Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Therapy
Traumatic Brain Injury is caused by a sudden impact/blow to the head that leads to damage of the brain. It may result from either an injury that penetrates the brain (i.e. bullet, surgery, etc.) or a closed head injury without penetration (i.e. accident related Concussion, sports-related Concussion, Stroke, etc.).
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may result in changes, sometimes subtle, in the way the brain is thinking and communicating. There are different areas that may be affected:
- Processing and Sequencing Information
- Language and Cognitive Communication
- Learning and Memory
- Speech/Articulation Precision
- Reasoning and Problem Solving
- Planning and Organizing
- Reading and Writing
- Behavioral Changes
A TBI can have more serious effects on a developing brain. The functional impact on children may be more devastating than for adults because the brain is still developing. In fact, there are five stages of brain growth with the last stage occurring in your twenties. Cognitive impairments may not be obvious after the injury but become more apparent as the child gets older and educational and social demands increase (long-term effects):
- Increased expectations for cognitive and social skills
- More complex socially appropriate behaviors expected
- School work increased in complexity as the grade level increases, requiring more complex problem solving skills and using higher level cognitive skills
- Increased need for memory, sequencing, and organizational skills
- Reading material becomes more complex
- Writing tasks become more demanding
The adult also may not be aware of any deficits they may have following a TBI. The cognitive deficits may not be obvious until that person returns to school or work:
- Ability to analyze and synthesize information is slower
- May have feelings of self-doubt, often checking and rechecking their work
- Difficulty meeting deadlines for projects
- Easily distracted with difficulty focusing on more than one task at a time
- Recurrence of headaches, especially under florescent lighting and/or in a noisy environment
- Difficulty communicating or engaging in long conversations
- Short-term memory difficulties
- Impairment of perception
Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery
No injury is the same nor are the resulting impacts to the brain or cognitive abilities. Our treatments are individualized and customized to the needs of our patients.
Our treatment approaches are based upon the results of neuroscience research and the principles of brain plasticity. Combining years of experience with current evidenced-based technology and therapeutic tools, therapy at Cognitive Bridges, Inc. is dynamic, integrative, and individualized. New pathways and neural connections are created to maximize an individual’s potential in achieving his/her goal.
Recovery is Better with a Team
We help families by providing a supportive environment with individual and group meetings to discuss and share concerns. Educating the client and family members is critical to the process of healing. Achieving success is not only dependent on therapeutic rehabilitation but significantly upon the client’s attitude, motivation, and drive. A positive mental attitude is an essential part of recovery.
For those looking for additional support Cognitive Bridges supports the Memphis Area Brain Injury Support Group as well as Tennessee Disability Coalition, LoveYourBrain, and Faces of TBI.
Traumatic Brain Injury Testimonials
I came to know Sharon Pollack as a result of having a Traumatic Brain Injury. She was the first person who really listened to me and understood what I was experiencing. Sharon helped me understand the changes and losses of cognitive abilities I was going through. She is easy for me to talk to, she makes me comfortable, and really hears what I am saying. I have made significant improvements working with Sharon and I always feel better after our time together.Wendy Improving
We were so thrilled we were able to connect with Cognitive Bridges, after months of conventional physical, occupational, speech therapy and the feeling that we had exhausted all means of recovery; Cognitive Bridges was recommended to us by LeBonheur Children’s Neuropsychology Department. Sharon Pollack was able to successfully narrow down where the root of Austin’s issues were and get him started with a program that has literally moved him ahead years in just a few short months. Austin has been able to go back to college and is well on his way to a full recovery and graduation. Her innovative approach to Cognitive therapy not only offered but provided our family hope at a time when it was quickly fading. Michelle has been great in her guidance of insurance issues and often times acted as a sounding board for this mother’s frustrations. We owe a lifetime of “thank yous” to Cognitive Bridges, Sharon Pollack and Michelle for giving Austin and our family the tools for a successful recovery after a traumatic brain injury that was considered by all medical doctors to be a life ending injury. Cognitive Bridges should have been our first stop in our journey; so thankful it is our last!!!Traci Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery
The support of the staff at Cognitive Bridges has been crucial to my TBI recovery. While the severity of the side effects of my injury changes each week, their care has remained constant. Michelle, at the front desk, has been patient and thorough in helping gather all of my medical records so that it can be held in one place. And Sharon has assisted in everything from educating me on the side effects of this injury, to helping expand my cognitive flexibility. We are currently spelling out objectives that I need to meet as we plan for my eventual return to work. Each week is full of medical appointments, but Cognitive Bridges continues to provide the most important therapy as I continue my recovery.Anonymous On the Mend!
While attending The University of Mississippi in December 2002, I was in a serious car accident and ejected from the vehicle at the age of 19. I sustained several injuries including a Traumatic Brain Injury. My TBI was a lesion on my brain stem which caused short term memory loss. While living in Oxford, MS I had to put my college career on hold due to this injury. The doctors in my hometown of Huntsville, AL referred me to Sharon Pollack in Memphis, TN. I would travel from Oxford, MS to see her twice a week for over a year. Sharon Pollack was such a blessing in my life! Her kind heart, expert knowledge and treating me like a part of her family, got me through one of the hardest times in my life. Through TBI therapy and hard work she was able to correct my short term memory loss! I have not had any trouble since finishing her program in 2004. I am the proud owner of a deli in Huntsville, AL! I was recognized by The University of Mississippi as a Spotlight Alumni for the success of my deli. My restaurant and I were featured on an episode of Buddy Valastro’s (The Cake Boss) new show “Buddy Valastro’s Family Vacation”. The deli has earned several awards for service and food quality. I believe these accomplishments were possible in part because Sharon Pollack encouraged me to work hard, overcome my TBI and be successful in whatever I chose to do in my life. If you are in need of Traumatic Brain Injury care, I highly recommend Sharon Pollack at Cognitive Bridges!Lindsey Jennings Proud Deli Owner