Traumatic brain injury is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. The impact on a person and his or her family can be devastating. TBI, or the oversimplified term “head injury,” occurs when some form of
Traumatic brain injury is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. The impact on a person and his or her family can be devastating. TBI, or the oversimplified term “head injury,” occurs when some form of trauma causes brain damage. Another sub-set also includes brain damage for anoxia, stroke, brain tumors, as well as traumatic injuries from accidents.
The one theme that repeats itself when speaking with individuals who have suffered a head injury is the sense of isolation and depression.
Sharon Pancho and Val Coyaso are leading the charge in the development of a new support group for people with stroke and traumatic brain injury, with the assistance of family on the Westside.
The first meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday at Ohana Sports Medicine in Port Allen at 4353 Waialo Road 9B — behind Kaua‘i Chocolate Factory.
The primary focus will be developing a support group which meets the unique needs of Kaua‘i. Emerging ideas for the group are: Education, not only for TBI survivors and families but the public at large; development of a network of peer contacts on Kaua‘i to support individuals who recently acquired any form of head injury, and social activities and outings of interest to participants.
This is a brand new group and all are welcome. For more information, please contact Sharon Pancho at 639-1571 or Suzie Woolway at 652-0267 or visit ohanasportsmedicine.com.
