Brain Injury at Every Age

While some health conditions are more common within a specific age bracket, brain injuries can happen to anyone – children and teens, young adults in college, middle-aged parents, or the elderly. Meet just a few of the resilient patients who sustained brain injuries at different points in their lives.

Sabrina Schiermeyer

Age at Time of Injury: 10

Injury: Medulloblastoma (cancerous brain tumor)

Sabrina’s Journey: In fourth grade, Sabrina suffered from headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and the school nurse would call her mother every week. After several tests, Sabrina was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in the cerebellum at the age of 10. Sabrina underwent two brain surgeries and extensive chemotherapy and radiation.

After her brain surgeries, Sabrina suffered left-side paralysis on her face, arm, hand, and leg. Through intensive physical therapy and cognitive rehabilitation, Sabrina relearned how to walk, returned to her studies, and strengthened the left side of her body.

Sabrina went on to graduate from high school along with her peers, obtained an associate degree in social work, and has a full-time job. Now 20 years out from her initial diagnosis, Sabrina recently took a solo cruise in celebration of her 30th birthday, as well as commemorating her life of independence after the obstacles she faced as a result of her illness and brain injury.

Emily Silver Owen

Age at Time of Injury: 22

Injury: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Emily’s Journey: Emily was in her last semester of college when she was hit by a drunk driver during an evening walk with her dog, Teddy. Teddy tragically passed away, and Emily, who fell into a near-coma, was rushed to the hospital. She had sustained multiple hematomas and a diffuse axonal injury, a severe type of TBI. Emily was confined to a wheelchair, had limited mobility in her right arm, and cognitive deficits that impacted her memory and reading abilities.

One week into her post-acute therapy, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the clinic where Emily had been admitted to a day treatment program. Undeterred, Emily participated in telerehabilitation during the pandemic, using tools and equipment within her household to regain her strength and independence. She began documenting her recovery journey as well, first by speaking aloud, then by writing and typing as she regained her dexterity.

Within six months, Emily was able to walk independently, strengthened her right hand, and saw her cognition improve. Two years later, Emily was able to move into her own apartment.

Emily is now a published author. Her debut book, “The Best of the Worst: My True Story of Surviving and Thriving After a Traumatic Brain Injury,” chronicles her experience surviving and navigating life with TBI. Emily still lives independently and hopes to spread awareness to other young TBI survivors, and is working on her second book.

Andrew Davie

Age at Time of Injury: 40

Injury: Ruptured brain aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage

Andrew’s Journey: On June 23, 2018, Andrew turned 40 years old. He had just finished the school year teaching high school English and writing for students with ADHD and learning differences in Alexandria, Va. The following week, he was on his way to visit his parents in South Carolina. But as he was on the jetway waiting to board the plane, Andrew sustained a ruptured brain aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

It took three years of recovery and various therapies before Andrew felt comfortable acclimating to his “new normal.” Although he continued to have some minor physical limitations, he did not have any lingering cognitive deficits and wanted to return to work. However, teaching no longer felt fulfilling.

Andrew decided to attend graduate school and went on to become a clinical mental health counselor, with a goal of helping others navigate brain injury recovery.

Carol Meyer

Age at Time of Injury: 73

Injury: Stroke

Carol’s Journey: Following a successful career in corporate business, consulting, and accounting, Carol Meyer had retired and was preparing to travel internationally with her husband. But when she began to notice irregular sleep patterns on her Fitbit tracker, she made an appointment with her doctor. She was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia – a major risk factor for stroke. Carol underwent a successful cardio ablation procedure to address her heart arrhythmia, but suffered a stroke soon after.

The stroke severely impacted Carol’s speech, leaving her with expressive aphasia, a language impairment that affects speech and cognitive processing. She also had right hemiplegia, or weakness on one side of the body.

Carol worked closely with physical therapists and speech therapists five days a week, determined to regain her speaking ability and to be able to attend her granddaughter’s wedding in England.

Carol is now able to express her needs verbally, continues to improve her speech abilities, and has resumed her travels with her husband. And yes – she made it to her granddaughter’s wedding.