About Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Though not always visible and sometimes seemingly minor, brain injury is complex. It can cause physical, cognitive, social, and vocational changes that can affect an individual for a short period of time or permanently. Depending on the extent and location of the brain injury, symptoms can vary widely. Some common results are seizures, loss of balance or coordination, difficulty with speech, limited concentration, memory loss, and loss of organizational and reasoning skills.

A traditional intelligence test is not an accurate assessment of cognitive recovery after a brain injury and bears little relationship to the mental processes required for everyday functioning. For example, individuals with brain injuries might perform well on brief, structured, artificial tasks but have such significant deficits in learning, memory, and executive functions that they are unable to otherwise cope. In addition, recovery from a brain injury can be inconsistent. A person might take one step forward, two back, plateau, and then unexpectedly make a series of gains.

Helpful strategies for students with traumatic brain injuries

1. Prepare early.

   Talk with your doctor and other appropriate professionals about your readiness to attend college courses. Set realistic goals, keeping in mind priorities and time commitments. Depending on the severity of the brain injury, it may be a good idea for you to try one or two classes, rather than attempting a full load, when you first return to school. Become familiar with campus resources and community agencies that may be of assistance to you. See the resources section below.

2. Communicate. Keep in contact with faculty and Disability Services (DS) staff.

   Talk with your professors early in the term about the accommodations you will need, including how and where you will take exams. At that time, you can present a letter from your DS specialist outlining suggested reasonable accommodations. Maintain communication with your DS specialist so she or he can assist in arranging academic accommodations, when needed.

3. Develop effective strategies for managing your time and coursework.
   • Keep materials for each class organized and in one place.
   • Keep one calendar of due dates and exams.
   • Keep a consistent and realistic schedule.
   • Plan to spend approximately two hours studying for every hour of in-class instruction.
   • Keep a record of grades for all assignments, quizzes, and exams.
   • Develop daily study routines.
   • Prepare in advance for each lecture so the material is somewhat familiar.
   • You may find it helpful to sit in the front row of class to maximize eye contact and reduce distractions.
   • Tape-record lectures and listen to the tapes soon after class to review material and to reorganize notes.
   • You may find it helpful to study for short blocks of time to go over class notes daily.
   • Schedule periodic reviews to prepare for exams.
   • Meet with professors, tutors, or others to discuss assignments, lectures, and exams. Ask them to critique written and other assignments and to review exam results.

Selected resources for students with traumatic brain injuries