Making Connections Podcast

Check out the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina's new podcast:  Making Connections.

The brain. A complex mysterious organ that influences everything a person does, thinks, or feels. Life after a brain injury can feel just as mysterious and complex – trying to navigate services, potential isolation, different functioning, and more. The rehabilitation process can impact the person as well as their supporters. It is often filled with ups, downs, and everything in between all while the brain is relearning or making new connections within. Join us as The Brain Injury Association of NC sits down with Brain Injury advocates to discuss a variety of topics surrounding life after brain injury. The more we understand the different aspects of services and effects of brain injury, the better we can help make connections within our community for individuals living with brain injury. This is…. Making Connections.

Season 1

Aches & Pains after Brain Injury

March 4, 2022

Headaches are one of the most common challenges after a brain injury. Pain can make it hard for you to carry out daily activities or can cause you to have more difficulty thinking and remembering things. Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Alan G Finkel MD FAAN FAHS from the Carolina Headache Institute.

Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

March 18, 2022

The long-term effects of an acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury are difficult to predict. They will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Karen Thor from NextStep Raleigh.

Dysautonomia & Brain Injury

April 1, 2022

BONUS EPISODE:  Getting dizzy after exercise? Feeling nauseated? Feeling your heart race while your blood pressure stays the same? These and other surprising symptoms often happen because your brain is intricately bound up with a crucial system that impacts nearly every organ in your body: the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Dr. Lauren Brindisi & Dr. Dana Brindisi from the Carolina Brain Center.

Rehabilitative Health and Brain Injury

April 8, 2022

If you have had a TBI, rehabilitation can take many forms depending on your needs, and might include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as psychiatric care and social support. Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Katie Stephens, PT, NCS, Julia Christian, OTR/L and Lorraine Smith, M.S., CCC-SLP from Steps for Recovery.

Case Management and Brain Injury

April 22, 2022

In the years after brain injury, continuity of care is often lacking leading to a variety of unmet needs. Case management aims to prevent escalation of problems and to facilitate timely access to appropriate services. Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Sara Luster, MSW, CBIS from NeuroCommunity Care.

Mental Health & Brain Injury

May 6, 2022

Research has found an increase in psychiatric symptomology within the first year after TBI, with a stabilization at the 5-year point. Approximately 1 in 5 individuals may experience mental health symptoms up to six months after mild traumatic brain injury. Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Travis Glass, LCMHC, CBIS from Crossroads Counseling.

Disability Law & Brain Injury

May 20, 2022

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can dramatically alter the course of a person’s life. With symptoms that are broad-ranging and severe, this type of injury may render a person unable to earn a living. When this is true, a person may be eligible for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Gowan Moise from DeMayo Law Offices.

Service Animals: Brandon's Story

June 3, 2022

Long considered human’s best friend, service dogs have developed a purpose beyond friendship for people with serious injuries and disabilities. Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Brandon who’s worked with PAWS for People.

**Trigger Warning** This piece discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it disturbing. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please, contact your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. For the United States, the numbers are as follows: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), or message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7.

Service Animals: Chris's Story

June 3, 2022

Long considered human’s best friend, service dogs have developed a purpose beyond friendship for people with serious injuries and disabilities. Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Chris who’s worked with PAWS for People.

**Trigger Warning** This piece discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it disturbing. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please, contact your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. For the United States, the numbers are as follows: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), or message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7.

Service Animals: Pat's Story

June 3, 2022

Long considered human’s best friend, service dogs have developed a purpose beyond friendship for people with serious injuries and disabilities. Join the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina as we talk with Pat Hairston from Four Paws and a Wake Up-NC.