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Brain Injury After Overdose is a Hidden Epidemic

Dr. Mauricio Garcia-Barrera (UVic) and Cole Kennedy, PhD Student (UVic) address the ongoing toxic drug crisis as a hidden epidemic: brain injuries resulting from overdoses in this article.

Survivors of these overdoses often suffer from acquired brain injuries (ABI), leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. Despite the prevalence, these injuries remain under-recognized and inadequately treated, leaving many without the necessary support and rehabilitation.

These researchers emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare strategies that address the complex needs of these individuals, highlighting the importance of increased awareness, early intervention, and integrated care to improve outcomes for survivors. Recognizing and treating brain injuries in […]

Ten Priorities for Research Addressing the Intersections of Brain Injury, Mental Health, and Addictions: A Stakeholder-Driven Priority-Setting Study

Ten Priorities for Research Addressing the Intersections of Brain Injury, Mental Health and Addictions: A Stakeholder‐Driven Priority‐Setting Study

Kennedy, C.J., Woodin, E., Schmidt, J., Biagioni, J.B., & Garcia-Barrera, M.A. (2024). Ten Priorities for Research Addressing the Intersections of Brain Injury, Mental Health, and Addictions: A Stakeholder-Driven Priority-Setting Study. Health Expectations, 27, e14136.

Researchers from the University of Victoria, the University of British Columbia, and community stakeholders recently published a study on a health research priority-setting process. This process aimed to identify, prioritize, and produce a community-driven list of […]

Priorities for Quality of Life after Traumatic Brain Injury

UBC researchers and community stakeholders have published a paper on the Priorities for Quality of Life After Brain Injury and an informative infographic.

It is known that individuals who have sustained a brain injury may experience changes to their quality of life (QOL). To date there has been limited patient-oriented research to understand the priorities for quality of life following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This research aimed to explore the priorities using a group consensus building method.

Click the link to access the publication:
Priorities for quality of life after traumatic brain injury

Grewal J, Citton K, Sing G, Biagioni JB, Schmidt J (2024) Priorities for quality of life after […]

Help Move Bill C-277 Forward

Bill C-277 is a legislative proposal in Canada aimed at creating a national strategy for brain injury awareness, prevention, and care. The bill seeks to address the significant impact of brain injuries on individuals, families, and communities by promoting comprehensive support and resources. It emphasizes the importance of education, prevention measures, and accessible rehabilitation services to improve the quality of life for brain injury survivors.

By establishing a coordinated approach, Bill C-277 aims to enhance the overall system of care for those affected by brain injuries. This includes raising public awareness about the causes and effects of brain injuries, implementing prevention […]

Summer Migrations by Debra Erickson

Last week anxious travelers watched as WestJet mechanics negotiated on a tentative deal. It resulted in 1,078 flights being canceled and over 100,000 frustrated customers stranded in cities across Canada.

Have you ever experienced airport anxiety? We all know it’s part of the travel experience to have flights canceled […]

Mother’s Metamorphosis by Debra Erickson

We will take a moment this month to wish Happy Mother’s Day to the person who fills that role in our lives. It is a role that is always changing. We find ourselves flexing and stretching through the years to straddle the demands of home and work. Throw a Traumatic Brain Injury into the mix and all bets are off!

Neuroplasticity – Springtime for the Brain

It’s that time of year again. Depending on where you live, the grass is already green, flowers in bloom and the winter nights have faded to spring’s ever lengthening sunsets. Maybe spring is not so evident in the climate where you live. Still looking at mounds of dirty brown snow frozen in the parking lot? I’m constantly checking for that first shy crocus to brave late season flurries and bring a splash of colour to the monochrome landscape.

There’s a lot of activity afoot underground at this time of year. Few of us can claim to be experts on the science of migration or photosynthesis yet these phenomena bring about […]

The Impact of Brain Injury on One’s Inner Calendar

Forgetting something here and there usually isn’t a problem. It happens to everyone.

Memory loss is often associated with aging. People say things like, “My memory isn’t what it use to be.” But what if you were in your 20s and as a result of a traumatic brain injury, your memory was significantly impacted.

Sheila Willis of Alberta, shares her story of traumatic brain injury and the challenges of her inner calendar shifting as a result. Although she was in her early 20s when she was injured, she did not receive a diagnosis of post-concussive syndrome until her late 40s.

Sheila Willis’ story highlights the challenges faced by individuals […]

Barb Butler Peer Support Group a Lifeline for Many

There are many reasons why Barb Butler is highly respected in the brain injury community. She is a wonderful person and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She is also a survivor of traumatic brain injury.

Barb has become a leader in our community, turning her own tragedy into inspiration, courage, and bringing hope to others. For decades, Barb has infused her wisdom and kindness into the Regina Brain Injury Support Group.

Recently, Barb joined forces with the CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses, Brain Injury Canada, Cowichan Brain Injury Society and other associations to raise the profile of brain injury in Canada, and to bring support for Bill C-277 forward.

Bill C-277 calls upon the […]

Why Write a Blog?

~By Debra Erickson

May 16, 2008, I was heading up our city’s Bike to Work Week. While cycling home from my office that day, I was hit by a truck. The vehicle fled the scene and left me unconscious at the side of the road.

That split second forever altered my life. Two and a half years in neurological rehabilitation, chronic pain, fatigue, and confusion marked my daily life. Navigating the strange new landscape of Traumatic Brain Injury was lonely and difficult. Even my husband of thirty-three years could not understand my behaviour and sadly our marriage ended. My journey is only one story. There […]

Debra’s Journey: Introduction

Brainstreams is pleased to introduce Debra Erickson, the newest writer in our Between the Lines series committed to sharing the stories of brain injury survivors.

Debra Erickson was the victim of a hit and run in May 2008 and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Prior to her injury, Debra worked primarily in banking and as a legal assistant. Her TBI changed the course of her life and since then she has been involved in with United Way speaking at fundraising events. Her involvement with Humanitarian efforts has taken her to Africa, Indonesia, and Central America. Teaching English as a Second Language has given her the opportunity to […]

BC Royal Purple’s BrainLove Stitch & Glue Retreat

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury – A Workshop for Family & Friends

A Silent Struggle Video Series: Stories for Caregivers

Brain injuries are not isolated events that have a single impact – their ripples extend beyond the survivor. Some of the under told stories are of the parents, siblings, partners, neighbours, children, and chosen family that rise up to support the survivors through recovery. These caregivers often make big adjustments to their own lives and begin their own journey. Each of these stories are unique beacons of hope and human resilience in the face of overwhelming change.

The BC Brain Injury Association in partnership with Roll.Focus. are honoured to bring you eight unique stories of caregivers, a part of the Stories for Caregivers […]

Brain Injury Canada Seeks Research Participants – Compensation Provided

For more information: Research Project – One pager (ENG)

Canadian Concussion Centre (CCC) – Call for Abstracts

The Canadian Concussion Centre at the Toronto Western Hospital is holding its 11th Annual Concussion Research Symposium entitled “Update on Research and Care of the Concussion Spectrum of Disorders” on April 26, 2024. This symposium will be of major interest to the members of the Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators.

This year’s conference will be hybrid and can be attended online by Zoom or in person at the BMO Education & Conference Centre located in the Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto Western Hospital. The Symposium usually has about 20 research presentations and attracts about 150 attendees.

Who are the speakers?

The keynote speakers include the […]

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhages (aSAH) Patient and Caregiver Advisory Board Opportunity

The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP ) is an independent non-profit organization, dedicated to including the voice of the community in the clinical research process. As part of our mission, we regularly engage with affected individuals and families through patient (or community) advisory board meetings, global surveys, and workshops to include the community voice in research endeavors.

At this time, CISCRP, together with a pharmaceutical company, is planning a virtual standing patient and caregiver advisory board meeting for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhages (aSAH). Over the course of a year (12 months) there will be up to 4 meetings and possibly online surveys to gather patient […]

Exclusive Invitation to Survivors of Brain Injury, Family Members, and Caregivers

In January 2024, we launch the “125 Days to Say Yes!” campaign. This initiative is a transformative drive designed to catalyze support and swift action towards the realization of the National Strategy on Brain Injury Act (Bill C-277) with the government of Canada. The campaign coincides with the 125 days the House of Commons will be sitting from January to December in 2024.

As we prepare for the campaign, we invite survivors of brain injury, family members, and caregivers to be the driving force behind this movement by sharing their journey. The campaign involves sharing photos and short videos of […]

People With Disabilities Getting Left Behind in Canada’s Housing Crisis

CBC has reported people with disabilities are getting left behind in Canada’s housing crisis. Why? With an increased demand for housing, along with the rising cost to purchase or rent, folks living with the financial constraints of disability income are getting left behind. We do need to think about housing for individuals with all abilities and remove the barriers to accessing a forever home.

Ensure Inclusive Housing for All Abilities in Canada!

Every Canadian deserves a place to call home, regardless of their abilities. Let’s join hands to address the housing needs of individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive society.

? Accessible Design: It’s time to […]

Moderate to Severe Brain Injury as a Chronic Condition

Brain Injury Canada issued a statement announcing the momentous collaboration with Canadian Traumatic Brain Injury Research Consortium (CTRC) to produce a position paper calling for the official classification of moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a chronic condition in Canada.

This announcement represents a significant milestone in the recognition and proposed designation of moderate to severe TBI, an issue that affects Canadians of all ages. The condition primarily arises from motor vehicle collisions among the younger population and falls among the elderly, making it the leading cause of death and disability in children, youth, and adults under the age of 40.

The collaboration […]

Load More Posts

Brain Injury After Overdose is a Hidden Epidemic

Ten Priorities for Research Addressing the Intersections of Brain Injury, Mental Health, and Addictions: A Stakeholder-Driven Priority-Setting Study

Priorities for Quality of Life after Traumatic Brain Injury

Help Move Bill C-277 Forward

Summer Migrations by Debra Erickson

Mother’s Metamorphosis by Debra Erickson

Neuroplasticity – Springtime for the Brain

The Impact of Brain Injury on One’s Inner Calendar

Barb Butler Peer Support Group a Lifeline for Many

Why Write a Blog?

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors (Introduction)

Debra’s Journey: Introduction

BC Royal Purple’s BrainLove Stitch & Glue Retreat

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury – A Workshop for Family & Friends

A Silent Struggle Video Series: Stories for Caregivers

A Silent Struggle Video Series: Stories for Caregivers

Brain Injury Canada Seeks Research Participants – Compensation Provided

Call for Abstracts – 11th Annual Concussion Research Symposium

Canadian Concussion Centre (CCC) – Call for Abstracts

Who are the speakers?

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhages (aSAH) Patient and Caregiver Advisory Board Opportunity

Invitation to Survivors, Family Members, and Caregivers

Exclusive Invitation to Survivors of Brain Injury, Family Members, and Caregivers

People With Disabilities Getting Left Behind in Canada’s Housing Crisis

Ensure Inclusive Housing for All Abilities in Canada!

Moderate to Severe Brain Injury as a Chronic Condition