COVID-19 Video Series: Distance-Learning and Traumatic Brain Injury
Cindy Pahr, M.Ed., CBIST, discusses the impact of distance learning on students with acquired brain injuries, their families, and their...
General Information
The coronavirus (COVID-19) poses unique challenges for individuals with brain injury, and the information you need is continually updated by a variety of sources. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) recommends that individuals take the following actions:
- Learn about brain injury and COVID-19. A few of our trusted medical partners have released information answering your questions about COVID-19 and brain injury. Read their articles below or click here to read BIAA’s easy reference guide.
- Q&A: Coronavirus Disease 2019 by Shepherd Center
- COVID-19: Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury by Craig Hospital
- How Does Coronavirus Affect the Brain? by John Hopkins Medicine
- Get information from reliable sources. BIAA’s centralized list of state resources includes information about COVID-19 and recommendations from local health departments in your state. You can also find accurate, timely, and practical information through the Administration for Community Living, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and Combat COVID by the Department of Health & Human Services.
- Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the medical leadership of BIAA wrote an open letter encouraging all individuals with brain injury to get vaccinated in order to avoid additional neuroinflammatory issues and keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe. Click here to read the full letter.
- Webinar: COVID-19 Vaccination for Individuals with TBI by BIAA
- COVID-19 Booster Shot Recommendations by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Try to adapt to the new normal. In addition to the COVID-19 Video Series below, we have gathered additional resources that may help you adjust to the new challenges you’re facing.
- Back to School Resources During COVID-19 by American Occupational Therapy Association
- Guidance on Returning to Work PDF by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Living with a Brain Injury During COVID-19 by De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
- COVID-19 Research and Long COVID
Staying Connected
To slow the spread of COVID-19 through U.S. communities, Americans have been encouraged to practice “social distancing” measures. It is important to know that social distancing does not mean social disconnection. The trick is to find ways to remain connected, even when we are physically separated. The BIAA recommends the following articles, videos, and resources that might help:
- Call us. Please contact the National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC), our toll-free helpline, at 1-800-444-6443. We are here to answer your questions and point you to resources in your state.
- Share your story. Every brain injury is different, yet there are lessons we can learn from the experiences of others. Visit the Personal Stories section of our website and tell your story.
- Follow us on social media. We post updates every day on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We’d love for you to join our online community and stay connected.
- Watch our COVID-19 video series. We’ve collaborated with our friends at various research facilities across the country to bring you videos that discuss what you can do about feelings of isolation in a time of social distancing. Scroll down for the latest videos in the series, or click here to see all videos.
COVID-19 Video Series: COVID-19 Risk Factors and TBI
Dr. Mark Ashley, Centre for Neuro Skills CEO and founder, shares expert insights on risk factors for people with brain...
Topics
COVID-19 Video Series: Brain Health and Substance Use During COVID-19
Dr. Jenny Bogner discusses ideas and advice for maximizing brain health while avoiding alcohol and drug use during the COVID-19...
COVID-19 Video Series: Integrating Mindfulness Into Daily Life as a Caregiver
Angelle Sander discusses integrating mindfulness into your everyday life as a caregiver of someone who has sustained a brain injury...
COVID-19 Video Series: Creating a Routine While You Are Stuck at Home
Kristen Dams-O'Connor, Ph.D., discusses ideas and advice for organizing your days in a time of social distancing.
COVID-19 Video Series: Emotional Impact of Social Distancing and COVID-19
Theo Tsaousides, Ph.D., discusses how to navigate new emotions you may be feeling as a result of social distancing and...
COVID-19 Video Series: Combating Social Isolation in a Time of Social Distancing
Kristen Dams-O'Connor, Ph.D., discusses how to combat social isolation in a time of social distancing.