The most common cause of memory failure occurs due to breakdown in the encoding stage of creating a new memory. The modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) is a technique developed and researched by the Kessler Foundation to treat memory deficits, specifically targeting the encoding stage, following brain injury. Using context and imagery, their research and implementation of this technique have shown to have significant improvements with a person’s functional recall as well as an increased activation of different parts of the brain.
This resource provides a list of how to implement a low stimulation protocol, signs, symptoms, agitation or overstimulation triggers, and what to do/not to do when a person becomes agitated or overstimulated.
This handout is an introduction to the central nervous system of the brain and spinal cord. It explains the parts of a neuron and how it helps send chemical messages for communicating thoughts, body commands, and interpreting sensory information.
Attention remains the foundation of all cognitively based tasks and is a fundamental concept to communicate to patients before beginning therapy. This handout provides a definition and concrete examples of each type of attention.
This handout outlines the pathway of the visual fields as they travel from the light rays entering the eyeball to the occipital lobe at the back of the brain. This helps clarify why certain left or right brain injuries will have different kinds of field cuts on the same or opposite sides of the brain, depending on location of damage.
This handout includes accessible, evidence-based information about how stress affects cognition and features 30 simple strategies to try that may help reduce stress. It is particularly designed for patients and families in the midst of rehabilitation after traumatic events.
This handout reviews overcoming denial, observing the situation, and learning from the experience and provides a list of books and websites that brain injury survivors can look to for information about resilience.
This handout features a 10-stage version of the Rancho Los Amigos scale for those recovering from severe brain injuries. The handout describes each of the 10 stages and provides specific strategies for how families can interact and engage with their loved one during each stage.