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North Dakota Brain Injury Network

  1. NDBIN
  2. Brain Injury In North Dakota
  3. Life After Brain Injury

Life After Brain Injury

Just as no two brains are alike, no two brain injuries are the same, either. As a result, each person living with a brain injury is affected in a different way.

North Dakota Brain Injury Network (NDBIN) has adopted a screening protocol and symptom inventory with the help of Mindsource. Survivors can contact NDBIN to get their personal symptom inventory set up with our staff.

Following completion of a symptom inventory, survivors are provided with tip sheets that match the brain injury symptoms they are experiencing.

Brain Injury Tip Sheets

There are two types of tip sheets: for survivors, and for professionals.

The tip sheets for survivors describe symptoms and provide accommodations for areas based on the symptom inventory, as well as some areas that all survivors seem to struggle with. Video recordings will be uploaded to match the tip sheets as they become available.

The tip sheets for professionals are intended for the survivor to share with professionals they work with, and family and friends.

Prioritizing Brain Health

There is no cure for brain injury. However, there are daily activities that can impact your recovery. Your brain and body are a team. They help each other heal. When you care for your body, you're helping your brain too. Here are some ways to prioritize your brain health.

  • Physical Exercise
    Engage in 30 minutes of daily regular cardiovascular exercise to increase blood flow to the brain. Exercises with friends and family are great ways to add social support to your routine.
  • Healthy Diet
    Fuel your brain with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Consider the Mediterranean diet, known for its brain-healthy properties. A Mediterranean diet consists of fruits and vegetables, legumes and nuts, olives and olive oil, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon), very little red meat, and avoiding ultra-processed foods.
  • Sleep
    Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to allow your brain and body to repair and recover. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment. See a doctor or sleep specialist if you're having trouble sleeping. Seek evaluation for sleep apnea if you snore or gasp for air throughout the night.
  • Omega-3 Supplementation
    Providing omega-3 (fish-oil) helps provide the nutritional foundation for brain health. Search "Omega-3 Protocol Brain Health" or talk to your doctor for more information.
  • Exercise Your Brain
    Just like your body needs physical exercise, your brain needs mental exercise. Engaging the brain every day helps it stay active. The brain loves new activities. Try challenging your mind with activities such as chess, a hobby that involves thinking and problem-solving (building new furniture), crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or card/board games.
  • Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking/Drugs
    Drugs and alcohol can have a negative effect on the injured brain and can limit the ability to recover and get better. Drugs and alcohol impair judgement and can make emotional problems harder to manage.
  • Manage Stress
    Practice stress-reducing activities like mindfulness or meditation. Try "box breathing" or "4-7-8 breathing." Sun exposure, music, and nature walks are also great tools for mood stabilization.
  • Stay Socially Active
    Maintain social connections and engage in conversations and activities with others.
  • Protect Your Head
    Avoid dangerous activities and always wear a helmet when warranted.