New Research on Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
New Research Sheds Light on Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
An exciting international study has uncovered key insights into post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), a condition that can arise after a traumatic brain injury. Conducted by researchers from FutureNeuro, the Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science, and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the findings—published in Theranostics—highlight the critical role of the P2X7 receptor in the brain.
Curious to learn more? Read the full article to explore how […]
Oh Canada! by Debra Erickson
I’m pouring real Canadian Maple syrup on my pancakes this morning, listening to The Tragically Hip and wearing a toque.
Why? Because I’m Canadian! Not sure if you’ve been watching the news or not but never before has our identity as Canadians been threatened like it has in recent days.
I’m well aware of the two forbidden topics: politics and religion. Let’s consider this a healthy dialogue on well- being and leave it at that! Because really, that’s what it comes down to: moving in a positive direction despite everything going on around us.
It was about two years post-accident while I […]
Acquired Brain Injury Included in the Minister of Health’s Mandate Letter
We are very excited to report that acquired brain injury has been included in the BC Minister of Health’s mandate letter.
The inclusion of acquired brain injury (ABI) in the BC Minister of Health’s mandate letter is a significant milestone for several reasons:
- Recognition of ABI as a Public Health Priority
- Mandate letters outline the government’s core priorities and signal areas of focus for a minister’s term. By including ABI, the government explicitly acknowledges it as a critical public health issue, elevating its importance alongside other pressing concerns.
- Policy and Funding Implications
- Mandate letters often set the stage for policy development and […]
Independent Living Canada Festival and Event Accessibility Project
Independent Living Canada Festival and Event Accessibility Project is in the final stretch of gathering feedback and need your he
lp!
🎯 The new Festival and Event Accessibility Quick Survey is open, and they are looking for input from Canadians with disabilities and those who support them. Your feedback is critical to shaping accessibility recommendations for festivals and events across Canada.
✅ How You Can Help:
- Complete the Quick Survey: It takes just 2–3 minutes and is completely anonymous.
- Share it widely on social media, newsletters, listservs, and with your networks (volunteers, employees, members, and committees).
- Spread the word […]
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates by Debra Erickson
We’re all familiar with Forrest Gump’s words in the 1994 movie “Life is like a box of chocolates.”
I have purged my cupboards from all tempting holiday treats. Some boxes of chocolate still had a few pieces remaining but out they went, temptation removed!
As I hang my new calendar for 2025, I look at twelve clean pages, void of scribbles plans or deadlines. I cautiously lift the lid off the new year, peering at the months, wondering what each one will hold?
I’m not a believer in New Year’s Resolutions. For many of us dealing with chronic pain and cognitive impairment, just getting out of bed some days is a triumph! I […]
Santa’s Helpers Ensure Letters Reach the North Pole
Tracey Barry and Tina Marsh are on a mission to ensure the postal disruption does not stop children from sending their letters to Santa.
The heartwarming story, featured in the Sawatsky Sign-Off segment, highlights a group of dedicated volunteers, including Tina, Tracey, and the individuals they support in the March of Dimes Canada Day Program for brain injury survivors. Together, they embody the true spirit of giving during the holiday season.
These selfless individuals dedicate their time to assembling and delivering holiday cheer and creating a magical season for children. Their efforts demonstrate a profound commitment to community and kindness, ensuring no one feels forgotten during this special time […]
Sounds of the Season by Debra Erickson
Maybe it’s Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” that gets your adrenaline going and your shopping list done. Brenda Lee singing “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree” is the motivation I need to do my decorating. Of course, there’s the slow sipping of my eggnog tunes like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and Anne Murray’s “Silver Bells”.
Whatever your Holiday playlist, one thing’s for certain: music moves us! Regardless of what stage you’re at in brain injury recovery, music is a well proven therapeutic tool. I wouldn’t recommend Alvin and the Chipmunks if you’re struggling with brain confusion. Best to choose the Holiday fireplace channel and a much calmer […]
Letters to Myself by Debra Erickson
This month, on November 11th, we’ll take two minutes to pause, reflect on the sacrifice made by those who have served during times of conflict. I make a point each year of going through the old black and white photos I have of relatives who were in the army.
There’s an old photo from WW1 of my grandfather. He lied about his age so he could join the Canadian Army. After training camp, he was shipped overseas for a brief stop in England. The photo is taken as he sits next to a buddy looking down on the rest of the soldiers on deck. He […]
A Case of Mistaken Identity by Debra Erickson
I would have to say that nine times out of ten when I’m introduced to someone, they will say: “you look very familiar”. This is always followed by: where do you work? Where do you live? Are you related to …etc. I tell people I’m a twin, which is true so they automatically assume they must have seen my twin – until I tell them it’s my brother and he is much larger than me! It can be challenging to describe who we really are. I suppose I could be someone’s doppelganger, but I prefer to be known for who I really am!
This month there will be […]
Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Brain Injury
The purpose of this charter is to clearly outline, for people with brain injury, their families, caregivers, and care providers their inherent and unique rights to care and services.
This charter can be used by individuals and families to empower themselves when seeking care, by providers as principles for care, by others to educate the public and by policy makers to advocate for needed, respectful and accessible care and services.
This charter was created from information provided by more than 150 people with brain injury and their family members from across Canada. It is intended to be a ‘living document’ that will evolve as needed.
Your feedback is welcome on ways to use this charter, and any additions or modifications that would be […]
Provincial Strategy for Brain Injury Support and Advocacy Needed Now by Janelle Breese Biagioni
This post is in r
esponse to the recent announcement regarding involuntary care under the Mental Health Act. I want to acknowledge the thoughtful work that has gone into developing this important strategy, aimed at supporting individuals with complex mental health and addiction challenges, including those with acquired brain injuries. The goal of creating safer, healthier communities is one that we can all support.
However, it is crucial that the enforcement of involuntary care be reserved for only the most extreme circumstances. To truly address the challenges faced by individuals with brain injuries and concurrent disorders, we must find a balance between crisis response and preventative […]
Mind Those Margins by Debra Erickson
I see it coming, the month of September. Why do I hold my breath when I reach to turn the calendar forward to the next page? I think it’s because September is a lot like my storage closet under the stairs. If I could open it slowly, one day at a time, I could breathe easily. Instead, the next four months will tumble out like a giant Tsunami. School, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, music lessons, gym programs, soccer sign-ups. Enough to make one feel like you’re treading water for dear life!
My trips to the grocery store leave me in a blurred state of confusion. […]
Let The Games Begin by Debra Erickson
On Friday, July 26, the world watched as the Olympic Games were officially opened in Paris, France. Two hundred and six countries are taking part. For the first time ever, the ceremonies took place outdoors. Ninety boats formed a parade down the Seine transporting 6,800 athletes over six kilometres of river.
It was indeed a grand beginning to the games. The exuberant mood of our Canadian athletes was wonderful to see. Not one person had yet entered into competition and that didn’t seem to matter. It was just the joy of taking part. It reminded me of what the spirit of the […]
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
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 l
egislative 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!