Brain Injury Bites: Recent Episodes
Brain Injury Bites
Brain Injury Bites is a podcast based on the experiences of sustaining a brain injury and provides helpful hints and tips for injured people, their friends and family. The show is hosted by Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath.
Brooke was a pedestrian involved in a road traffic collision in May 2007, which left him with a severe traumatic brain injury.
Ashwini is a Trustee and Chair for Headway Warrington and a Senior Associate Solicitor with over ten years of experience supporting families after brain injury.
In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Ashwani and Brooke are joined by Sian Riley from Red Pepper Nutrition. Sian is a dietician specialising in rehabilitation with a focus on brain injury. They discuss the importance of nutrition in the rehabilitation journey, the impact of smell and taste loss after brain injury, and strategies to improve the eating experience.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Contact details:
- www.redpeppernutrition.com
- sian@redpeppernutrition.com
Helpful links:
- Fifth Sense Charity - https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/
- AbScent Charity - https://abscent.org/
- The 5 basic tastes and why they matter to us - https://www.redpeppernutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/red-pepper-nutrition-5-basic-tastes-why-they-matter.pdf
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke, Ashwini, and Sian continue their conversation about brain injury recovery with a focus on nutrition. They continue their discussion by providing valuable insights and tips on promoting good nutrition and making it a pleasurable experience. The discussion also covers various aspects, including the importance of positive food perception, mindful eating, meal planning, routine, coping with changes in taste and smell, and addressing body image issues.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Contact details:
- www.redpeppernutrition.com
- sian@redpeppernutrition.com
Helpful links:
- Fifth Sense Charity - https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/
- AbScent Charity - https://abscent.org/
- The 5 basic tastes and why they matter to us - https://www.redpeppernutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/red-pepper-nutrition-5-basic-tastes-why-they-matter.pdf
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Colin Green, a neurological physiotherapist from Physiomatters. In part 2, we explore the interplay of physical and neurological rehabilitation, emphasising the importance of goal-setting, managing expectations, and adapting therapy to the patient's needs.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Contact details:
- www.physio-matters.org
- Physio Matters Neuro (@PMneurophysio) / X (twitter.com)
- Physio Matters Neurological Ltd | Facebook
- Contact No.: 0161 681 6887
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Colin Green, a neurological physiotherapist from Physiomatters. In part 1, we discuss brain injury rehabilitation, covering different recovery phases, the significant impact of fatigue, the importance of early intervention, and Colin's work on managing mobility and muscle functionality.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Contact details:
- www.physio-matters.org
- Physio Matters Neuro (@PMneurophysio) / X (twitter.com)
- Physio Matters Neurological Ltd | Facebook
- Contact No.: 0161 681 6887
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Suzanne Guest, an Occupational Psychologist from Work In Mind. In this episode, Suzanne shares her expertise in helping people return to work after sustaining a brain injury. We also discussed the difference between occupational psychology and vocational rehabilitation.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Helpful links:
- Headway – Guide for employers: https://www.headway.org.uk/media/4123/brain-injury-a-guide-for-employers.pdf
- Video Richard Hammond and Sterling Moss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6iVODBpatM
- Video Imitation Game – Sandwiches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unfyov17E8s
Contact details:
- https://www.workinmind.co.uk/
- https://twitter.com/suzguest
- https://www.tiktok.com/@haveigotsuzforyou
- https://www.youtube.com/@haveigotsuzforyou
- https://www.instagram.com/haveigotsuzforyou/
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In the second part of the episode, Suzanne talks us through her approach to supporting her clients and their employers in the process of returning to work. Additionally, Brooke shares his own experience of finding a purpose after sustaining his injury.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Helpful links:
- Headway – Guide for employers: https://www.headway.org.uk/media/4123/brain-injury-a-guide-for-employers.pdf
- Video Richard Hammond and Sterling Moss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6iVODBpatM
- Video Imitation Game – Sandwiches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unfyov17E8s
Contact details:
- https://www.workinmind.co.uk/
- https://twitter.com/suzguest
- https://www.tiktok.com/@haveigotsuzforyou
- https://www.youtube.com/@haveigotsuzforyou
- https://www.instagram.com/haveigotsuzforyou/
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In the second part of our discussion, we delve deeper into speech and language issues related to brain injuries.
We explore working as part of a multidisciplinary team during rehabilitation and some fun games used during speech and language therapy sessions.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, Catherine Davies, an expert speech and language therapist from SLT for Life, shares her vast experience dealing with her client's communication and swallowing difficulties. She also sheds light on the crucial role of speech and language therapy in the rehabilitation process after brain injury.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Julie Meighan, who happened to be Brooke Trotter's Occupational Therapist.
During our conversation, we delved into Julie's profession and how it helps individuals who have experienced a brain injury. Julie explained how Occupational Therapy is designed to assist patients in regaining their independence and improving their quality of life.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Contact details:
- juliemeighan@outlook.com
- www.juliemeighantherapy.com
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Julie Meighan, who happened to be Brooke Trotter's Occupational Therapist.
In this second part of the interview, we will explore how Occupational Therapy plays a significant role in the broader context of rehabilitation after brain injury and the importance of goal-setting.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Contact details:
- juliemeighan@outlook.com
- www.juliemeighantherapy.com
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we dive into Court of Protection work and professional deputyship with David Hilton.
Part 2 of our conversation touches on several important topics, such as the oversight that family members acting as deputies can expect, the process of changing deputies, the role of professional trusts, and the ins and outs of personal injury trusts.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing David Hilton, an experienced solicitor specialising in Court of Protection work and professional deputy.
In this first part of the interview, we explore the complexities of being a professional deputy and the important role that the Court of Protection plays.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Russell Sheldrick, who shares his expertise in Clinical Neuropsychology.
In part one of our interview, we discuss what Clinical Neuropsychology is, and explore the various aspects of neuropsychological rehabilitation during the early stages of brain injury.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
Join us for part two of our interview with Russell Sheldrick, a Clinical Neuropsychologist with extensive expertise in brain injury recovery.
We dive deeper into the importance of managing expectations and involving friends and family in the recovery process. Plus, Russell shares insights on the various tests he administers to assess cognitive abilities and create personalised rehabilitation plans for patients.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
This is a special episode of brain injury bites recorded for ABI Week. This year's theme is 'See the hidden me' - basically about the hidden disability of brain injury.
Action For Brain Injury Week is an annual campaign in the UK to raise awareness of the devastating effects of brain injury. It's organised by Headway UK, a national charity that we've spoken about on several occasions before. That charity supports people who are survivors of brain injury and their friends, families, and carers.
Helpful links:
- Headway UK: - Information library
- Headway UK: Brain Injury Identity Card
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 13: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
Feeling sad after a serious injury is normal, but it could also be a sign of depression. We have touched on this topic briefly in previous episodes, but we think it's important to discuss this in more detail as it is such a big topic.
It's fair to say that many people will experience depression following a brain injury. In this episode, we will be talking about some of those symptoms and providing some help and advice.
Resources:
- Episode Twelve -Depression after a brain injury - Information Sheet
Helpful links:
- Hidden Disability store
- Mind: the mental health charity
- Headway: Brain Injury Identity Card
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 12: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we will be talking about dating and relationships. We've previously spoken about socialising as being part of the idea of love and belonging. But the other side to this is, of course, is romantic relationships and intimacy. We'll be talking to Brooke about his specific experiences around this area and then explore the issues that can arise in terms of change of dynamics in relationships and marriages following a brain injury and provide some helpful hints and tips.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 11: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In our latest episode, we talk about the importance of esteem. That feeling of confidence, accomplishment, and respect from others can have a significant impact on self-esteem.
Ashwini and Brooke discuss this specifically in the context of what you do on a day to day basis. Whether that's work or something else, and how you go back to that after brain injury or not. Or otherwise, it might also be an opportunity to look at finding something else that you enjoy that has meaning for you.
Resources:
- Episode ten - The importance of esteem after a brain injury - Information Sheet
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 10: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In previous episodes, we've talked about how having a brain injury can impact the injured person, but it's also important to acknowledge the wider impact of brain injury, and particularly the effect on family and friends - the people around the injured person.
Resources:
- Episode nine - The impact on family and friends after a brain injury - Information Sheet
Helpful links:
- Headway: https://www.headway.org.uk/
- Brain Injury Group: https://www.braininjurygroup.co.uk/
- BASIC: https://www.basiccharity.org.uk/
- UKABIF: https://ukabif.org.uk/
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 9: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this day and age, it's easy to go online, look at what other people are posting, immediately compare yourself, and think about what you might be missing out on.
In this episode, we will be talking about not comparing yourself to other people. This topic ties back to one of our earlier episodes discussing socialising and the overwhelming feeling you need to fit in.
Resources:
- Episode eight - Comparing yourself to others - Information Sheet
For additional resources, and transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 8: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
Tune into episode 7, where we discuss the impact of a brain injury on socialising and different things you can do to make this easier.
Resources:
- Episode seven - Socialising after a brain injury - Information Sheet
Helpful links:
- Headway Brain Injury Identity Card - https://www.headway.org.uk/supporting-you/brain-injury-identity-card/
For additional resources, and transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 7: Resources and Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
Coming to terms with a brain injury can be particularly difficult, and in this episode, we look at how this can impact you and your recovery and how important it is to accept these changes and the help you may need.
Resources:
- Episode six - Coming to terms with a brain injury - Information Sheet
Helpful links:
- Denial after a brain injury – struggling to come to terms with my brain injury (blog by Brooke)
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 6: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
Listen to this episode where we discuss concentration and attention after a brain injury and how you can help improve this.
It is important to point out, of course, that brain injury affects people in different ways, and so when we're talking about cognitive function, there could be all sorts of impacts in relation to attention, memory, and concentration as we've mentioned, but also processing, understanding, communication, decision making, planning and organisation.
Resources:
- Episode five - Experiencing problems with concentration and attention after a brain injury. - Information Sheet
Helpful links:
- Headway - Cognitive effects of a brain injury
- NHS - Brain training app (recommended by the NHS)
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 5: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In a previous episode, we talked about the importance of routine, and we'll be talking about that again in the context of memory. We also spoke about Brooke's post-traumatic amnesia and how different people with brain injuries will experience symptoms differently. In this episode, we're going to touch on those issues again, which will focus on memory and hints and tips around memory issues following brain injury.
Resources:
- Episode four - Memory problems after a brain injury - Information Sheet
Helpful links:
- Different types of memory problems after a brain injury
- To do lists/organisational skills - https://todoist.com/
- Weekly Schedule - Download
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 4: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
Fatigue is a symptom many people experience after a brain injury. In this episode, we discuss the impact of fatigue and the importance of rest.
Resources:
- Episode Three - Dealing with fatigue and the importance of rest after a brain injury - Information Sheet
Helpful links:
- To do lists/organisational skills - https://todoist.com/
- Weekly Schedule - Download
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 3: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
In this episode, we'll be talking more about the journey of being in a hospital, how as an injured person, it felt like being in hospital and also tips for friends and family members who might have a loved one in hospital after a brain injury.
Resources:
- Episode Two - Journey in the hospital - Information Sheet
Helpful links:
- Journey after major trauma - https://www.gmccmt.org.uk/major-trauma/patient-journey/
- Visiting someone in the hospital - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/going-into-hospital/visiting-someone-in-hospital/
- Post-traumatic amnesia - https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/effects-of-brain-injury/post-traumatic-amnesia/
- Article on confabulation (by Michelle Munt) - https://www.cfglaw.co.uk/blog/why-a-brain-injury-can-cause-confabulation
- Headway information library - https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/information-library/
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 2: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
This is a series of podcasts based on the experiences of sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Brooke and Ashwini will be talking about specific experiences and providing advice to those who might be going through a similar thing. They'll also be looking at what support, help and advice are available to those who are suffering the effects of a brain injury. We'll be looking at the basic needs that someone has immediately after a brain injury and how we can progress them in their recovery.
In episode one, we share an introduction to the series and discuss the immediate aftermath of trauma and sustaining a brain injury, particularly Brooke's collision and his family's experience.
Resources:
- Episode One: The early days after brain injury - Information Sheet
Helpful links:
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Golden hour trauma Research
For a transcript, follow the link below:
- Episode 1: Transcript
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:
Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
Hello, and welcome to Brain Injury Bites, a series of bite-sized podcasts helping brain injury survivors.
This is a series of podcasts based around the experiences of sustaining a brain injury, and provides helpful hints and tips for injured people, their friends and family.
To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts: