tbi – Here for Life

Gratitude for the smallest things

March 20, 2023

Linda Johnson had never been a patient at Hennepin Healthcare until an accident made the Level I Trauma Center the perfect place at an unfortunate time. Linda was picking up her two grandsons from school in mid-November 2022. While standing at the top of a set of stairs, she turned to watch the boys run down a ramp. Not realizing she was at the top, Linda walked forward and fell down eight or nine cement steps.

“I was completely unaware of what was happening for the next couple of days,” Linda said.

Luckily, her daughter, Catherine Justice, is a physical therapist for Hennepin Healthcare. (more…)

Skull fracture causes frightening TBI — but nothing scary about seamless care

May 19, 20211

As a nurse at a local hospital, Jeanne Leach has worked with families caring for loved ones with a health emergency. On a Friday night in October, while leaving their daughter’s house, her husband, Jim, walked down the front steps, tripped over a pumpkin, and fell and hit the corner of a step and was knocked unconscious.

“He lost his footing and struck his head so hard that he was bleeding through every orifice in his head,” she recalls. “There was blood everywhere. It was awful.” (more…)

Life-saving ECMO after brain injury

July 27, 2020

Brandon during his hospitalization at HCMC.

Flying airplanes at heights some people can’t fathom came naturally to Brandon Johnson, but it was a fall from a golf cart that landed the fearless 34-year-old pilot and flight instructor in the hospital – fighting for his life – with a life-changing head injury.

On April 27, 2019 his parents, Mary and Paul, were awakened by police at their home in Ramsey with news every parent dreads.

“They told us Brandon was taken to the hospital after an accident,” said Paul. “We immediately drove to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. That drive seemed like it took forever – like everything was going in slow motion.” (more…)

World Delirium Awareness Day is March 11, but what exactly is delirium?

March 10, 2020

Delirium is a rapid change in brain function which affects the ability to focus attention. Often confused with dementia, delirium can fluctuate over the course of a day with periods of clarity followed by increased confusion. It is caused by many issues that patients can experience while hospitalized. Those most at risk for developing delirium are:

Critically-ill patients (in the ICU)
Older adults greater than 70 years of age
Patients post-surgery
Those with previous cognitive impairment/dementia, multiple medical conditions, sensory impairment, or immobility while hospitalized

However, more than 60% of patients with delirium are not recognized by health care systems. Hypoactive delirium (appearing to be sedated) is difficult to diagnose, and more consistently care providers think a patient is just sleepy or depressed. Hyperactive delirium (appearing aggressive or restless) is more recognizable but can be misdiagnosed as dementia. But how can delirium be prevented? Read on to learn more about this often misunderstood condition as part of World Delirium Awareness Day. (more…)

TBI and heart attack survivor: “I’m blessed”

January 8, 2020

Back in 2013 when he was asked to build a giant heart for a Cassadee Pope music video, Ricky Price never imagined that six years later his own heart would require a bit of reconstruction.

“I had a heart attack and four stents placed in November,” the Nashville native explained during a recent visit to Hennepin Healthcare’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, where a brief anatomy class is part of each patient’s rehab. (more…)

In honor of brain injury awareness month – what to look for when you hit your head

March 21, 2019

If you’ve had a fall, a car accident, or been involved in any other event where you hit your head or could have, it’s important for you to know the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some symptoms are present right away, but others can develop over days. Following is a list of common symptoms of a mild TBI, also known as a concussion. (more…)

Local writer thanks and apologizes to neurosurgery team and ICU nurses

June 26, 20182

“Dear neurosurgery team and ICU nurses@ Hennepin Healthcare,

I was hospitalized September 20, 2017 after suffering from a subarachnoid ruptured aneurysm and stroke. I spent two weeks in the ICU.

I really can’t thank all of you enough! I wish I knew each of your names! I know that my personality in the ICU was challenging and at times extremely rude. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the excellent care you provided…. and for putting up with me! Haha

I have continued to thrive and build my strength pretty much back to normal. However as TBI survivors we are altered for life and never unscathed…. I hope you enjoy my story!” (more…)

Recognizing Brain Injury

March 23, 2018

Guest Blogger: Kary Briner, Hennepin Healthcare Traumatic Brain Injury Center Coordinator

March… Longer days, warmer weather, a hint of spring in the air, and of course, Brain Injury Awareness Month. We at Hennepin Healthcare’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center invite you to take a moment to think about traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its impact on people. Listed below are ideas on how you can learn more about the injury, how they are treated, prevented and, most importantly, recognize those who are affected.

1) Know the numbers. Traumatic brain injuries affect millions of Americans every year. 2.8 million per year by some counts [i]. In addition, TBI contributes to roughly 30% of all deaths due to injuries[ii]. There are currently over 100,000 Minnesotans living with a disability due to brain injury[iii]. While the cost for care and loss of productivity of these injuries is high; the personal and emotional toll to those who are injured and their families is immeasurable.

2) Prevent. Prevention means a lot more than wearing a helmet or avoiding the football field. It does make a difference and it doesn’t always have to be complicated. There are many minor changes that each of us can take every day to make ourselves, our loved ones, or even a complete stranger safer. Making sure to never drive distracted or under the influence, taking care not to drive at speeds in excess of what is safe for the weather or road conditions. Ensuring yourself and everyone in the car is properly restrained, every time. Taking extra caution and time while walking on icy sidewalks, and helping others do the same. Wearing a helmet when doing any activity that involves moving faster than your two legs can carry you. And overall, taking an extra moment to think about safety in activities that many do every day.

3) Learn. If you work with individuals with brain injuries, take a few minutes this month to increase your knowledge on the subject. Watch a webinar, attend a conference or seminar, read a journal article, or seek out a colleague with knowledge on the topic. Or check out resources online; such as the Brain Trauma Foundation, the CDC, or our own website. Our very own Brain Injury Research Lab also has incredibly exciting, cutting edge research.

4) Get involved. This one might be a bit of a stretch for most, and that’s OK. But some of you might decide to do more. Volunteer your time, donate money or resources, or lend your support. There are other options as well, including our friends at the MN Brain Injury Alliance, who do amazing work every day to support individuals who live with this injury.

5) Honor. Contemplate, just for a moment, what it would be like to live with a brain injury. Think about how you would feel if your life, or that or someone you love, changed in an instant. What if you were unable to do your job? If your relationships with your friends and family were altered, or if you were unable to do the things that you love, even for just a few weeks? Brain injuries, even those classified as mild, can and do change lives in an instant. Ultimately, all of the new exciting developments and our desire to do more while doing better, are driven by our continued effort to honor those affected by this injury affected.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how you could get involved, please reach out. By phone: 612-873-3284; e-mail: Kary.Briner@hcmed.org; or go to our website. Your brain, or someone else’s, will thank you.

Kary Lehman Briner, LICSW
Traumatic Brain Injury Center Coordinator
Hennepin Healthcare

[i] Data from the CDC.

[ii] Data from the CDC.

[iii] Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance