Next meeting December 8, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group


It's time for our annual Holiday Social!!!

The December meeting is scheduled for Monday the 8th from 6:30 – 8:00 PM and will be held at:

Cafe Express - located at Mockingbird Station: 5307 E. Mockingbird Ln. Dallas, TX 75206. (75 Central and Mockingbird, on the DART rail line).

Link to map:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=5307+E.+Mockingbird+Ln.,+Dallas+TX+75206&iwloc=A&hl=en

Please send an email to Kimberly at aikmank@gmail.com or call 214-289-0286 so we know to expect you!

Next meeting: November 10, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The November meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 10th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

You don't want to miss this meeting!!!! Sara Hunt Harper, PhD, will present information AND A DEMONSTRATION of how neurofeedback works.

Sara Hunt Harper, PhD, specializes in EEG Biofeedback/Neurofeedback and Neurotherapy as well as psychotherapy for families, individuals and couples. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy in addition to a B.S. in Nursing. She was trained by Dr. Margaret Ayers (the only person to publish on bringing patients out of coma) to work with individuals in coma and with major Traumatic Brain Injuries. Dr. Harper has presented her coma work at international as well as state biofeedback organizations. She may be reached at the Stress Management Center, 6509 Palmer Trail, Plano, TX 75023. Her phone number is 972.769.1176.



Dr. Harper believes that each brain is different and may need more than one type of equipment to help it heal. She will bring Neuropathways EEG as developed by Dr. Margaret Ayers, the Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) developed by Len Ochs, the pRoshi developed by Chuck Davis and NeuroField (NF) developed by Nick Dogras. Several participants will be invited to help her demonstrate the equipment in order for those attending to understand how quick the brain can learn and change when given information it may need.

"Discover Real Time Digital EEG Neurofeedback"

"The brain whispers messages to the body through electrical impulses transmitted to the central nervous system. When the brain is injured, sometimes these electrical impulses, or brain waves, are disturbed, creating abnormal rhythmic patterns. When the brain continues to transmit these abnormal patterns, imbalances are created in the body. Since the body naturally desires balance, neurofeedback merely assists the brain in bringing itself and the body back into balance.

With the technological advancements of neurofeedback equipment, these whispers from the brain can now be amplified and projected on a computer screen as they are occurring in the brain. This capability is called "real time". It enables a more skilled and precise interpretation of the brain wave patterns.

Current brain research has shown that neurofeedback can be an effective adjunct to the medical treatment of the following brain disorders: open or close head injury, coma, stroke, epilepsy, migraine and cluster headaches, anoxia (oxygen deprivation), learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, and clinical depression."

text courtesy of Margaret Ayers' website

Dr. Harper also works with Therapy animals and will talk about this, with a little help from her animals, at a separate meeting in 2009.

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: October 13, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The October meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 13th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below). 

Thank you to everyone who completed the 2008 Survey - your comments are of great help! We will use the October meeting to explore group member requests such as a review of brain function, resources and services available for brain injury survivors,and long term organization and functional skills.

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

2008 Survey

Greetings!

Please take a moment and complete the following survey (deadline September 21st):

Click Here to take survey

Thank you,

Kimberly

Next Meeting: September 8, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The September meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 8th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below). We will be having an open group discussion, and the topics are up to you!

Please send a reply email (with the topic you want to discuss) to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: August 11th

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The August meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 11th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below). Dr. Bonny Olney will speak about health care practises from a primary physician's point of view.

Bonny Olney, D.O. will share insight on how to be proactive in your care, the role of a primary care physician and keeping track of your own health records, as well as reviewing basic preventive care issues that should not be forgotten when dealing with the more serious problems. She will also provide pointers as to how to handle specialist visits and the best way to talk to your doctor.

For more information about Dr. Olney, visit her website at http://www.btwwc.com/.

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: July 14, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The July meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 14th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below). Kimberly Aikman, founder and group facilitator, will speak about her experience as a brain injury survivor.

We now celebrate our 7th year!!! To mark the occasion, Kimberly will share the story of her journey into the foreign realm of brain injury survival. If you want helpful information, tips of survival and ways to improve your quality of life, this is the meeting for you!!!

How does one manage to survive in the frustrating and overwhelming world of brain injury rehabilitation? How does one move from being a victim to being a survivor and then finally a conqueror? What therapies are available? How does one restore brain function? How does one find the courage and strength to persevere even in the face of insurmountable odds?

How do you keep believing in yourself? How do you find all the missing pieces of the person you once were and arrange them to complete the puzzle of your future life?

How do you not give up? How do you heal? How do you remember to hope?

If these questions spark your interest, please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: June 9, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The June meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 9th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below). John Black, a Certified Special Needs Advisor with Merrill Lynch, will be our speaker. His presentation will include financial planning, preparation for retirement, general finance and special needs planning. There will be plenty of time for questions, so bring your list with you!!!

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: May 12, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The May meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 12th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below). We will be having an open group discussion, and the topics are up to you!

Please send a reply email (with the topic you want to discuss) to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

General Overview

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

2nd Mondays of the month, 6:30 - 8 PM

Fogelson Building, Classroom A

Now in our seventh year, Lifelines functions primarily as an educational forum. We also hold group discussions every few months.

Mission Statement Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group strives to address the various issues that arise during the rehabilitation/recovery period through support, information and education. The group provides an open forum where survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals may meet and share their experiences. The group also serves to educate its members about brain injury and how to improve brain health. This exchange allows the group to address quality of life issues.

Philosophy Every individual, whether brain injured or not, has suffered some type of affliction. The emphasis for healing and recovery is not to focus on what has happened but instead to focus on what a person can accomplish in the aftermath of tragedy. What is most important is how a person responds to life's challenges. We are survivors. We are not victims.

Purpose "For human beings adaptation to change cannot take place through instincts. It has to take place through something called awareness, motivation, free will and the ability to anticipate the future." Self-Healing: A Personal History, René DuBos from The Healing Brain, A Scientific Reader, Edited by Ornstein/Swencionis

Goals • To assist patients during the rehabilitation/recovery phase of brain injury by providing education about the brain, brain health and the possibility of recovering brain function. • To identify the “silent epidemic” of brain injury and offer a forum for patients and their caregivers to feel supported and find direction during this period of adjustment. • To allow for exchange of thoughts, ideas and experiences.

Calendar - 2008 meeting dates

January 14
February 11 - Dr. Charles Shidlofsky - Vision therapy for brain injuries
March 10 - Dr. Marvin Sams - Neurofeedback for brain injuries
April 14 - Karen Sacks, R.N. - New therapies for stroke and stroke prevention
May 12 - Group discussion
June 9 - Benjamin Pennington, Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch - Special Needs Financial Planning
July 14 - Kimberly Aikman, facilitator - A Road Map to Recovery - A Survivor Speaks
August 11 - Bonny Olney, D.O. - A Primary care physician's perspective
September 8 - Group discussion
October 13 - Group discussion
November 10 - Sara Hunt Harper, Ph.D. - Neurofeedback
December 8 Holiday Social at Cafe Express, Mockingbird Station

For the purposes of our group, the most important thing to realize is that the mechanism by which the brain was injured (automobile accident, fall, stroke, ruptured brain aneurysm/brain surgery, congenital) is most significant during the acute phase of care - hospitalization - and post acute - first stages of rehabilitation. When it comes time to address the physical and cognitive deficits in the recovery/rehabilitation/remediation phase, there are enough similarities between the brain insults that allow survivors to meet under an umbrella group.

Our group members have experienced traumatic brain injury, mild traumatic brain injury, acquired brain injury such as ruptured brain aneurysm/brain surgery and stroke and congenital brain injury. Caregivers, other family members (adults only), friends, and health care professionals also attend the meetings.

The challenges faced by survivors depend on what type of brain injury has occurred, so we have a range in physical and cognitive abilities. We usually have an average of 15 people attending presentations.

Past speakers include Dr. Harold Crasilneck presenting the effects of hypnotherapy, Drs. Gray Atkins and Jonathan Walker discussing neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback techniques), Tracy Sellers introducing Brain Gym, Betty Erickson (daughter of Milton Erickson) giving a "reality check" with emotionally healthy ways to approach life, Dr. Fran Assaf presenting CranioSacral Therapy, Dr. Steve Lomber detailing how the brain overcomes injury, Roger Stainbrook and Elijah Hawken discussing the benefits of acupuncture, Dr. John-Claude Krusz discussing neuropharmocology, and Dr. Richard Fulbright presenting two lectures - one about neuropsychological testing and the other about psychosocial outcomes following traumatic brain injury.

Note: Additional information is listed under the 2007 posts. For Fun Things to Do, click on June 2007; for Free Things to Do, click on May 2007; for Resource Information, click on May 2007; for information on different therapies/remediating brain injury, click on August 2007.

For more information and/questions about the group, please contact Kimberly at lifelinesbi@sbcglobal.net. Please note that meetings are for adults only - we do not have the facilities to accommodate children.

Next meeting: April 14, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The April meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 14th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below). We are honored to have Karen Sacks, RN, NP present information on Stroke Prevention.


Stroke Prevention - Latest Medical Recommendations and Emerging Treatments

Karen Sacks, RN, NP helps faciliate Lifelines, and will share her knoweldge and experience with us. She has 29 years of nursing experience. She has been the Coordinator for the Stroke Program at Presbyterian of Dallas since 2002 and has Adult/Geriatic Certification. In the past, she was the nurse practitioner on the Sub Acute Unit and Skilled Nursing Unit at Presbyterian.

She has a Bachelors degree in Social Work (1974) and Nursing (1979), a Masters in Nursing (1985) and completed her post graduate nurse pratitioner training in 1995.

Thank you, Karen, for everything you do for our group and for sharing your expertise with us!!!

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Using your executive function - plan for the future

The Center for Brain Health is currently recruiting for a research study. It is a treatment study that is researching a new approach to improving thinking skills in adults who have survived a stroke and/or traumatic brain injury. 20 people are needed, and the study starts March 10th.

The study involves participation in 12 group sessions (one hour for each session) to discuss and learn information and strategies that could help improve thinking skills. The sessions will run for 2 months - twice a week for the first five weeks and once a week for an additional three weeks. Treatment includes reading, writing and discussing with other group members and researchers. The treatment will be at The Center for Brain Health, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas 75235. http://www.brainhealth.utdallas.edu/contact/

Testing will be done prior to treatment, immediately following treatment and 6 months post treatment. Testing includes fMRI (functional MRI, using a standard MRI machine), neuropsychological testing (paper pencil tasks) and discourse (language) testing (paper pencil tasks). fMRI testing will be done at UT Southwestern. All other tests and treatment will be done at The Center for Brain Health.

Participation in this study is free, but those wanting to participate must meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria as well as meet the requirements for MRI testing. Participants must be able to make a commitment to the study (8 weeks of treatment, pre/post testing and 6 month follow up testing).

Contact information: Ms. Asha Kuppachi (972) 883 3218.

Inclusion criteria:
Stroke and/or traumatic brain injury survivors at least one year post injury, between the ages of 19 and 65; able to read and write in English; physically able to write.

Exclusion criteria:
Have pre-existing brain abnormality such as cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, schizophrenia or other psychiatric illness, mental retardation, learning disability.

Currently in therapy such as speech, occupational or neuropsychological rehabilitation.

Currently using any psychotropic drugs (http://www.cncplan.com/psychotropic%20medications%20list.htm)

Have any hearing loss or uncorrected visual deficit.

Abuse drugs or alcohol.

Claustrophobia (fear or discomfort of narrow/confined spaces – specifically for MRI machine).


___________________________
Upcoming conference:

The Brain Injury Association of America -

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) will present the 2008 National Brain Injury Caregivers’ Conference June 6-8, 2008 at the Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport Hotel in Dallas, TX. http://www.biausa.org/livingwithbi.htm

Next meeting: March 10, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The March meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 10th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below). We are honored to have Dr. Marvin Sams present information about Neurofeedback for brain injury.


What is Neurofeedback?

We are able to go about our day because our brain talks to itself with highly complex waves of energy. These internal dialogues allow us to pay attention and focus on what is going on in our world, to remember what it is we want to know or need to do, to go to and stay asleep, and to color our life with emotional actions and reactions.

Medical professionals have known about these electrical conversations for over 60 years, using a devise called the electroencephalogram (EEG) to record the brain waves. Neurologists (medical doctors that diagnose and treat diseases of the brain and nervous system) find the EEG indispensable, looking for distortions in the brain wave patterning to help diagnose seizures and manage epilepsy, and to help diagnose or rule out a brain tumor, blood clot, or stroke in those with such symptoms as black outs, headaches, or unusual behavior. A few years ago, computer technology had advanced to a point that a brain wave analysis system could be created that broke down the complexity of the brain wave patterning. As research in major medical centers evolved, the Quantitative EEG revealed that there is much more to brain waves than the detection of brain disease: The technology can also let us know where and in what way the brain is efficiently doing and not doing its job.

The brain, in other words, uses the neurofeedback tones to do what it was designed to do by nature: Use information coming in from the outside world to learn or teach itself something. In this instance, the "something" it learns is that increasing (or decreasing) certain frequencies helps it better focus, understand incoming information better, and execute complex tasks in a more efficient way. There is a fundamental difference between traditional instrumented biofeedback and the more recently developed neurofeedback. Biofeedback helps us learn to take conscious control of our internal terrain for better management of stress and stress-related health problems. With neurofeedback, however, it is not "us" that learns the new behavior: It is our brain. Just as "we" learned to walk and ride a bike, all "we" have to do is go through the motions. (In this case, sit with electrodes on our head and play a video game or watch a video.) Our brain quickly and easily learns what it needs to do to perform complex tasks in a better and more efficient way.

Who is Dr. Sams?

Marvin W. Sams, N.D., R. EEG T., Dipl. EEG, BCIA-EEG is a Certified EEG Biofeedback Practitioner (Biofeedback Certification Institute of America), a Registered EEG Technologist (American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic Technologists), and a Certified Quantitative EEG Technologist (Association of Certified Quantitative EEG Technologists).

He is Past President and Past Board Member of the American Society of EEG Technologists, and Past Board Member of The American Board of Registration of EEG Technologists. Currently, Dr. Sams is Technical Editor of the Journal of Neurotherapy, Board Member of the American Board of Certification in Quantitative Electroencephalography, Secretary-Treasurer of the EEG Biofeedback Division of the American Association of Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, and Immediate Past President of the American Association of Quantitative EEG Technologists.

Dr. Sams has almost four decades of psychophysiological, electrophysiological and electroneurodiagnostic experience in both clinical and research setting. His past professional affiliations include: Staff EEG Technologist at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, Research Supervisor of the Section of EEG at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and Faculty and Supervisor of the EEG Laboratories at the Ohio State University Hospitals, Columbus, Ohio.


*Text from Dr. Sams’ web site at http://www.thesamscenter.com/index.htm

Contact information:
The Sams Center
2301 Ohio Drive Suite 200
Plano, Texas 75093
(972) 612-0160

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: February 11, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The February meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 11th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below). We are honored to have Dr. Charles Shidlofsky present a new concept in vision care.

Dr. Shidlofsky’s approach: “As with most eye care practices, we want you to be able to see 20/20. However, we will take it well beyond 20/20 by evaluating how you process information, your visual perception ability and finally how your vision integrates with your other senses. We utilize the latest, most state-of-the art equipment.”

Visual Rehabilitation for Special Needs
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Stroke, Birth Injury, Brain Damage, Head Injury, Whiplash, Cerebral Palsy, MS, etc. Vision can be compromised as a result of neurological disorders or trauma to the nervous system. Vision Therapy can effectively treat the visual consequences of brain trauma (including double vision).

What is Vision Therapy?

Vision Therapy is an individualized, supervised, treatment program designed to correct visual-motor and/or perceptual-cognitive deficiencies. Vision Therapy sessions include procedures designed to enhance the brain's ability to control:

• eye alignment,
• eye teaming,
• eye focusing abilities,
• eye movements, and/or visual processing.
  

Visual-motor skills and endurance are developed through the use of specialized computer and optical devices, including therapeutic lenses, prisms, and filters. During the final stages of therapy, the patient's newly acquired visual skills are reinforced and made automatic through repetition and by integration with motor and cognitive skills.

*text courtesy of Dr. Shidlofsky’s web site

Contact information:
Charles Shidlofsky, O.D., P.A.
Neurodevelopmental Sensory Enhancement Center
5934 W. Parker Rd., Suite #500 Plano, TX 75093
972-312-0177 info@dr-s.net

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: January 14, 2008

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas


The January meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 14th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

To start the New Year with a BANG, we will have a group discussion/exercises to help us get our brains ready for 2008! You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

After a brief introduction/review about how the brain works, we will explore relaxation techniques, basic memory training, mental aerobics (left brain/right brain exercises) and advanced memory training.

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (kaikman1@sbcglobal.net) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.