Brain injury rewiring for loved ones A lifeline to new connections

A 1976 auto accident in a Minnesota snowstorm left Dolen with a brain injury and a prognosis of "suicide or the psych ward." She was motivated, however, to prove the health-care team wrong. In part the story of her continuing recovery, in part a manual for survivors and loved ones, these books are readable, practical resources that parallel each other in general content and approach. Dolen explains normal brain anatomy and functions, as well as what happens when the brain is injured. Readers learn that no two patients are alike; injuries range from mild to severe and in the worst cases lead to death. Concentration, attention span, organizational skills, emotion, sleep, and behavior can be affected. Both books offer in-depth explanations of how to get the most from health-care professionals and educate readers about treatment, recovery, postinjury rehabilitation, and adaptation. Chapters focus on a specific aspect of therapy: spiritual, cognitive, emotional, nutritional, physical, social, and vocational. Included is a valuable list of resources, organizations, and web sites arranged in the same order as the chapters. A reference list for each chapter completes the content. VERDICT Survivors is a powerful testament to how courage and spirit can aid in recovery and, like Loved Ones, equips readers with knowledge and understanding to help with the many problems accompanying head injuries. Both titles are highly recommended for their intended audiences.-Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.