Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIID) Youtube Playlist: A helpful collection of videos outlining information about TBI in those with developmental disabilities including information such as how to recognize concussion symptoms for people who communicate without words.
Concussions Are Treatable: In fact, treatment may help you get better FASTER. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you have had a concussion. They may ask you some questions and do simple tests. All concussions are different. Depending on your symptoms, they may treat you in their office. To learn more, explore this resource.
Age Specific Patient Educational Tools:
Brain Injury in Young Children: Refer to this tool to learn more about the signs and symptoms and the effects of multiple brain injuries for children under age five. English and in Spanish.
Older Child's Signs & Symptoms: Refer to this tool to learn more about health problems, behavior changes, thinking difficulties, and communication changes associated with concussions, as well as when to reconsult a doctor. English and in Español.
Adult Signs & Symptoms Tool: English and in Español.
Recognizing Concussion in People Who Communicate Without Words: English and in Español. Combined English and Spanish PDF.
When Concussion Symptoms Are Not Going Away:
Signs, symptoms and danger signs, plus what to look for over time and where/how to seek help for symptoms that aren't going away. Contact us for more information: tbi@tndisability.org
For Parents of Children Five and Under. English and in Español.
For Parents of School-Aged Children. English and in Español.
For Adults. English and in Español
Nurse's Concussion Screening Checklist: Adapted by Brain Links with permission from the CDC.
The 5 Types of Concussion and 2 Modifying Factors Infographic was created to reflect the update to the model by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center based on extensive research previously developed by them and others. Word Document File.
Things to Watch For Over Time: This sheet will help you learn what symptoms to keep an eye out for after a concussion.
A Guide To Possible Changes After Brain Injury: For School-Aged Children & Adults: By design, the Guide is best when distributed by rehabilitation personnel in inpatient and outpatient therapy programs and by medical personnel in trauma units, pediatrician’s offices, family practices, neurology offices, surgical offices, and other specialty offices. It is meant to be given to anyone who has sustained a diagnosed brain injury, as well as anyone who sustained a significant trauma where they may experience brain injury symptoms and downstream consequences; even if they do not show early symptoms or early symptoms seem to have cleared. English and in Español.
Symptom Tracker: Track Symptoms, pain level changes, what provokes and what helps. Good information to take back to the healthcare provider.
Brainstorming Solutions Tool: Helpful template for gathering information on person's skills and challenges to facilitate development of solutions. Great for direct service providers, students and new hires.
Strategies & Accommodations Tool: Use the Brainstorming Solutions Tool (BST) first, to help you figure out the person’s strengths and weaknesses. Then use this tool (SAT) to check off the strategies that might be helpful for each area you identify on the BST. When possible, complete this form with the person served and discuss the strategies with them. Ask the person if there are other strategies or ways of communicating with them that might be helpful.
Evidence-based Concussion Management Protocol 2023. Recommendation: 2 Visit Minimum.
A tool to guide screening, patient education, referral and ongoing monitoring. Outcomes are better if educational materials are given at the first visit.
*Use the Protocol with the TBI Toolkit for Health Care Providers.
*Explore this YouTube Video to learn more about the Protocol and resources.
Material Rationale ~~~ Research Support
Returning to a Program After a Concussion Letter: This letter offers input from a healthcare provider with experience in treating concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury. This letter helps program providers and their caregivers support people returning to an adult program after a concussion. Use these recommendations to make decisions about support based on his or her specific needs. Most people will only need short-term support as they recover from a concussion.
Personal Guide for Everyday Living: A tool to help people with TBI (especially mild TBI) better understand what conditions make things harder and what the person can do about it. Best if used as part of a conversation with the clinician. English and in Español.
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury: Information For Families: is a compilation of four brief, helpful video clips and several state and national websites. This resource can be viewed by families while at the hospital or anyone needing to better understand this injury and where to learn more. These videos are also captioned.
English: https://youtu.be/xspCFq3MWZo
Español: https://youtu.be/wxbpHtK0byw
TN TBI Services Directory & Resource Information Guide: The Tennessee Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury Service Directory and Resource Information Guide was designed to assist in locating programs, organizations, agencies, and services available across the state of Tennessee and the nation.
Brain Health: How to Have a Healthy Brain Throughout Life: By design provides research-based tips for creating a healthy brain, regardless of age. This guide was originally developed to help people with brain injuries recover to the fullest extent possible and to help them prevent or minimize potential negative changes as they age. However, it was quickly realized that the information in Brain Health is beneficial for everyone. English and in Español.
Brain Links YouTube Playlist on Brain Health
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Podcasts keep listeners informed about discoveries and best practices that are opening doors and transforming lives for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center works with and for people with disabilities and their family members, service providers, advocates, researchers, and policy makers. We are among only a few centers nationwide to include a UCEDD, IDDRC, and LEND, and also host TRIAD. Visit our website at vkc.vumc.org. Contact us: kc@vumc.org or (866) 936-8852. Between issues of Notables, you can stay up to date on the latest news, information, and resources via the VKC Facebook page.