True Or False:
Brain Injuries can affect sleep habits
True!
Difficulty falling asleep or staying awake are common after a brain injury
True or False
Nutrition does not matter after a brain injury
The brain has to work harder after an injury for functions that once came easy. Good nutrition promotes brain healing and overall health
True or false:
Stress has no affect on brain recovery
False:
Many people experience increased feelings of depression and anxiety after a brain injury. Managing stress not only helps with these symptoms but promotes healing
True or false:
Inactivity has negative effects on everyone, but the effects appear to be worse for people with with a brain injury
True
Regular activity promotes healing and overall health, which is essential for recovery
True or False:
Sleep apnea is when breathing decreases or stops completely for periods of time while sleeping
True.
Sleep apnea is a common problem after a brain injury.
True or false
All vitamins and supplements are healthy after brain injury
False
Some supplements may interfere with medication. Talk to your dr or dietician to make sure it is safe
Which activity is best for stress reduction:
A. Drinking alcohol
B. Meditation
C. Staying up late
D. Eating junk food
Meditation
Meditation is proven to significantly reduce stress and promote brain healing. Poor diet and life styles can increase stress.
True or false;
Exercise can improve cognitive functioning
True.
Exercise can improve:
True of false:
Medications do not have affect on arousal after a brain injury
False.
Some required medications can cause drowsiness (sleepiness) or insomnia (difficulty sleeping). Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms and they are affecting your daily activities.
Which food option is the better choice after brain injury?
A. Chips
B. Salmon
C. Cake
D. Pizza
Salmon
Research suggests fatty fish promote brain healing
"The brain is nearly 60% fat, and much of that fat content is omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, to fuel the brain’s recovery, giving it omega-3 is critical."
True or false
People who had problems with depression or anxiety before injury may find that these problems are worse after the injury
Mental health difficulties before brain injury can worsen after it happens
Why is exercise important for recovery?
A. It increases oxygen and blood flow to the brain
B. It releases "feel good" neurotransmitters
C. It improves memory
D. All of the above
All of the above
What is the recommended hours of sleep?
7 hours
Why is it important to maintain a healthy diet after brain injury?
"Food plays an essential role in promoting brain injury recovery. Without the nutrients needed, the brain is unable to adapt and repair itself, limiting the potential for recovery. Therefore, consuming foods that are high in healthy fats, protein, and nutrients is essential for an optimal recovery following a brain injury."
Who is someone you can reach out to if you are having difficulty managing stress, have increased feelings of anxiety or depression, or need someone to talk to?
Don't hesitate to reach out for help! Any of these professionals can either help you directly or refer you to someone who can
-Doctors
-Social Workers
-Psychologists
-Therapists
-Support Groups
Why is it important to follow recommendations for physical activity from therapists and Drs?
-They can evaluate and recommend the level activity that is healing but not harmful
-Your body/brain may not register if you are over doing it after brain injury
-Risk of secondary injury
-They can tailor activity to your personal rehabilitation
What are 2 ways to improve sleep habits?
Try to go to bed at the same time every night and set your alarm for the next day
Follow a bedtime routine
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and sugar for 5 hours before bedtime
Avoid eating prior to sleep to allow time to digest but don’t go to bed hungry (can cause you to wake up)
Do not eat, read, or watch TV while in bed
Keep stress out of the bedroom
Create a restful atmosphere in the bedroom, protected from distractions, noise, extreme temperatures and light
True or false
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fish, fruits, vegetables, oils, and whole grains
True.
Many doctors and dietitians recommend this diet for brain recovery because of the included nutrients.
What causes emotional changes after TBI?
A. Damage to areas of the brain that control emotions.
B. Difficulty coping with injury
C. Changes in thinking abilities lead to feelings of overwhelm
D. All of the above
All of the above
Changes in mood and emotions are common for many reasons after injury to the brain
Participating in leisure activities with others can help people with brain injuries connect socially and reduce feelings of isolation