. In this episode, we discuss the impact of fatigue and the importance of rest.

Resources:

• Episode Three - Dealing with fatigue and the importance of rest after a brain injury - Information Sheet

Helpful links:

• To do lists/organisational skills - https://todoist.com/
• Weekly Schedule - Download

For a transcript, follow the link below:

• Episode ...

In a previous episode, we talked about the importance of routine, and we'll be talking about that again in the context of memory. We also spoke about Brooke's post-traumatic amnesia and how different people with brain injuries will experience symptoms differently. In this episode, we're going to touch on those issues again, which will focus on memory and hints and tips around memory issues following brain injury. 

Resources:

• Ep...

Listen to this episode where we discuss concentration and attention after a brain injury and how you can help improve this.

It is important to point out, of course, that brain injury affects people in different ways, and so when we're talking about cognitive function, there could be all sorts of impacts in relation to attention, memory, and concentration as we've mentioned, but also processing, understanding, communication, decisio...

Coming to terms with a brain injury can be particularly difficult, and in this episode, we look at how this can impact you and your recovery and how important it is to accept these changes and the help you may need.

Resources:

• Episode six - Coming to terms with a brain injury - Information Sheet

Helpful links:

• Denial after a brain injury – struggling to come to terms with my brain injury (blog by Brooke)

For a t...

Tune into episode 7, where we discuss the impact of a brain injury on socialising and different things you can do to make this easier.

Resources:

• Episode seven - Socialising after a brain injury - Information Sheet

Helpful links:

• Headway Brain Injury Identity Card - https://www.headway.org.uk/supporting-you/brain-injury-identity-card/

For additional resources, and transcript, follow the link below:

• Episod...

In this day and age, it's easy to go online, look at what other people are posting, immediately compare yourself, and think about what you might be missing out on.

In this episode, we will be talking about not comparing yourself to other people. This topic ties back to one of our earlier episodes discussing socialising and the overwhelming feeling you need to fit in. 

Resources:

• Episode eight - Comparing yourself to others - In...

In previous episodes, we've talked about how having a brain injury can impact the injured person, but it's also important to acknowledge the wider impact of brain injury, and particularly the effect on family and friends - the people around the injured person. 

Resources:

• Episode nine - The impact on family and friends after a brain injury - Information Sheet

Helpful links:

• Headway: https://www.headway.org.uk/
• Brain...

In our latest episode, we talk about the importance of esteem. That feeling of confidence, accomplishment, and respect from others can have a significant impact on self-esteem.

Ashwini and Brooke discuss this specifically in the context of what you do on a day to day basis. Whether that's work or something else, and how you go back to that after brain injury or not. Or otherwise, it might also be an opportunity to look at finding s...

In this episode, we will be talking about dating and relationships. We've previously spoken about socialising as being part of the idea of love and belonging. But the other side to this is, of course, is romantic relationships and intimacy. We'll be talking to Brooke about his specific experiences around this area and then explore the issues that can arise in terms of change of dynamics in relationships and marriages following a br...

Feeling sad after a serious injury is normal, but it could also be a sign of depression. We have touched on this topic briefly in previous episodes, but we think it's important to discuss this in more detail as it is such a big topic. 

It's fair to say that many people will experience depression following a brain injury. In this episode, we will be talking about some of those symptoms and providing some help and advice. 

Resources:

This is a special episode of brain injury bites recorded for ABI Week. This year's theme is 'See the hidden me' - basically about the hidden disability of brain injury. 

Action For Brain Injury Week is an annual campaign in the UK to raise awareness of the devastating effects of brain injury. It's organised by Headway UK, a national charity that we've spoken about on several occasions before. That charity supports people who are su...

In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Russell Sheldrick, who shares his expertise in Clinical Neuropsychology. 

In part one of our interview, we discuss what Clinical Neuropsychology is, and explore the various aspects of neuropsychological rehabilitation during the early stages of brain injury.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

• Episode Transcript

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Join us for part two of our interview with Russell Sheldrick, a Clinical Neuropsychologist with extensive expertise in brain injury recovery. 

We dive deeper into the importance of managing expectations and involving friends and family in the recovery process. Plus, Russell shares insights on the various tests he administers to assess cognitive abilities and create personalised rehabilitation plans for patients.

For a transcript, f...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing David Hilton, an experienced solicitor specialising in Court of Protection work and professional deputy.

In this first part of the interview, we explore the complexities of being a professional deputy and the important role that the Court of Protection plays.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

• Episode Transcript

To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on ...

In this episode, we dive into Court of Protection work and professional deputyship with David Hilton.

Part 2 of our conversation touches on several important topics, such as the oversight that family members acting as deputies can expect, the process of changing deputies, the role of professional trusts, and the ins and outs of personal injury trusts.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

• Episode Transcript

To keep up...

In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Julie Meighan, who happened to be Brooke Trotter's Occupational Therapist.

During our conversation, we delved into Julie's profession and how it helps individuals who have experienced a brain injury. Julie explained how Occupational Therapy is designed to assist patients in regaining their independence and improving their quality of life.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Julie Meighan, who happened to be Brooke Trotter's Occupational Therapist.

In this second part of the interview, we will explore how Occupational Therapy plays a significant role in the broader context of rehabilitation after brain injury and the importance of goal-setting.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

• Episode Transcript

To keep up to date with our podcast,...