How a brain injury made me smarter: Ann Zuccardy at TEDxPhoenixville

Ann Zuccardy offers candid, witty conversation about life's challenging moments and meeting them with creativity and humor. She provides insights gleaned from her personal struggle after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) changed her life.
A professional writer for nearly three decades, Ann writes for technical publications, social media, and corporate communications clients. Her work appears in Press Pause Moments: Essays about Life Transitions by Women Writers and in many magazines, newsletters, and blogs. She is writing a book about her TBI experience: "A Brain Rebooted: Creating New Pathways for Life and Business."
Ann shares her story about the trials and tribulations of reinventing her life after her injury and discovering hidden surprises about intelligence and creativity.
www.az-communications.com
TEDxPhoenixville, the first TEDx event in the Philadelphia region, celebrates the creative, innovative and inspiring work happening right here and all around the world. Our objective is to present thought-provoking ideas via an annual day-long event featuring compelling speakers and performers.
www.TEDxPhoenixville.com
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Video produced by Bob Sweeney (rlsvideo.com)
Camera Operators:
Bob Sweeney
Joel Rickenbach

[@beverlydhillpolmann776]

I recommend anyone with a TBI watch this

[@rosiewhitfield123]

It will be the best thing that they sure do. I now have more hope after watching this video. Such a discovery for me to find 💙💜

[@Green-zw9pv]

Rosie Whitfield // how bad was ur injury and how are u doing?

[@rosiewhitfield123]

@@Green-zw9pv Hi there. Thank you for asking me ☺☺ At first I was still sore from hitting my head, whiplash damage to my right arm and shoulder. Fast forward 12 years now I have depression, General Anxiety Disorder, Dysexecutive Syndrome and especially from a few other traumas and narcissistic exposure I must have C-PTSD. Sad really. Of late I can't sleep properly. I struggle to do some basic tasks that most people take for granted. I was at a patient recovery center for almost two weeks not so long ago. I fared off terribly 💔💔😭😭😭

[@sisterresister2532]

I cried so hard when I first watched this. That she was years post accident, and still struggling with all this. I am 18 months post TBI. Invisible disability. So alone. This video saves my life.

[@mikkeleblanc]

TBI: WHAT VIDEO ???

[@luizbattistel155]

This is exactly what I needed to watch after falling from my bike and banging my head against the asphalt. What an inspiring talk!!

[@nateo200]

I did the same in 2018. No bueno but I honestly feel like my critical thinking doubled! :O

[@ryle6183]

i'm extremely late to this vid and replying to your comment but, I received a tbi from a bike too but, it was a 600cc zx6r streetbike* that I crashed leaving work. I most definitely retrieved more damage and my tbh had me unable to walk for about a year and i'm currently back in my home country I was born in now .

[@mommabird2813]

We look fine so most people think we are faking, I wish they could live a day in a TBI persons life.

[@nettlescats3796]

Exactly. I have to wear an eye patch to see (severe diplopia) which is the very very least of my issues. But people say to me, "You know, there are lots of people who drive that only have one eye." Sheesh. That's all that they see, so they think that is my only problem, no matter how many times they hear the other medical issues, which are obviously too hard for them to understand..

[@AnnZuccardy]

So true. I still hear "well, you look and act fine" all the time. That doesn't mean I am fine. The lesson is that you never know what someone else is dealing with so it pays to be compassionate.

[@weobeyjesus4565]

That is the most frustrating part isn't it. My friends and family are scornful towards me because I do not work but I almost got myself and other killed multiple times and I just have low mental alertness and brain fog all the time so I just stay home and be hated. Better than having someone's death or injury on my conscience. I should retrain but I do not know where to start. It is worse for me because I took drugs in the past so there is an added stigma. Drugs, welfare, invisible unacknowledged brain injury.

[@lauragreen8307]

so true. I had a brain bleed in middle school and it still affects me two years ln high school and people think that I am being dramatic or lying yet I was in a coma for 2 days and have moved mountains and they still don't see it as the truth. Hope you're feeling better

[@Briandodd760]

Broken jaw is the worst pain ever

[@darcyandrews8182]

Very severe TBI survivor here. This video is great. Things do improve guys, stay strong.

[@joshuadobby8619]

Last year I went through 3 MBTI and a motorcycle accident in which I sent my self into a concrete slab head first at 100kph which was sever tbi, I was 21 when I was reborn due to my injury. Im currently going through the anger and depressed phaze of grieving myself. The past few months have been very low and very dark, Have you got any advice for overcoming this.

[@teeganmcpherson8690]

@@joshuadobby8619 how are you doing now?

[@graciegracie]

​@joshuadobby8619 sleep and rest well, eat food rich in citicoline, stay hydrated

[@lbjsweetp]

I just like you, only 7 years later. I've suffered such anger and depression over losing the original me. I hated myself and didn't understand why I survived the car crash with no visible trauma, till I went to communicate. I no longer was able to hold an intelligent conversation or impress anyone. But now, with the help of my wonderful husband, great therapist and good medication ,I know that I am meant to be an advocate. I was a nursing patient advocate before, I can change gears and speak for people like me who can't speak for themselves. I may need to rest, not be as eloquent , an get flustered but I will get our point across. And my time is now! Thanks for your guts to do your presentation I cried the whole way through, that's a good thing.

[@Heelykid101]

lori j you can contact me

[@Kutsushita_yukino]

Just my guess but i may have my temporal lobe damaged idk which sides but and it actually made me dumber u dont have to believe but yeah

[@mikkeleblanc]

WHAT MEDICATION ???

[@tiffanyd.flowersfuturefocu369]

I’m so here right now . I’m so heartbroken 💔 With myself

[@gialee6118]

Lori thank you for being you, smart and eloquent or not, you're making efforts to help others in spite of your own challenges and continue to better yourself. That alone, makes you a wonderful person. 🙏

[@paulasiddens6290]

I’m a little over 3 years post TBI. I’ve been told I should do TED talks by a few people who have seen me give presentations. Not necessarily about my TBI, but anything I feel passionate about. I feel passionate about educating people on TBI’s. I was a sergeant with the California Highway Patrol when my bike accident happened. Law enforcement personnel have a high resiliency. But, I, like you, feel my resiliency is innate. As well as my independence. I also appreciate your explanation of intelligence. There are many types of intelligence. Congrats on your recovery and your TED talk!

[@seanm7539]

Can I ask you something I’m 24 years old I also have a TBI And I’m kind of struggling with what to do with my life my TBI happened when I was A baby so I don’t really rember any of it But as I got older I started to realize that I learned differently than other kids I was awful at math and still Am to a certain degree but. That’s only because I’ve worked at it for a couple of years push myself to do it but I feel really trapped because trust me there are days where I don’t feel like doing anything because I get severely depressed

[@paulasiddens6290]

I wish I had all the answers to help you, Sean. I can only speak from my own experience. My TBI didn’t happen until I was 54 years old. This is what I’ve discovered on my journey. If you can afford to buy CBG, do so. From a refutable seller. It helps build brain neurons. It will also help with depression, inflammation and many other body/brain issues. Go to the Second and Seed website. Call them and explain all your issues. I used Lunadoil 1 tincture. Within a week, I noticed a positive difference. It won’t cure a TBI, but it may help you. Join TBI Facebook support groups to ask questions. The ones who can you give you the best advice are people like us. TBI Warriors! Stay strong brother!

[@cessilyschwa]

Along with you, I suffer from a brain injury where I use to feel smart and had a hard time dealing with. I thank you for your words are encouraging

[@YFZriderdude15]

She discovered and shared insight into why she was still smart, and she grew as a person because of it. It was apparent that she eventually learned to manage her symptoms and overcome the debilitating realization of her permanent condition. I suffered a TBI awhile ago, and I truly think I am a better person, emotionally speaking, because if it. Am I physically superior? No. Am I, in a certain way, smarter? Absolutely. That is not wishful thinking. I have managed to overcome the absolute hell that is TBI. I have developed and eventually found the discipline needed to implement the compensatory strategies necessary to still enjoy and get the most out of my life in my new reality."Creative adaptive mechanisms make us smart."We grow as people when we are confronted with new situations and succeed in adjusting to them, especially when they are very difficult to adjust to.This is what "creative adaptive mechanisms" are. This is what makes us smart. This is her new, uplifting insight.

[@jordangould1541]

Has anyone else had a TBI with the inability to express themselves through language the way they did before? Like even though it looks like my writing makes sense, I used to be much better at articulating thoughts into words. Does anyone else have the same problem?

[@timothybuth9781]

I'm with you, I speak sentences , i know the words, but I don't feel them

[@jordangould1541]

+C. Keiona Anderson praying for your healing, may God heal your mind to express language beautifully

[@YFZriderdude15]

I have this problem, but with speech. I actually can write just as well as I could before, but it simply takes me longer to find the words I'm looking for in my writing. However, because of this, having a sophisticated, in-depth conversation with someone about an even mildly complicated topic is incredibly taxing on my brain. All the words are there, but finding them has become more time-consuming and energy-consuming, so my conversation skills have gotten worse while my writing skills have essentially stayed the same.

[@jordangould1541]

+AKmotorider150 yeah I think loss of communication skills pisses me off more than anything else

[@YFZriderdude15]

Jordan Gould The key is to embrace it, and be happy. We can't change what's happened, so anger gets us nowhere. Anger is useful in certain situations in life; this is not one of them. Love, laugh, and live!

[@earFront]

It was good to hear her story, and be reminded that others suffer from a TBI situation too. I don't feel quite as alone with this TBI of mine. It's tragic anyone suffers from such stuff, but, we all know many people do. It's really how you deal with the rest of the life that you have to live, that makes it worthwhile or not. Be kind to yourself and it will go easier for you.

[@andregaspard7139]

earFront

[@andregaspard7139]

earFront

[@donnaedwards3515]

For once I feel like I'm not alone. Someone has expressed what my brain seems to keep me from doing well any longer. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@winnysneece694]

excellent message. I needed to hear this right now. This is true in my life after Mild tbi. Mild should never be said with TBI..

[@AnnZuccardy]

True! Mild is the wrong word to use!

[@juniorxxnho]

Yes. My TBI came in car crash form and my injuries pale in comparison to hers. I can jog and cross the street just fine. My decision making can be off though. I praise her story, courage, and strength.

[@Usernotfounddd748]

seriously!! The pain is absolutely no joke! Saying you got a migraine is just a norm now because it’s so constant

[@SusanFitzell]

I applaud your courage in doing a TedxTalk. I'm marveling at how you remembered everything you wanted to say even though you have short term memory issues. Your message is so important to so many. Looking at all the comments on this video it's clear your words resonated and made a difference for so many. You inspire me.

[@gryhnd3]

there is a prompter at the front of the stage...

[@shelleythomas2852]

Thank you for this it’s helped me a great deal. I had a brain injury neck and spinal injury from a head on crash!! I felt so much like she mentioned, it changed my life! I still struggle constant headaches seizures and neck pain! I just have to shut down so many days a month. But, I’m smarter in so many ways than before it’s taken me 10 years to be somewhat faster!! My 3rd eye is wide open and it was shut before! Even though my sight that I see with completely changed.

[@PINKConcussions]

2016 UPDATE: Complete brain rest is no longer recommended. People are allowed to text, watch TV etc if it does not make their symptoms worse. After a few days, gentle exercise like walking or stationary bikes is now recommended by many brain injury/concussion experts. Please seek out current advice based on updated research.

[@talkabouttbi]

True. 2021, and I was prescribed Beat Saber and Angry Birds on the Oculus. Of course, at home, I didn't stand on the wobbly cushion like I had to in therapy.

[@achaidez1547]

Im 22 and I fell on my head when i was 3 so i never knew what it was like to be normal. Never got treatment, in fact i found out about my condition when i was 18. Feelings of self hatred, loneliness, and despair can rule a person with tbi because of their symptoms and for plenty of reasons but if accepting that everyday is work and not a struggle life can get better.

[@donnaizzo9106]

How did you fall on your head?

[@patientzero5685]

Everyone falls on their head when they’re 3. It’s an even playing field there hon. You’re young though, you can beat these feelings you’re having.

[@InvinciblePepe]

My injury was moderate when I was a toddler. Apart from this injury, I also suffered multiple mild injuries in my childhood. I didn't lose consciousness right after any injury but I suffer many symptoms like brain fog, speech problems, mood swings, confusion, short term memory problems and sleep issues till date. Now I'm 19. Is there any hope for me to recover?

[@teeganmcpherson8690]

i honestly think so yes, maybe go to all those therapy’s they have available to help you with these symptoms, preferably cognitive and behavioral therapy. By the sounds of it, it seems like you struggle with stuff mentally. Brain fog is mostly caused by anxiety and depression. I’ve been struggling with anxiety here recently and i’ve found my memory has been slipping a bit. But I would definitely suggest that therapy I stated earlier.

[@Macksacco]

My son fainted and fell in a gym shower, badly damaging his brain. This help me understand some of his current struggles. Thank you for sharing.

[@TeriCodyHannah]

Check out the book the “ ghost in my brain” .. check out the mind eye institute in Chicago they helps those w TBI like me and others

[@lindaholden6400]

Thank you so much for sharing....it's a year after my accident. I too was told to go home and completely rest my brain, I too fell (with the help of a large donkey) but hit the back of my head full force on concrete, I too feel depressed because I prided myself on being smart. This was so helpful for me to hear because i often beat myself up as i only 'fell in my backyard". My whole life is changed.....but i try to look at the blessings every day....some days are a little hard but i wanted to say thank you...your sharing has made those things that plague me seem a little less bad because we are not alone. Thank you. And i'm so sorry for all you go though..i know exactly how you feel.

[@vincentbradley2056]

Thank you for expressing my life now four years after moderate TBI. I have learned to adapt to the needs of life. Most people don't have a clue what I go through to survive. Your description of stairs fits my adaption following a fall down 13 steps backwards with no injury because my balance sometimes doesn't exist.

[@sweetlyfree8911]

Thank you for sharing. I suffered a TBI front and back. Flooding occurs... you are describing what we all go through. Excepting is half the battle. I felt I lost my "smartness" I just had to find a new way of getting to it. unpluging your brain, I call those my shut down days. people would think I was lazy bc of it. I figured out on my own with out much knowledge like they have today how my life needed to be, for me to succeed. My TBI was in 1985. I have suffered several more since then... As I pick up the pieces I realize what a strong woman I was to achieve raising 3 children with a brain injury... on a roller coaster ride of meds that I shouldn't of been on. A seizure disorder and much more. I thank God every day, because it was he who gave me strength to keep going even on my "6 beer days"

[@AnnZuccardy]

Thank you for sharing your story, Lisa!

[@rosiewhitfield123]

Lisa, you truly are amazing ☺☺ My story is pretty similar to yours.

[@withasideofdoodles-326]

I'm that way with stairs. N remembering the days.

[@teresachang2209]

I applaud your courage for telling your story, your vulnerability, and your inspiration for so many others!

[@BessMcCarty]

Thank you Ann for sharing your beautiful Story! I don't know how you can remember and deliver a talk like this. I would have trouble even without an injury!

[@AnnZuccardy]

It's easy when it's your own story. I didn't have to memorize much. I just memorized the sequence of things I was going to say, associated them with body movements. `Didn't memorize the words verbatim so it wasn't hard. Thanks for watching!

[@prabzkaur4513]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. Really inspiring. I have suffered from two concussions as well and I am still figuring out my limits. Only thing I learnt was never to give up and treat myself like I want others to treat me. There would be people who would always think you are normal because you show them you are fine but only you know inside things that are changing for you. This video has helped me feel confident and stronger for fighting further with this injury

[@barbaralavoie2642]

Check out The Concussion Fix Dr Cameron Marshall

[@gotclicks]

2-beer or 6-beer, you're aces in this TED-x talk, Ann. Thanks for shedding some light on brain injury and how you've transformed challenges into triumphs.

[@penelopebarrow9323]

Love listening to your story

[@bainsk8]

My youtube search, "genius bang on head" brought me here. A head injury with bleeding on the brain in 4 places 14 months ago changed me for the better. I've obtained many new skills that I couldn't do before. It's nice to know others have experienced this.

[@theresamarie1379]

I so relate to this lady! I got kicked in the head by a horse in Oct 2018 and processing life ever since has been a challenge. So miss reading, going down stairs - scary and continued double vision and anxiety. Memory loss and emotional upheaval is the worst. Getting words out.... that's a struggle. More Zen like now though out of necessity - definitely learning to adapt.. Thank you for uploading this talk

[@belindaberry1176]

Thank you for sharing your story Ann. Our stories could be nearly identical. It was nice to hear. My neuro-psych testing says I too am less SMART, but I am creative, adaptive and resilient!

[@Cycoinvt]

Intriguing insights on how adaptive humans really are and intelligently presented! Great job! Thanks for sharing Ann.

[@teddiethompson4828]

I suffered from a severe concussion in December and am still getting over it in February although it may feel like your life is falling apart and you will never be the same person again you will eventually. No brain injury is the same so recovery time varies from person to person stay strong everyone

[@AnnZuccardy]

Teddie Thompson I’m so sorry! Are you getting good support?

[@arnoldschafernaker512]

Can a human brain repair itself after a mild TBI?

[@TheBushRanger.]

Update?

[@brennadegeer2485]

Thank you! This hit me right in the heart. Needed this. -Sending lovely cosmic hug!-

[@cherylbeaudoin1461]

I too have TBI and relate to most of what was said with some variations. God bless you and yours...

[@maggiburtt7720]

Thank you Ann. I am 8 mos post Mtbi. This is encouraging.

[@nishattanzim4774]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. So inspiring. You're so strong. May God bless your strength.

[@amandalynngibson8332]

Listening now in April 2023. I still really appreciate how she descibes taking each day as it comes. Some are "less bad" than others, but since my TBI in 2019, I have not had one day where I accomplished even close to half of one of my pre-TBI days. Today her cheerfulness is annoying me. Resilience I had- and still do. I still have good IQ. But it is like having a running engine in car with broken transmission, I can think smart, but I get nowhere. So Ms Zuccaro, I am happy you have husband. And you seem satisfied with "creative adaptive mechanism" as your new "smart". You seem to have adjusted to the limitations of life post TBI in this talk...but I wonder how you are now. Are you still so cheery?

[@TheBlackCat1337]

every year it gets harder and harder. not all of us have supports like she does/did.

[@amandalynngibson8332]

@@TheBlackCat1337 Lowering my expectations has helped. I savor basic daily activities of eating, washing and sleeping (still a lot time spent just laying down). But I need a shovel to lower my expections more. The pre TBI plans & hopes have changed. I do love watching good youtube and interacting. So. Thanks. 🌹

[@TheBlackCat1337]

@@amandalynngibson8332 The thing I find that brings me down daily is the expectations of strangers. And having to explain and retrigger ptsd every time I have to talk to someone. I guess I'm just expecting too much. On a good day I will go full throttle and set up appointments or get a part time job, then fail horribly and not even make a single appointment and spend weeks dealing with the crash. I'm starting to see when leaving comments on tbi/concussion/brain videos is that I have sever anxiety now that I need to start working on more. Thank you for the reply. I appreciate it immensely. I've been alone for almost 2 years since my injures stopped, so some type of communication is very helpful.

[@geniusofjoy]

I FINALLY just figured out I had a TBI in 2013 instead of a TIA...(stroke). Other illnesses and drugs made it impossible for me to understand why everything felt so wrong. Then had a mental “pop” and re read what has been written in my records all along. Things still feel completely overwhelming, but it’s nice to know I’m apparently still “smart” enough to know something was wrong. Thanks for encouraging me. 😇

[@rrdavitt]

Thank you Ann for sharing this with us Saturday night. It is a very powerful message. Hoping our paths cross again soon. Renee

[@xjungfreud]

This talk helped me so much the first time i heard it, and great to revisit. On point!!!

[@ColossalRay]

My boyfriend was in a major motorcycle accident during his race in Colorado 2 weeks ago. He's Scottish, so he's traveled a long way to a country with healthcare only the obscenely rich can afford and had to be taken off the hill by emergency helicopter. He was born with a Chiari skull malformation which aggravated the brain contusions he suffered. He's in so much pain and because I'm stuck here in Scotland 7hrs ahead of him I can't be there for him. It's going to be a good while before he can come back home to me. While he's recovering well he's getting tube fed from his neck and throat injuries making it damn near impossible to swallow and he struggles with mobility. He's projected to make a full recovery but fuck knows when. This video has been a comfort to me - I thought a lot of his dreams might have been squashed by this accident but now I'm a bit more hopeful for him. Hopefully he'll be fit enough to go back to uni in September.

[@galarbage]

meditation

[@YFZriderdude15]

Chell Ray If you're still in a relationship with this man, I applaud you. Brain injury changes people.

[@kevin-bg1pu]

Hope he's okay x

[@joshuadobby8619]

I hope your partner is doing well, If you two are still together. I too was airlifted due to sever TBI I accured whilst riding, This happened last year. I still love to ride but also fair it. Im not sure ill ever be back on a bike properly

[@ColossalRay]

@@joshuadobby8619 we're no longer together but he is doing well

[@francescadarien-hydellbma2958]

Acquired savantism was unexpected blessing from several TBI's - I now take more recuperation time, green walks, candle therapy, reading lots about technology, psychology, neuroscience, poetry, inspiration, laughter, music and art therapy. Writing poetry and commentaries on contemporary life and eschatology are some of the spiritual blessings it afforded me - don't quit, don't complain - seek to inspire! We are hard wired that way.

[@connietuccito8455]

Between the arteriovenous malformation, the radiation to treat it, and the fall that broke my neck seven years ago.. I too have been mourning the loss of my "smartness". Ann Zuccardy's TED talk helped me understand and appreciate the new me better. Even with my losses and all of the pain, I am still living and thriving! Thank you, Ann!

[@ying_1688]

I have a head injury but I'm still fighting to recover and go back to the old me. Her speech is wonderful yet I still don't want to be like her I want to be back in the game, my doctor also give me the positive words. He said I am going to be well again

[@AnnZuccardy]

yinghsuan chen I hope you’re continuing to heal!

[@TheBushRanger.]

How are you nowv

[@danielparente869]

Thank you Ann. Adapt, overcome, keep learning. I did not have a TBI. I have a rare disease called Guillian Barre Syndrome. I won't bore you about what it is, you can look it up :). I have days like you and I have had to adapt and overcome. I look at words and they seem jumbled. It was scary but I had to adapt and overcome. When I'm under extreme stress I have crazy out of body type episodes. But overall I am doing great because I have to remember to adapt and try to be the best I can be. Thanks

[@mlo6696]

Thanks for sharing your story. It is inspirational!

[@SharonODay]

Great perspective ... knocking down some myths we all carry forward.

[@xjungfreud]

Super helpful, thank you so much!

[@ValeskavanVliet]

Heroic story. I applaud your courage!

[@kathawrena]

Like Wow. Thank You! Brilliant, compassionate and informative for both TBI survivors, family and community. Kathawren

[@RobertBradford]

Really excellent talk - I'm glad I got to see it!

[@AlanZibluk]

She had excellent delivery.

[@debblackmore7460]

Bless sending all love headway Nottingham uk xx

[@BiChengYi]

Thank you!

[@MaximilianoMezaCRuz]

good info and quality.Thank You !!!

[@Usernotfounddd748]

Does anyone get judged for looking very normal while being seriously injured leave a like! My biggest pet peeve so far while being injured. It’s been 4 years now September 8 2017😢

[@sophiapapp7721]

This talk has helped me through many a tough day; thank you Ann Zuccardy for this enlightening and in-depth talk, it has truly permeated my own thoughts!

[@AnnZuccardy]

I'm so happy to read your message and that my message resonated with you.

[@jojodhaliwal8299]

Ann Zuccardy I got couple of months ago brain damaged. now im l became disbality person my all dreams shattered.

[@JennapherLawson]

Really fantastic, very similar to my own story, though my injury came through a hemorrhage. Well done.

[@laurenrosedobreny367]

So encouraging!

[@tomtbi]

I can relate.. Bad car wreck in 1997... Multiple injuries including a Traumatic Brain Injury... Post TBI I attempted and failed to become a Special Education Teacher,Car Salesman,and 911 Radio Dispatcher because of my TBI issues -( Lack of multitasking skills,repeating myself,memory issues,anxiety,depression,frustration etc)... I now work part time as a driver for a car dealership to make a little extra cash,receive SSDI-( Social Security Disability Income ),Food Stamps,Medicaid,Medicare and Section 8 for housing...

[@samratbasu1983]

Thank you.

[@darwyndehnke8217]

I completely agree, the words mild and traumatic brain injury do not go together, Doctors should change that... saying it's mild just dismisses how painful it is and how miserable the complications are. Maybe the word is used to act as a placebo effect to help someone think their brain injury isn't so bad. Anything that can last months, years or is permanent is not mild.

[@TerriNakamura]

I was just talking with someone about how bad events can turn out to be positive. In your case, I'm sorry you had to endure so many things because of your TBI, but the good thing is, you have converted a terrible event into something positive and encouraging for others.

[@ClimbingMyWayOut]

Awesome, Awesome, awesome! Brilliantly awesome. Loved it, love it, love it...!!! Couldn't be more true!

[@SavannahsSuite]

Resilience at its Zenith! Amazing story! Keep inspiring!❤️

[@noerknown]

Resilience is your ability to bounce back. It's such an important tool in life, where fairness doesn't really exist. Learn to roll with the punches, accept what is going on so you can either run with it or change it

[@acidwayne6928]

Its crazy, my brain injury happened when I was 11 and I almost feel sometimes like I grew with the brain injury and it shaped and molded my personality, I sometimes wonder if I was someone different before it happened, but I was so young I don't think personality had even formed yet really, I wonder if I could ever get disability because for the most part I think I'm normal but Im different from everyone else anyways so there's nothing to compare myself too, but it's caused problems in my life with keeping jobs and relationships

[@AnonymousAlien2099]

Hey there! I suffered a TBI when I was an infant too. Your story resembles me quite a lot. I've always been anti social, poor at keeping conversations, impulsive and anxious. I've recovered quite well and I hope you've too. Even a minor bump to my head worries me a lot now.

[@pacovandijkcarnicero9522]

While you’re still young recovery of the brain happens quite more quickly then if older! It can trouble development tho, but I’ve learned that you can really improve w/ certain therapies. I wouldn’t want you to think you’d fall under ‘disability’ in the future, even the most severe cases do improve. Almost died a little over a year ago due to a major TBI

[@GreekGe0rdie]

I had 5 consusions in my life and I'm 22.. I did MRI Brain, EDG and CT scans and all of them showed no problem. Neurologist told me I am fine. I feel weird though , can not express myself as I could , can not take decisions easily and have short term memory some times. Last consusion I had was from multiple hits on my head from some idiots that thought I was flirting ones girl.

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

my injury was 2002...the doctors i went to said I was fine and could drive when I couldn't see straight or control my arms and legs much....i had a similar fall where I fell and hit my head.....i was never told the term coup countercoup. I went from being able to skim through a 300 page book in a few hours and remember minute details. It took 8 years before I could get through a magazine article and remember the general idea....and so many more issues.....never got any medical help because the docs just treated me like I was faking. I have a dent in my skull from the point of impact.

[@JoZe23]

Intelligence is dynamic and there are different types of Intelligence. Spending time viewing things differently opens doors to insights is which helps one Crystalizes to navigate creatively.

[@antiquechris79]

Thank you ❤💪

[@MsNooneinparticular]

Oh man, sounds familiar. My symptoms hit right away: awful nausea and head pain with cartoon stars when I closed my eyes. A warm rush of... *something* in my ears and head. The drunk happy feeling that persisted for weeks. I'm now at Week 3 and feeling oddly happier and less anxious than I have since childhood. Body was bruised up like yours too. I'm dumber, clumsier and have visual issues but don't even care if it means my mental health stays at this improved level. My treatment-resistant OCD and depression are practically gone and others have noticed it too. Would love to know which parts of my brain I damaged because this is remarkable. I don't want it to improve. Thanks for sharing your story. I feel for anyone going through the negative side of head injury because I know my story is NOT typical.

[@themom0925]

Being smart isn't knowing the answer, but being able to find the answer.

[@MisterBinx]

I had to help train a woman with a brain injury she had in a car accident. She had lost her ability to remember things. I felt so bad for her. She could not remember all the steps. Some people really can't work with this kind of injury.

[@jimastovall]

I experienced a TBI in 2006 and actually was in a coma for two weeks afterwards. My sister, bless her heart, would not allow the harvesting of my organs when I arrived at the ED. I woke up two weeks later and had no idea that I was in a motorcycle accident and everything was normal, so I thought. I went through several jobs, after being fired or quiting on my on, my life hasn't been the same. I have a poor understanding of money yet I have a remarkably accurate sense of numbers, guessing age and weight of certain people. I can never tell when it will happen but when it does I make people wonder how I can do it. I've played the lottery a couple of times to no avail. Sometimes when someone is taking their blood sugar, I can even tell them what the sugar reading will be. I have been a RN for thirty years and I really enjoyed your talk. The brain is so misunderstood yet we are getting closer to understanding it. Peace

[@jacquelinehazel4811]

Useful if you want to learn about another's struggle and, to some small extent, the first steps into changing your approach to healing.

[@scottcollins9446]

Very good talk. I Broke my neck my back and ribs in skull in two places , 1 year ago tomorrow, I am very tired and my memory isn’t very good, and I’m taking more chances for the good, I just got an excellent job, and I’ve never really had one, and I can tell you everything I experience has been positive, (since getting healed up) anyway you ask how can you say that , well after a dirtbike accident seven months later I was racing again. And I was physically stronger than I was before I got hurt, but I have a softer heart and I’m a lot more positive, I’m just happy to have a second chance at life.

[@AnnZuccardy]

I am so happy you've turned this into a mostly positive experience. That kind of growth is called post traumatic growth and it will serve you well throughout life. You are so resilient and strong!

[@scottcollins9446]

Ann Zuccardy It just kind of happened, I took it as a new brain from God, I didn’t see this reply until now.Thanks, I looked you up, good information, I see that you teach people on the brain.

[@supershero4351]

I never really thought of myself as super smart......after my multiple TBIs......I realized I was. I've progressed in other ways to try to compensate. The "smart" feeling is something that eludes me daily. But, once in a while, I get to celebrate those precious seconds where I felt I was firing on all cylinders and I have this little party inside my brain......yeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwwwww!!!

[@joshuadobby8619]

I feel this so deeply, I shed a few tears. I also cheer inside when all my cylanders fire in synchronization

[@darrellw82]

Growing up, my head has been a magnet for objects hitting it. Baseball, metal pipe, 2x4, a leaf blower. Luckily, that all happened when I was younger and had lots of time to heal. Now I just walk around with a helmet on my head... Jk Sucks though. I was so much more open and friendly.

[@debblackmore7460]

Well done 2 us keep going thanks sharing I get it got t-shirt headway nottingham uk x

[@MrEnergyCzar]

Interesting video....thanks

[@RayT70]

Much love ❤🙏👍

[@juniorxxnho]

I need the courage to be like her. But I am like her but differently... I had TBI thrust upon me in a car crash in 2013. I was a police officer in this crash but now retired. Who'd have thought you could retire at 30 years? Thank you.

[@kdl1961]

OMG!! You defined it so accurately!! Thank you!!

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

I want to punch my doctor in the face! Two years I listened to her and for two years she insisted I did not have a brain injury. Her attitude was, if it is not on the MRI it does not exist. Today I can not work because I cannot coordinate things or organize what I am doing. I walk around dizzy all the time and nausea is persistent. Even typing is very difficult. I can type much better than I can speak. Just when I think I am doing better I hit the bottom again. This head injury is like hanging on the side of a building that is falling. If it was not for my two miniature wiener dogs I would be completely lost. My wife has been incredibly patient with me. I miss riding my Indian motorcycles and working under my hotrod. I am no longer Superman!

[@karenroth8930]

Hi. This is a very helpful talk. I also thought I was so smart before this post concussion Syndrome. It's a challenge all over. Getting the right treatment team, dealing with insurance coverage, dealing with people saying but you look ok and your speech is fluid so you must be fine, or "you went out for a walk,so are you better now?". So frustrating.i wish I could figure out how to explain and ask for help.

[@TeriCodyHannah]

Read the “ ghost in your brain “ check out mind-eye institute in Chicago they helped many with TBI

[@lucimessenger1337]

Currently trying to do a second degree with a TBI what I thought would be easy is proving challenging at best and new issues keep appearing simple things that are somehow impossible a complete lack of executive function skills and working memory and emotional responses

[@dianaalviso495]

With spatial issues, please read GHOST IN MY BRAIN by Clark Elliott PHD. Hope and excellent discriptors of life with a TBI

[@SuperLambo33]

Thank you for your story Ann. I wasn't told to rest my brain at all, as a matter of fact, I had a PlayStation 2 my parents brought in and was playing hockey all day in the rehab hospital, after my rehabilitation activities. I used to play football, and my body would over ride my mind, and I would be able to push myself beyond what I thought I could do. Not anymore, I have a fatigue that I cant seem to shake. It has been 7 and a half years since the wreck I was in, and I cant ever stop thinking. I can not find a "thinking" job without a degree, and I have terrible short term memory also, so I doubt I could get a degree. What is a piece of paper anyway if you know what you're talking about, right?

[@omarbinladen737]

No no no.. just no, a degree means a lot, and if you can't get one your life is over.

[@supershero4351]

Gaming has helped my TBI a lot. I've noticed progress. Zack, try a different type of video game other than hockey and see if it can challenge your brain, but not put too much of a burden on the thought process. Make sure it is something VERY "Fun"! Try something, that the game is not too long, so you can give your brain time to recharge. Personally, I chose COD Zombies! It's quite the ride! ;)

[@nishattanzim4774]

I have seen superheroes in movies and you are a real life superwomen who is surviving like a hero from this state You turned the tables.

[@stifledmind]

When I was in 7th grade I fell off a truck and hit my head on the pavement. My eardrum immediately burst and before anyone realized what was going on I was laying in a pool of my own blood. My friends ran to my front-door in a panic and were screaming for my mom to tell her, "her son is dead". I regained consciousness in the hospital that night, but I was blind and deaf. I only know of this moment because I was screaming "if anyone was there", "what's going on", "why is everything white", etc. Apparently they had to sedate me because they couldn't pacify me -- but I remember these events. Thankfully, I regained my vision and most of my hearing the next day. It took me a few weeks before I could walk without a walker and somewhat like Ann, it took me 6 months before I could confidently walk down a flight of stairs. Before this accident I was a "gifted" child. Years ahead of my peers. I could pay 5% attention and retain everything. 99.99 percentile on standardized tests. They wanted to advance me, but I had a twin sister I didn't want to leave behind. I was also severely depressed and suicidal. I had journals of my thoughts and the rabbit holes I would find myself trapped in worrying about hypotheticals. I saw specialists 2-3 times a week to no avail. But after my accident, I was happy. My depression had evaporated and my temperament/angry issues along with it. Now I'm still intelligent by most peoples benchmarks, but I'm a shadow of my former self -- and I'm better for it. Although it doesn't impact my day-to-day much, I still find myself grasping for something that isn't there. I can often arrive at the right answer without the ability to explain how or why. I also require more rest than most. If I want to be at my peak, I require about 10-12 hours of sleep. Still, in a messed up way, the accident was the best thing that ever happened to me.

[@420_Ed]

It made me look at things differently.

[@420_Ed]

KZbin won't let me post this comment; STOP THE CONTROL FELON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ! I am about HEALING earth and the ADVANCEMENT of HUMANITY. I am not about becoming rich ! I am creating gold to prove that THC restores brain injuries. The proceeds I will use to create a self charging generator that will run HYDRO drive with 0 carbon output. Then will focus on getting DC electricity from atmosphere ! ADVANCE HUMANITY I am the CREATORS 'healing' warrior. I came forwards with how GOLD and PLATINUM were created to 'prove' my brain injury is being restored with THC so earth can be restored by growing HEMP. How else could a 5.5 TBI patient do this ? Growing HEMP will restore the 'soil', will restore the 'atmosphere'. Will create BIO-DEGRADABLE plastics. RESTORE EARTH This is the only way I can get this message out; HEMP plastics is the future for earth. LET IT BE KNOWN; I wrecked my Harley not wearing my helmet that stopped my heart 3 times, crushed my chest breaking all my ribs multiple times puncturing both lungs, put me into an 87 day coma waking with a 5.5 brain injury requiring relearning life. Once returning home I tried having my doctor do an MRI of my brain to compare to my wreck. He refused telling me that BIG PHARMA will financially destroy any doctor that proves THC restores brain injuries. This upset me so much that I taught myself MOLECULAR SCIENCE and went to the gold shop in KALISPELL MONTANA showing JB how copper transitioned into gold. This got me kicked out and he told 'city council' that I am making FOOLS GOLD from copper pass tests Boiling water proves that 'heat' excites MOLECULES allowing ATOMS to escape. This is how copper transitions into GOLD and nickel into PLATINUM. Earth must be restored by growing HEMP world wide. ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM Copper is 179 atoms and melts at around 1400F to 1800F.. You must bring it to a 'boil' that will be at 3500F but the 'oxygen' atom must never make contact or will explode burning on contact. In 72 hours 100 atoms will boil out and melted BORAX will absorb them leaving 79 atoms that is GOLD.

[@JorgeLopez-ct2ur]

I have a brain injury and I'm sorry but it doesn't make you smarter, it makes you miserable and there is absolutely no solution or cure for it... It destroys your life...

[@kayawittenburg4169]

very nice

[@diegoambrosio9903]

Curiosity is the new smart, then. I like it!

[@DefenseFirstAndLast]

Man that was great ,a lot of benefit from Shots little topics

[@Thobanatif]

I had a TRAUMA to my head 2022 Dec 18th ... Went boxing with my friends and got hits in the back of my head multiple times. Neruologist only gave me some nutritional sups for brain and said I'm fine even tho I told him my vision impairment . And dizziness . It's been 3 weeks and I'm still dizzy don't know if it my spine, eyes, neck, ear causing this feeling but ... I try not to think about it so my mental health stays GOOD .... I wish I get proper treatment and diagnoses for this and I recover .... 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ggoohhnnjjaalltt]

"She seems fine, it's all in her head" - Neuronormie person

[@matl1483]

Passed out due to the heat I guess, hitting my head back first on a brick wall and after on the concrete floor the second time. Woke up in the hospital ER after an hour. Even that I could leave later that day, I felt I suddenly aged by least twenty years. Problems to walk, arm, neck and head pain, difficult to remember things, ballance problems..... Now after a month I regained most of my functions, but lost some confidence. Always wondering if this can happen again. Sudden movements still make me dizzy, uneven grounds make me easily trip and I have to be very careful not to fall. Difficult to concentrate for longer time. Even with all the difficulties, there are two things that I am thankful for. First) I used to multitask and rushing all the time. Now it is not possible for me doing anything in a rush or there is no possibly of multitasking. Finally I take it slower in my life Second) It made me much more thankful and appreciating. It is good to remember "noone is promising you a tomorrow" & "live every day as it is your first and your last"

[@drgonzothe4th]

I don't know about smarter but defiantly differnt. Speaking about my self. I had to be air lifted as a kid. The Dr's didn't think I would recover the way I did

[@HenryStradford]

Ann Zuccardy Sorry it took a blow to the head for you to wake up!

[@raedawn7991]

anne welcomex sorry this happened i'm a tbi too mine was similar except massive brain injury bleeding subdural mine was worse love you; im intelligent still ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@dfcvda]

i was a nurse quite smart then run over TBI happened now 3 years on I have a different day every day sometimes polar opposite, subdural hematomas , sub arachnoid hemerage frontal lobe epilepsy, some days I want to curl up and not wake some days I want to be a Doctor but I cant read anymore