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ABI Lunch & Learn Series

The Network hosts monthly virtual ABI lunch and learn sessions on a range of topics for clinicians. They occur on the 4th Wednesday of the month from September to June from 12:15-1:00. Check out the slides and recordings from previous Lunch & Learns. Topics include:

Brain Injury Basics                                     Brain Injury Resources         

Behaviour After ABI                                    Fatigue After ABI

Communication Issues                          Cognitive Rehabilitation       

NSRAC Vocational Services                    VCI

Nutrition Considerations                         Intimate Partner Violence

Leisure Considerations                              MAID

Peter's Place Services                                 Diabetes after Stroke

Concussion Recovery                                  ABI Day Program

Balancing Hope and Reality in Rehabilitation

Sexual Health and Disability                       

Management of the Early/Low Level Affected Arm Post-Stroke

Dalhousie Speech Language Clinics

Early Identification, Referral, and Management of Post-Stroke Spasticity 

TIA: Approach for non-neurologists based on Canadian best practice guidelines.   

 

Brain Injury Basics

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!

 

 

October 1, 2024
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Brain Injury Resources for Clinicians, Patients, and Loved Ones: Where and how to find them

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

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

 

 

 

October 28, 2024
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Behavioural Changes After ABI Part 1: Introduction, Common Changes and Medication Considerations

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

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

 

 

February 4, 2025
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Behavioural Changes After ABI Part 2: Strategies to Manage Responsive Behaviour

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

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

 

 

February 28, 2025
.PDF

Early Identification, Referral and Management of Post-Stroke Spasticity

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. 

October 30, 2023
.PDF

Management of the Early / Low Level Affected Arm Post-Stroke

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

April 30, 2024
.PDF

Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP)

June 21, 2023
.PDF

Fatigue After ABI

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. 

June 21, 2023
.PDF

​​​​​​​Cognitive Rehabilitation Everyday Approaches

Recording: Press here!

July 17, 2023
.PDF

Vascular Cognitive Impairment

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!

June 21, 2023
.PDF

Communication Issues After ABI

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

June 21, 2023
.PDF

Vocational Services

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

June 21, 2023
.PDF

Nutrition Considerations after ABI

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

June 21, 2023
.PDF

Atlantic Canada Stroke Conference & Toronto ABI Network Conference

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!

June 21, 2023
.PDF

Leisure Considerations After ABI

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

 

Recording: Press here!

June 21, 2023
.PDF

Medical Assistance in Dying

June 21, 2023
.

Peter’s Place Services

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

Recording: Press here!

June 21, 2023
.PDF

Concussion Recovery

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/

November 27, 2023
.PDF

Walking Two Roads: Balancing Hope and Reality in Rehabilitation

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

February 1, 2024
.PDF

Sexual Health and Disability

March 11, 2024
.PDF

Continuing Care - Update on Services

April 22, 2024
.PDF

Dalhousie Speech Language Clinics

Description: This session reviews free Speech-Language programs for clients offered through Dalhousie School of Communication Sciences & Disorders.

Slides: not available

Recording: See link below

June 6, 2025
URL

The Interprovincial Violence Against Women Project

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

July 22, 2024
.PDF

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and non-disabling strokes: approach for non-neurologists based on Canadian guidelines

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

December 10, 2024
.PDF

Diabetes considerations after ABI

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

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

 

May 12, 2025
.

ABI Day Program

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

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

 

June 6, 2025
.PDF

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