Glossary

Mindfulness means to mentally be in the “here and now,” focusing on the present moment without distracting yourself from thoughts of the future and past. As a result, practicing mindfulness allows you to take a step back and pay attention to your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is easy to get carried away and […]

There are two primary types of acquired brain injuries: traumatic brain injury (TBI) and non-traumatic brain injury. A TBI is a brain dysfunction that is caused by an external force, such as a violent blow, bump, or jolt to the head. A TBI can be classified as an open-head injury or a closed-head injury. An open-head, or penetrating, injury is when the scalp or skull is broken,

Music is a powerful form of art that can yield multiple benefits on us such as improving cognition, memory, physical functioning, and our emotional experiences. The benefits of music can by produced through listening, creating, and playing music, singing, and even dancing to it. Researchers have considered it an enjoyable and meaningful leisure activity that

Disinhibition is a behavioral change that can be seen after a brain injury, particularly after damage to the frontal lobe area. When this occurs, an individual is unable inhibit or control socially inappropriate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Their inability to filter themselves affects them emotionally and socially, making it challenging to follow social norms and

Finding purpose can provide us a sense of worthiness and control in our lives. It can help us accomplish our goals, pursue our dreams, and feel happier about ourselves. It can give our lives meaning and a purpose to live. However, finding purpose following a brain injury may be challenging. What was once familiar may be unclear. You may feel lost and confused. There may be changes in

Manipulation is the practice of using indirect or deceptive strategies to change the behavior, emotion, or perception of others. Some individuals with a brain injury may show manipulative behavior due to behavioral and/or personality changes caused by the injury. They may have difficulty expressing their wants and needs and fulfilling expectations of others.   Therefore, they may engage in other behaviors, such as manipulation, to have a sense of

The cerebrum is the part of your brain that controls muscle functions. It is divided into two hemispheres: a left hemisphere and a right hemisphere. Each hemisphere receives sensory information from the opposite side of the body. The left hemisphere controls your right side of the body, and your right hemisphere controls your left side of the body. The

Individuals with traumatic brain injuries can experience a variety of symptoms such as physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that significantly impact their lives. As a result, survivors may exhibit personality changes, memory problems, seizures, sleep disorders, chronic pain, tremors, vision problems, and other disabling symptoms that can affect their quality of life. This can lead

Nutrition plays an important role in brain health and function. Incorporating a healthy, nutritious diet into your lifestyle can have many cognitive benefits, such as slowing down brain aging, boosting our brain function, and improving our memory. Certain “brain” foods can help increase brainpower and maintain brain health. They include:  Brain Food  Description  Green, leafy vegetables  Slow down cognitive decline  Fatty fish  Slows down cognitive decline  Improves memory  Produces a brain chemical