Brain Injury at Every Age

By Kylie Chang, Media Coordinator, Centre for Neuro Skills

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. The Centre for Neuro Skills, a network of neurorehabilitation clinics in California and Texas, has treated brain injury patients of all ages since its founding in 1980. Meet just a few of the resilient CNS patients who sustained brain injuries at different points in their lives.

Sabrina Schiermeyer

Age at time of injury: 10

Injury: Medulloblastoma (cancerous brain tumor)

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 leftside 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 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.

Nicole Paredes

Age at time of injury: 31

Injury: Stroke

When Nicole was seven months pregnant with her third child, she started having chest pains. She was rushed to the emergency room, where it was discovered that she had experienced a stroke as a result of pre-eclampsia, a condition that can develop during pregnancy and causes high blood pressure and organ damage.

Due to her stroke, Nicole had to deliver her child prematurely. The stroke left Nicole unable to walk, speak, use her right arm, or care for her daughter in the first couple of months of her life.

Nicole worked closely with therapists to practice caring for her new baby. She relearned how to walk and care for herself while simultaneously relearning how to change diapers, dress, and carry a baby.

Seven years after her stroke, Nicole homeschools her three children and is able to manage all household chores on her own. After beginning her recovery with the use of a wheelchair, Nicole now walks comfortably with an ankle-foot orthosis. She has regained her confidence and proudly helps her children with their schoolwork.

Dr. Michael (Mike) Petersen

Age at time of injury: 54

Injury: Stroke

Dr. Petersen, a father of three with over 20 years of health industry experience, was living an active lifestyle, attending workout classes three times a week and working full-time as a chief medical officer. But one day, his son found him lying on the floor of his bedroom with a headache. Dr. Petersen had suffered a stroke and was rushed to the hospital for an emergency craniotomy.

The stroke left Dr. Petersen in a wheelchair with limited mobility in his right hand and leg, along with cognitive deficits and double vision issues. Through daily therapy, Dr. Petersen was able to correct his vision, relearn how to walk without any assistive devices, and relearn how to multitask through work simulation drills.

One of Dr. Petersen’s biggest goals was returning to work – a goal he accomplished just eight months after his stroke. He has resumed his work duties with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment, and enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and children.

Carol Meyer

Age at time of injury: 73

Injury: Stroke

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 the 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.

The Brain Injury Association of America’s awareness campaign, My Brain Injury Journey, highlights the unique experiences and stories of people living with brain injury. You can share your story with us here.