Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to help treat conditions like movement disorders and neurological (brain) disorders. This pamphlet explains whether DBS may be right for you, the 3 steps of DBS surgery, what to expect after your surgery, and symptoms that need medical attention right away.
After an acquired brain injury (ABI), it is important to stay active. This pamphlet gives tips for how to be more active. It explains the types of physical activity and explains how to know your limits.
Perseveration is when you repeat an action, a word, or a movement. It can also be a feeling or an idea that does not go away. This pamphlet explains what perseveration is and strategies that can help. It also lists helpful resources.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a type of brain stimulation therapy used to treat symptoms of depression. This pamphlet explains how rTMS works, as well as the possible side effects. Information about treatments includes where to go, how to get ready, and what will happen during the treatment.
A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is taken from your body for testing. A stereotactic biopsy helps to diagnose and/or treat brain conditions (like movement disorders, pain syndromes, and tumours). This pamphlet explains how the biopsy is taken and what will happen during your surgery.
Unit 7.4 is a 33-bed unit caring for people with stroke and other problems of the brain and nervous system. Basic information is given about the unit for you and your loved ones. Topics include: Home First and discharge planning, important telephone numbers, your health care team, visitors, parking, food and drink, personal belongings, waiting rooms, and places to stay in Halifax. Space is provided at the end of the pamphlet for you to write down the names of important members of your health ca…
This pamphlet is a guide for at home after brain tumour (tumor) surgery. Topics include: staples or stitches, activity, driving, taking care of your incision, washing your hair, eating and drinking, alcohol, and medication. Things to watch for (emergency symptoms) are listed. The pamphlet also includes information about recovery.
A stroke happens when there is a loss of blood flow to the brain. This causes brain cells to die. Your symptoms after a stroke will depend on where your brain was damaged and the size of the damaged area. The blood supply to the brain can be cut off in 2 ways. When a blood clot forms on or in the wall of a blood vessel and stops blood from getting to part of the brain, it is called an ischemic stroke (or brain infarct). When a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in and/or around the brain, it…
Memory has many parts. It includes taking in, storing, and recalling information. After an acquired brain injury (ABI), you may have changes in your memory. This is common. This pamphlet explains how memory changes might affect you, and tips for managing your memory. A resources section is included.
This pamphlet provides information about your care before and right after your craniotomy. The word craniotomy means “opening of the skull.” Topics about preparing for surgery include: blood tests, anesthetist visit, and consent. Topics about the morning of your surgery include: hair, how the surgery is done, and tissue for testing. After surgery topics include: returning to the unit, deep breathing exercises, routine checks, nutrition, bowel and bladder care, your incision, hygiene, activity a…
Nova Scotia Health staff are offering a 2-part education session for people who have recently experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion. Each session is 60 mins (1 hour) long. This session is being offered online using Zoom for Healthcare. This pamphlet explains who the session is for and how you can sign up.
An acquired brain injury (ABI) causes you to lose brain cells. This means that the brain cells you have left need to work harder to do the same kinds of activities you did before your injury. Using alcohol and recreational drugs affects how your brain works. If you have an ABI, using alcohol and drugs can have a serious effect on you and your recovery. This pamphlet explains how alcohol and drug use will affect you after an ABI and lists resources for getting help.
Light is reflected from objects and enters the pupil. It passes through the lens and vitreous (clear jelly-like fluid) onto your retina. Your retina changes light into a message. The optic nerve carries the message to your brain. When the brain receives the message, you have vision. Your retina is as thin as tissue paper. Change or damage to the retina can cause vision loss. This pamphlet explains how you can tell if your retina is damaged, what kinds of damage can happen to the retina, and typ…
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colourless fluid. It cushions the brain and spinal cord to protect them from injury. As new fluid is made, the old fluid is absorbed (taken in). A ventricular drain may be inserted (put in) to measure the pressure of CSF inside your head or to help blocked CSF flow. This pamphlet explains how the drain is inserted, what will happen when the drain is in place, the possible risks of a ventricular drain, and how the drain is taken out.
Depression is a treatable brain illness that can cause feeling sad or low most of the day, having little energy, loss of interest in your usual activities, trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time, eating a lot more or a lot less, and poor concentration. This pamphlet explains what causes depression, how it is treated, and where you can get help.
The brain is protected by a tough outer covering called the dura. Around the dura, there are many blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. If a blood vessel (usually a vein) is torn below the dura, blood collects between the dura and the brain. This is called a subdural hematoma. This pamphlet explains the different types of subdural hematomas, causes, symptoms, possible tests, treatment, surgery, what will happen after surgery, special situations, possible complications, discharge plannin…
Prevnar® 13 is a vaccine that protects against infections caused by the 13 most common types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Infections commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae include pneumonia (an infection in the lungs, also called a chest infection), meningitis (an infection of the lining around the brain), bacteremia (an infection of the blood and organs), sinusitis (a sinus infection), and otitis media (a middle ear infection). This pamphlet explains what Prevnar® 13 is, what Str…
Pneumovax® 23 is a vaccine that protects against infections caused by the 23 most common types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Infections commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae include pneumonia (an infection in the lungs, also called a chest infection), meningitis (an infection of the lining around the brain), bacteremia (an infection of the blood and organs), sinusitis (a sinus infection), and otitis media (a middle ear infection). This pamphlet explains what Pneumovax® 23 is, what…
Anger is a natural emotion. People with an ABI sometimes have problems with anger. It is important to manage your anger. If you do not manage your anger, it can hurt your relationships and make it hard for you to do things (like work or take part in social activities). Tips for managing anger are provided. A list of resources to find services and supports is given.
The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Day Treatment Program is a supportive group where you can: learn about ABI, learn ways to manage ongoing challenges related to your ABI, meet people with similar experiences, and explore your strengths. This pamphlet explains who the program is for, who is eligible, and the two parts of the program. Contact information is provided.