Brain injury advocates are making a difference and giving a voice to many survivors who remain hopeful for further recuperation and healing.  Every year millions of people throughout the world become affected by some form of traumatic brain injury.  Finding the right health resources to rehabilitate and heal can leave some patients, their families, or caregivers in the position of becoming advocates for themselves.

Patients with mild to moderate concussions may not know where to begin when multiple post-traumatic brain injury symptoms arise.  Symptoms from other brain injury health conditions such as PTSD, NED, and Vagus Nerve dysfunction can intermingle alongside the all-encompassing post-concussion syndrome. Adding in the high possibility of visual, vestibular, and sensory problems may leave patients facing a confusing medical storm that much of our conventional health system may find challenging to sort through and diagnose.

Within the past ten years, the topic of concussion is, fortunately, becoming more widespread.  Brain injury advocates like Brandon Kidney and Lauren Migliaccio share their challenges of living with an “invisible injury” as they step into the spotlight on the TEDx stage.  Their enlightening stage presence incorporates humor while revealing the details in front of an enormous audience of what it is like living with a brain injury, how to learn to advocate for yourself, ask for your needs and overcome common misunderstandings.  Other survivors have become leading advocates for brain health and healing, launching public education campaigns while uniting with many of the doctors and health professionals who helped them to recover.  Much of this advocacy is by way of the internet through their websites, social media, podcasts, and online seminars.

Behind a purpose is passion and often a story of hardship, strength, and triumph beyond what many can’t begin to imagine.   Cavin Balaster, the author of How to Feed a Brain, blogger, public speaker, coach, and Adventures in Brain Injury podcast host, survived a severe traumatic brain injury in 2011.  After enduring a terrifying fall from two stories high, which resulted in a 12-day coma, and receiving a less than 10% chance of living, Cavin’s journey of recovery through major obstacles is extraordinary!

His advocacy is widespread, focusing on the importance of proper nutrition for the brain. From the early stages of hospitalization, through his entire rehabilitation process spanning from conventional methods through to functional health practitioners, and neuro-optometrists, he videotaped and blogged throughout his recovery process.  He continued to reach new heights in healing, breaking through the barriers of all odds against him.  He shares about the positive changes he experienced within his brain as he continued to eat healing foods that repair and restore brain health. Cavin’s energy is contagious, and his mission is encouraging as he helps others by sharing his personal experiences, inspiring many to improve their lives.

From a single severe traumatic brain injury to multiple impact syndrome, or milder forms of concussions, every patient is different; however, similarities can span across a broad range of circumstances.  Survivors who advocate for themselves, listen to others who have walked a similar path and take note of the valuable resources of information, healing can reach beyond plateaus for many who persevere.  At Hope After Brain Injury, we are grateful for the advocacy from many survivors who share their journey of recovery while positively making a difference in the lives of patients throughout the world every day.