March 12, 2024

How does a concussion affect the brain? with Kelly Tuttle, FNP-BC, MSN

51 minutes

"The healthcare system is really complicated, and there aren't any guidelines currently on how to care and manage TBIs. It takes multiple providers, therapists, and specialists to help pull the pieces of the puzzle together of your recovery."

In today's episode, we had Kelly Tuttle, FNP-BC, MSN, a TBI survivor, nurse practitioner, and author, who shared her enlightening recovery journey and offered advice for others on a similar path. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can turn lives upside down, not just for survivors but also for their families. Recovery is a challenging, uncertain process, requiring immense resilience.

Kelly's post-injury process included coping with cognitive fatigue, headaches, neck pain, and dizziness. A compelling aspect of her story is her transition from a cardiology nurse practitioner to specializing in neurology after her injury. This career pivot signifies her resilience and desire to empathize with and aid others with brain injuries.
From a TBI survivor to an advocate and author, Kelly is a beacon of hope and invaluable guidance for those on a similar path of recovery.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

(00:00) Intro
(00:34) Kelly Tuttle and her story
(02:57) Have you heard of Invisible Disabilities?
(06:34) Bringing your closed ones to your medical appointments
(10:15) Join us in our Free Concussion Workshop to learn how to recover from a concussion
(10:46) Creating After The Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury
(12:56) Managing your (TBI) and finding the right support
(14:58) Nurse life: from cardiology to neurology
(17:04) Going back to work after your TBI. The Checkoff list.
(21:08) Energy management, cognitive fatigue and the old/new car analogy
(25:17) Helping your inner circles understand what your TBI means
(28:35) The Medical Leave Act and the American Disabilities Act
(29:47) Surprises along the recovery process
(32:23) Kelly’s suggestions for someone with a recent TBI
(33:18) What is the Most Important Thing I Can Do to Cure My Concussion?
(34:30) Nutrition and brain health
(37:14) The inflammatory response
(40:22) How TBI affected Kelly’s vision and the solutions she found

Find Kelly @
www.kellytuttle.org
IG @brain_np_
TikTok: @brainlovingnp