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 eighth 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 - 2009 meeting dates

January 12 - Matt Kramer, Voice mapping
February 9 - Dr. Ray Mailloux, caregiver, sharing his experience
March 9 - Let's talk about you - the caregiver
April 13 - Discussion group - Brain injury and personal relationships
May 11 - Mind-Body Skills
June 8 - How to turn down the noise in your life
July 13 - Brain Food
August 10 - Jim Goodman, Karl Heller and Horace Irwin - Survivors speak
September 14 - Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month - An exercise in patient advocacy
October 12 - Discussion group - Turning Weaknesses into Strengths
November 9 - Sherry Aikman, artist - Arts and Crafts, Holiday ornament making
December 14 - 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, Jonathan Walker, Marvin Sams and Sara Hunt Harper 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 aikmank@gmail.com. Please note that meetings are for adults only - we do not have the facilities to accommodate children.

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: September 14, 2009

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


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

Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month - an exercise in patient advocacy.

Tonight we will hear from brain aneurysm survivors AND also talk about patient advocacy. Since this is a vast subject, we will focus on the following:

There are a number of national organizations that represent individual conditions of brain dysfunction, e.g. National Stroke Association, Brain Aneurysm Foundation, Brain Injury Association. It could be argued that instead of focusing on the individual condition, many brain injury survivors would be better served by using a "global" approach. For example, many brain aneurysm and other stroke survivors are not told they have a brain injury, and this can contribute to recovery frustrations.

A common theme that many health care organizations adopt, probably without being fully cognizant of the practise, is the use of fear of death as a motivator. For those of us who have actually faced death, been returned to life and spent some time in therapy to rid ourselves of the post traumatic stress associated with having survived such an experience, this negative motivator no longer has a place in our lives. We have found joy in living.

But how do we as patients teach those who are supposedly advocating on our behalf? During tonight's meeting, we will take a look at two brochures published by the Brain Aneurysm Foundation - and brainstorm about how to turn the negative aspects (fear of death as a motivator) into positive (joy of life). Our goal is to create an alternative marketing plan to send to the Foundation. Please take some time to review the brochures and write down your initial reaction to the handouts.

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: August 10, 2009

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


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

Survivors speak: talking and listening.

Jim Goodman, Karl Heller and Horace Irwin will each share their unique experience with us.

Jim Goodman will speak of his experience as a lifetime survivor - now 65, he is a few years past a stroke that left him with Wernicke's aphasia to overcome. Even more remarkable is the fact that Jim began having heart attacks at age 37 that continued through his life. Come learn about the lifestyle choices that might have contributed, how Jim survived and how he truly appreciates every day of living he is blessed with.

Horace Irwin experienced Broca's aphasia and he will talk about his experience as well as provide some information about the condition.

Karl Heller rounds out the trio and will speak of the aphasia he experienced as a result of a car accident.

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: July 13, 2009

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


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

We will learn about Brain Food.

"You are what you eat" - isn't that we all learned as children? Just a few decades ago we were instructed to eat according to the Food Pyramid.

Fast forward to the 21st century. Obesity, heart disease and diabetes plague our society. With so much new information, what's the best way to maintain a healthy, brain enriching diet?

According to Gemma Reece, author of Brain Food, "diet affects the brain chemicals that influence your mood, behaviour, thought processes, learning ability, and reactions." Tonight we will learn about what foods are best for the brain and why. We will identify the nutrients the brain needs for optimal functioning, what foods to get them from and even share recipes for easy, nutrient-rich meals.

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: June 8, 2009

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


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

We will explore "How to Turn Down the Noise in Your Life."

Often times, guidance on how to manage life with brain injury can be found in the unlikeliest of places - in this case, Redbook magazine. We will be discussing the following article (paste the following web address in your browser): 

http://women.webmd.com/features/turn-down-noise-in-your-life

The subtitle for the article is "Learn to manage the distractions that sap your concentration - so you can find your focus and your peace of mind."

If you are a "seasoned" survivor, you might have already figured out that time management skills, mind-body skills, etc. are tools that help the general population and are not just brain injury specific. Everybody needs help with focus, concentration and de-stressing. Sometimes the advice given in the popular or "pop culture" magazines seems like it's come right out of a neurocognitive rehabilitation session. Have you thumbed through Oprah, Real Simple, Wired or Scientific American Mind? Chances are you'll make some great discoveries that will help improve the quality of your life!

Perhaps we could even start a magazine swap - bring your last month's magazines to the next meeting and we'll see what happens!

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: May 11, 2009

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


The May meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 11th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

Our discussion will be on how mind-body skills can be used to help in the recovery process from brain injury.

What are mind-body skills?

Mind-body skills include guided imagery, visualization, and meditation. Concentration skills can be practised as one becomes more conscious of his/her environment. Feeling state imagery helps one relax by imagining a safe and relaxing place; end state imagery encourages one to visualize success at an upcoming task, e.g. speaking in front of a crowd or even a trip to the grocery store. Mind-body skills include stress management techniques and exercises to foster self-awareness. It is important to engage in mind-body skills in order to shift focus from a hectic life to being present in the moment.

Discussion includes sharing aspects of daily experiences, issues that are important to you, and exploring insights that you have about yourself. If you have found any mind-body skills to be particular helpful and want to share with the group, you are most welcome!

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: April 13, 2009

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


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

Our discussion will be on how brain injury can affect personal relationships and group participation is invited. Included in the discussion is right hemisphere brain injury and we will explore strategies one might use to activate the right brain and thus improve personal relationships.

What is right hemisphere brain damage?

Right hemisphere brain damage is damage to the right side of the brain. The brain is made up of two sides, or hemispheres. Each hemisphere is responsible for different body functions and skills. In most people, the left side of the brain contains the person's language centers. The right side controls cognitive functioning (thinking skills) which influences social communication (pragmatics): problems understanding nonverbal cues and following the rules of communication (e.g., saying inappropriate things, not using facial expressions, talking at the wrong time).

Damage to the right hemisphere of the brain leads to cognitive-communication problems, such as impaired memory, attention problems and poor reasoning. In many cases, the person with right brain damage is not aware of the problems that he is she is experiencing (anosognosia).

text from the American Speech Language Association web site

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.