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.
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.
On y décrit de manière précise comment prendre soin des plâtres conventionnels et des plâtres en fibre de verre. On y trouve des instructions sur la manière de prendre soin de tous les autres types de plâtres. Le lecteur y apprendra comment garder son plâtre sec et ce qu’il doit faire en cas de problèmes. ; This is a French translation of the English pamphlet 0117, “Taking Care of Your Cast”. Some specific instructions for how to take care of fibreglass and plaster casts are described. Instruct…
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.
Un dépliant qui propose une série d’exercices à faire à la suite d’une blessure à la cheville. On y trouve divers renseignements : comment soigner l’enflure et la raideur, des conseils pour la marche, comment utiliser la chaleur et le froid et des instructions détaillées avec des images pour faire les exercices. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of "Exercises After Your Ankle Injury" pamphlet 1417. A series of exercises for after your ankle injury are provided. Care information topics in…
A series of exercises for after your ankle injury are provided. Care information topics include: how to deal with swelling and stiffness, walking tips, and when to use heat and ice. Step-by-step exercises with images are given. The French version of this pamphlet 2198, "Exercices après une blessure à la cheville", is also available.
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.
Instructions are provided to decrease swelling, stiffness, and pain. Your exercise routine will also include soaking and applying ice to your hand. Step-by-step instructions and images are provided to help you with the following exercises: finger active range of motion, finger active assisted range of motion, thumb active range of motion, tendon gliding, and strengthening.
The space at the front of the eye between the cornea and the iris is called the anterior chamber. Hyphema is when there is blood in the anterior chamber. Bleeding may cause the pressure in your eye to get worse. This can cause permanent vision loss and other serious problems. Hyphema is usually caused by a blunt injury (injury caused by a very strong force). It is very important to follow directions from your health care team to help stop your eye from bleeding again. This pamphlet explains how…
Initiation is the ability to start an activity. Motivation is the desire to do an activity. Many people with an acquired brain injury (ABI) have trouble doing tasks or taking part in activities. This is often caused by a problem with initiation, not because you are not motivated. This pamphlet explains how problems with initiation may affect you and what you can do to help with initiation.
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.
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.
Signs of perseveration include repeating or continuing an action, word, or movement. Sometimes this can be the continuation of a feeling or idea. For example, you may get “stuck” brushing your teeth, or bring up the same thing over and over. Perseveration can often affect daily activities and relationships. This pamphlet explains what you can do to help with perseveration and strategies that can help. A list of resources is also included.
After an ABI, it is even more important to be physically active. Your health care team will work with you to plan a program that meets your needs and interests. This pamphlet gives tips for how to increase your physical activity, types of physical activity (e.g., aerobic exercise, strength training, balance training), and explains how to know your limits. Symptoms requiring you to stop exercising right away and seek medical attention are listed. Resources are also provided.
After spinal cord injury (SCI), you may have a lot of questions about your sexual health. Your rehabilitation (rehab) team is available to talk with you about any questions or concerns you may have. This pamphlet answers common questions, like whether you can still have sex, whether you will be able to have an erection or have vaginal lubrication (vagina becomes slippery to get ready for sex), whether you can still have an orgasm, how to manage bladder and/or bowel issues during sex, whether yo…
Some specific instructions for how to take care of fibreglass and plaster casts are described. Instructions for caring for all other types of casts are also provided. How to keep your cast dry and what to do if you have any problems are listed. The French version of this pamphlet 1108, "Comment prendre soin de votre plâtre," is also available.
This pamphlet will help you with your drain care at home. Most dressings and surgical drains can be handled by you or with the help of a family member or friend. The pamphlet defines T-tube, J. Pratt and Hemovac drains. Directions are given on how to empty these drains. Symptoms that require medical attention are listed. Chart are provided to record the amount of fluid.
This pamphlet will help you learn about your halo brace. A halo brace is worn so that your neck fracture heals properly. This is similar to how a plaster cast protects a broken arm or leg while it is healing. This pamphlet gives information about balance and movement, hygiene, best options for clothing and shoes, and pin sites care. Information about halo vests, loose nuts and bolts, common concerns, activity while wearing a halo brace, and how long you will need to wear the halo brace is inclu…