ABI Lunch & Learn Series

This session reviews foundational information about brain injury such as:

• Common causes of ABI
• Possible impacts of ABI
• Introduction to strategies to best support individuals living with brain injury
• Where to learn more about ABI

It is meant for care providers who are new to ABI and is also a good refresher for experienced clinicians.

Slides: Click on the attachment

Recording: Press here!

Discover how to easily access best practice guidelines, clinical care guides and practical information on assessment and intervention for stroke, moderate-severe acquired brain injury, and concussion. 

Become familiar with patient education pamphlets.

Learn about community resources available to individuals living with ABI. 

Slides: Click on the attachment

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2024/10-23-ABI-Lunch-and-Learn

This session provides an introduction to common behaviour changes after brain injury and reviews the following:

• Key behaviour changes after acquired brain injury
• Emotional outcomes
• Additional considerations/precautions for prescribing in the context of ABI
• Overview of recommended medications for various ABI-related symptom

Slides: Click on the attachment

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2025/01-22-Abi-Lunch-Learn

This session provides an overview of non-pharmacological strategies to support positive behaviour as well as strategies to support staff when working with persons displaying responsive behaviour after ABI. It reviews the following:

• ABC model of behaviour
• Setting events
• Positive behavioural supports
• Managing verbal and physical aggression
• Healthcare provider coping

Slides: Click on the attachment

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2025/02-27-Abi-Lunch-Learn-Behaviour-After-Abi-Part-2

This session reviews:

• the clinical manifestation of spasticity and the importance of early identification of post stroke spascticity
• the incidence, prevalence and risk of spasticity in post-stroke patients
• the role of botulinum toxin type A in improving patient outcomes, including supporting real world evidence
• which patients should be treated for post-stroke spasticity, and why

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2023/10-25-Abi-Lunch-And-Learn

Slide deck: attached below. 

A review of stroke recovery and upper extremity (U/E) prognosis, screening the U/E, setting functional goals, and intervention strategies for the low level/ early stages of recovery post stroke.   

Slides: attached

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2024/04-24-Management-Of-Early-Low-Level-Arm-Post-Stroke

Additional Resources:

Strokengine: http://strokengine.ca

Canadian Stroke Best Practices http://www.strokebestpractices.ca/

EBRSR: http://www.ebrsr.com/

Viatherapy: http:/www.viatherapy.org 

UE toolkit: http://www.wrha.mb.ca/staff/occupational-therapy/files/Stroke-UEToolkit.pdf

Recording: Press here!

Fatigue is one of the most common impacts of brain injury, including stroke, and is often one of the most under recognized.

This session reviews be physical, cognitive, and emotional fatigue, the signs of fatigue, and strategies to help manage post-ABI fatigue. 

Recording: Press here!

Overview:

- What is VCI and what causes it?
- What is the relevance of VCI to my practice?
- What are some approaches for assessment and management of VCI?

Recording: Press here!

Tips from a Speech Language Pathologist for how to communicate with adults who have had acquired brain injuries.

The goal is to reduce work disability and assist clients in returning to
meaningful roles (Work and Academics) (Escorpizo et al., 2011)

Overview:

- Importance of Nutrition Post ABI

- Role of Dietitian for ABI

- ABI Deficits Impacting Nutrition Status

• Nutrition & Fatigue Management
• Symptoms & Barriers to Healthy Eating

- Heart Healthy Diet Recommendations

• Risk Factor Management
• Foods & Supplements for ABI Recovery

Highlights from the 2022 Atlantic Canada Stroke Conference and the 2022 Toronto ABI Network Conference. 

Topics include:

Vascular cognitive impairment, physical activity after stroke, the role of behavioral analysis in ABI rehabilitation, quality of life after ABI, and communication disorder effects on consent, relationships, and intimacy.

Recording: Press here!

This session will review how this is explored through involvement with Therapeutic Recreation professionals.

Recording: Press here!

Recording: Press here!

Peter’s Place provides physical and cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI).

Recording: Press here!

Slides: Click attachment below. 

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2023/11-22-Abi-Lunch-And-Learn

Additional Resources:

For Primary Health Care Providers:

Diagnosing and Managing Concussion Tool for Primary Care Providers

https://cep.health/clinical-products/concussion/

Nova Scotia Health Resources:

Concussion Awareness and Concussion Management Card: https://braininjuryns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Digital-Concussion-Cards.pdf

Concussion Management- Patient and Family Guide: https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/nshealth.ca/files/patientinformation/0395.pdf

Concussion Education Session flyer: https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/documents/pamphlets/2013.pdf

 Introduction to Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia (BIANS) Resources:

https://braininjuryns.com/concussion/

Concussion Café: https://braininjuryns.com/survivor-programs/

Concussion Tools for Self -Management:

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion Handbook- Sunnybrook Health Sciences

Webform:  https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=bsp-brain-injury-education

Printable pdf: https://sunnybrook.ca/uploads/1/programs/brain-sciences/concussion/mild-traumatic-brain-injury-concussion--your-guide-to-recovery_web_oct-25.pdf

My Guide: Concussion – Vancouver Coastal Health: https://concussion.vch.ca/

Slides: attached

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2024/01-24-Abi-Lunch-And-Learn

Additional Resources:

Waiting Room Revolution podcast by Dr. Hsien Seow and Dr. Sammy Winemaker

https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com

Slides: attached

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2024/02-28-Abi-Lunch-And-Learn

Slides: attached

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2024/04-03-Abi-Lunch-And-Learn

Description: Nova Scotia has the highest prevalence of intimate partner violence against women among all Canadian provinces. This violence has serious health consequences, including injury, chronic pain, and mental health problems. ABI is a common but under-diagnosed health consequence of domestic violence. The Interprovincial Violence Against Women (IPV) Project aims to identify and mobilize knowledge around best practices

for preventing and responding to violence against women (VAW) across Canadian provinces.

Slides: attached

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2024/06-26-Abi-Lunch-And-Learn

Review of:

• Organization of outpatient stroke care in Nova Scotia
• Triage and initial diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and non-disabling strokes
• Management, including secondary prevention of TIAs and minor stroke

Slides: attached

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2024/11-27-Abi-Lunch-And-Learn

As per the Canadian Stroke Best Practices, managing diabetes plays a significant role in secondary prevention of stroke.

Effective management of diabetes reduces likelihood of diabetes-related complications such as reduced vision, hypoglycemia (increases risk of falls), neuropathy, reduced mobility and amputation.

Learn more about diabetes and how you can support clients to manage their diabetes after brain injury.

Slides: attached

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2025/04-23-ABI-Lunch-and-Learn-Diabetes-Considerations/

The Nova Scotia health ABI Day Program offers outpatient therapy groups for people who have an acquired brain injury.

It is offered in-person and virtually using Zoom, making it accessible province-wide. 

This session provides an overview of the program, who would benefit, and how to refer to this valuable service.

Slides: attached

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2025/05-30-ABI-Lunch-and-Learn-ABI-Day-Program/