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.
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.
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.
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.
Attention (focusing on things around you) helps you to do your daily activities and tasks. It is an important part of thinking. Problems with attention are very common after an ABI. This pamphlet explains different ways you may experience attention problems, things that can make attention problems worse, and tips for coping wiht attention problems. A list of resources is also provided.
Cancer patients and survivors can be frustrated by the mental cloudiness they notice before, during, and after cancer treatment. This common cancer side effect is called Brain Fog or Chemo Brain. The term Chemo Brain can be misleading as chemotherapy is not the only cause of concentration and memory problems. This pamphlet explains what brain fog is, what causes it, the risk factors for brain fog, and what you can do to manage it. A list of resources for further information is included.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is caused by an impact or forceful motion of your head or body that causes your brain to move inside your skull. This movement can injure your brain. Topics include: how long symptoms last, symptoms to watch for, what to expect the first few weeks, what can help with symptoms, an in-depth list of common symptoms and how to deal with them, an FAQ section, and things to remember. Information on concussion education sessions is provided. The Frenc…
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.
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.
Psychosis is a serious medical condition that affects the brain. This pamphlet explains what causes psychosis, signs, treatment, what to expect, and what you can do to help a loved one. A list of common terms is included. Early Psychosis Intervention Services contact information is listed. Additional resources are also provided.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that uses a small electrical current to stimulate the brain and cause a mild seizure (twitching of your toes and jaw muscle). ECT is most often used to treat serious depression. This pamphlet explains how ECT works, as well as the possible side effects. Topics include: how to get ready and what will happen during the treatment. A space to write down any questions is also provided.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that uses a small electrical current to stimulate the brain and cause a mild seizure (twitching of your toes and jaw muscle). ECT is most often used to treat serious depression. This pamphlet explains how ECT works, as well as the possible side effects. Topics include: how to get ready and what will happen during the treatment. A space to write down any questions is also provided.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that uses a small electrical current to stimulate the brain and cause a mild seizure (twitching of your toes and jaw muscle). ECT is most often used to treat serious depression. This pamphlet explains how ECT works, as well as the possible side effects. Topics include: where to go, how to get ready, and what will happen during the treatment. Contact information is also provided.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that uses a small electrical current to stimulate the brain and cause a mild seizure (twitching of your toes and jaw muscle). ECT is most often used to treat serious depression. This pamphlet explains how ECT works, as well as the possible side effects. Topics include how to get ready, where to go, and what will happen during the treatment.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that uses a small electrical current to stimulate the brain and cause a mild seizure (twitching of your toes and jaw muscle). ECT is most often used to treat serious depression. This pamphlet explains how ECT works, as well as the possible side effects. Topics include: where to go, how to get ready, and what will happen during the treatment.
An epidural blood patch is a procedure to treat headaches caused by low pressure in the fluid around the spine and brain. Your own blood can seal a leak in the spine the same way a bicycle inner tube can be patched. This can happen because of a spinal fluid leak after a spinal procedure. In rare cases it may happen spontaneously (for no apparent reason). This pamphlet explains what is done during an epidural blood patch. Topics include: what to expect after the procedure, what to do after going…
Fatigue (feeling very tired) is common after an ABI. You may feel fatigued by physical activity, cognitive (thinking) tasks, or just everyday activities. If you have problems with mood, speech, concentration, memory, vision, balance, or coordination, fatigue can make them worse. This pamphlet explains what causes fatigue after an ABI, different ways you may experience fatigue, things that can make fatigue worse, and tips for coping wiht fatigue. A list of resources is also provided.
A seizure happens when the nerve cells (neurons) in the brain don’t discharge (fire) the right way. A seizure can cause abnormal movements, sensations, or mental function, depending on which part(s) of the brain is involved. This pamphlet explains why seizures happen, what unprovoked and provoked seizures are, what will happen after your first seizure, and what epilepsy is. Info about the First Unprovoked Seizure Clinic is provided, including the clinic location, what to expect at your first ap…
This pamphlet explains the challenges you may experience when your baby cries. Ways to comfort your baby are provided. As you get to know your baby's behaviours, you will understand your baby's cries and how they prefer to be soothed. Remember: Never shake a baby! Babies have weak necks and heavy heads. Even a few seconds of shaking can cause serious injury like blindness, not being able to walk, brain damage, or death.
This pamphlets provides information for patients receiving radiation therapy to shrink a brain tumor or lower the chance of the tumor returning. Answers common questions and helps readers prepare for treatment.