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1
Changes in Personality, Behavior, and Thinking:
Strategies for Coping & Adjustment after Brain Injury
Kristine Cichowski, MS, Director
Judson Paschen, Brain Injury Peer Mentor
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago - LIFE Center
Community Life Skills TrainingMidwest Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago - 2009
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Brain Injury – What does it mean?
Damage to the body’s command center – Central Nervous System
Impaired messages– Movement– Thinking– Speech– Behavior– Personality
http://www.infovisual.info/03/038_en.html
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How does the Brain work?
Left side controls Right Right side controls Left Each section (lobe) of the Brain
controls specific functions
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Understanding your Injury
Changes & Challenges Thinking Behavior Personality
Changes are different for each individual.
Think of your brain as your own
personal “finger print”
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“Thinking” Changes & Challenges (Examples)
Memory, Attention & Concentration, Planning & Organizing, Problem Solving, Processing Information, Fatigue
Tips: – Develop a schedule - consistency is key– Use a memory book or daily planner– Minimize distractions
• One topic or task at a time
– Structure activities - gradually extend complexity• Break down activities in small steps
• Practice attention & memory skills - games
• Take breaks – allow for more time
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“Behavior” Changes & Challenges (Examples)
Impulsive, Short Temper, Mood Swings, Inappropriate Language, Social Skills, Sensitive to Time
Tips: – Get a good Coach
• Be open to supportive feedback and make a conscious effort to adjust behavior
– Develop a signal that family and friends can use to help you know when you are out of line
• Be “fair” – no nagging
– Work at being more flexible, open to change• Try not to take things personally
– Practice and think ahead to help develop your problem solving and reactions to others / situations
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“Personality” Changes & Challenges (Examples)
Mannerisms Conversation Skills Body language Interests Motivation
Work towards embracing
who you are now rather
than constantly seeking the
person prior to injury.
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“Personality” Changes & Challenges
Tips:– Pay attention to personal appearance
• Neat & Clean – look in the mirror
– Pay attention to how you present yourself to others
• Friendly – SMILE • Positive Body Language• Eye Contact – Listening Skills• Pleasant Tone of Voice• Respect Personal Space of Others
– Get Out and Be Involved• Begin to redefine your relationships or build
new friendships• Create experiences so you can talk about
something other than your brain injury
– Help others understand what a brain injury is and what it is not
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Tips for Family & Friends Be a helpful Coach Be true to your word Be time sensitive Speak slowly and clearly, but not
demeaning. Use meaningful examples
Focus conversations - one person, one topic, one task at a time
Minimize distractions – it can be hard work to interact with others
Be mindful of fatigue and how it affects thinking, behavior – brain and physical stamina
Verify that information is understood Write down information for recall at
another time Use visuals to simplify / clarify Reinforce use of a to do list or
memory book
Take time to get to know each other
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Tips for Family & Friends Identify and communicate to the Coach As you observe behavior, give
supportive feedback Establish a signal to help a person “stop
& think” – use the signal in a fair way Rehearse answers to questions - Keep
it simple and positive. Use tips to help with communication and interactions.
Reach out to others to help them stay connected with you and your loved one
Clarify misinformation and misunderstandings – nurture relationships
Embrace the person for who they are now – refrain from comparisons to the old self
Practice forgiveness
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Knowledge is Power!
LIFE Centerhttp://lifecenter.ric.org
ORwww.ric.org ~ “Quick Links”- LIFE Center
Phone: (312) 238-LIFE(5433)Fax: (312) 238-2860
eMail: [email protected]
This program is supported in part by a grant from theNational Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)
and is part of the Midwest Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
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References:
Behavioral management strategies for working with persons with brain injury. (1998). Chicago: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Academy.
Brain Damadj’d… Take II (film). (2006). Paul Nadler, Writer and Producer. Toronto: Apartment 11 Productions; dist: Films for the Humanities.
Brain Injury Association of America, Model Systems Knowledge Translation System. TBI Model System Consumer Information. (2009). Cognitive Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury; Emotional Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury. Washington, DC: Brain Injury Assoc.
Brain Injury Association of Maryland. (1995). Why Did it Happen on a School Day? Washington, DC: Brain Injury Association.
Brain Injury Circle of Caring – A family discussion guide. (2004). Chicago: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Brain Injury Program: Patient and Family Resource Guide. (2009). Chicago: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago LIFE Center.
Burgard, Jodi. (Jan 2009). Brain Injury: Why does my loved one act out? A family guide to emotional and behavioral changes after a brain injury. Chicago: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Brain Injury Team. (Jan 2008). Brain Injury: An Overview – What is it and what does it affect? Chicago: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.