Brainbank

Doctor Alex Lehn, Neurologist talks through cognitive pattens and how the brain works after a brain injury.

Tess specialises in working with people with brain injury. She addresses the common impacts of brain injury, and the various ways in which speech pathology can help. She also talks about not limiting yourself in terms of expectations of recovery. 

Cheryl was diagnosed with a brain tumour in her twenties - it has had significant impacts throughout her life, both ongoing physical and in terms of her mental and emotional wellbeing. She talks about the impact of a 'hidden' illness, and the need to grieve the things she's lost. 

Carlo specialises in working with people with brain injury. He talks about how OT can help, the need to understand and work with the engagement issues intrinsic to ABI, and how it's essential that people are encouraged to understand their own capacity, rather than telling them what is possible.

Terry was very depressed after sustaining a brain injury, but gained a great deal from volunteering. He originally couldn't find his way around his own home, but now takes the bus and, when he gets lost, has developed strategies to relax and give himself the time and space to regroup.

Kathy Walls is a clinical specialist with Interrelate, and an expert in supporting couples and families through the emotional upheaval of ABI.

In this episode, Kathy shares her tips for holding on to hope and navigating loss with our host, Dr Zara Weedon.

When understanding is lacking from those around you, and you’re struggling to adapt to a changed relationship, know that the brain injury community understands.

To find out more, or access support, visit www.synapse.org.au

Join our host, Dr Zara Weedon, as she hears from the wonderful Sandy Denison - Nurse Unit Manager of a brain injury rehab facility in WA.

With both a lengthy career in the field and personal experience of brain injury, Sandy knows what it takes to survive, and thrive, after ABI.

If you take one thing away from this episode, it's that there is no limit on improvement – and no end point for learning. But you have to work at it.

To find out more, or access support, visit www.synapse.org.au

When a car accident left Jayden Alexanderson unable to pursue his hobbies, it claimed most of his friendships too.

Undeterred, he tried new activities – lots of them! Until he found interests, and relationships, that stuck.

Join our host Dr Zara Weedon, as Jayden shares his tips and experiences on rebuilding your life after brain injury.

To find out more, or access support, visit www.synapse.org.au

Katherine Varley experienced a brain injury as a result of a car accident. Having since met and married her husband, and given birth to two children, she’s a firm believer in hunting down the supports you need and finding different ways to pursue your goals.

Join Katherine, the proud creator of the Prepare Me app, and our host, Dr Zara Weedon, as they talk determination and building a new, different life, after ABI.  

To find out more, or access support, visit www.synapse.org.au

Marie Carroll cares for her son, Jordan, who lives with an inoperable brain tumour. At the age of 11, he experienced a brain bleed, which left him vision impaired and with a host of significant, ABI-related medical complications.

But with all those pressures endlessly piling on, who cares for the carer?

Join Marie as she shares her experiences of isolation, fear and loneliness, with host Dr Zara Weedon. Together they explore the unfathomable impact of the caring role and the systemic gaps too many families fall through.

To find out more, or access support, visit www.synapse.org.au