Hello Back!

I recognize many similar issues as you describe when I returned to school. My main deficits are short-term memory, altered speaking/hearing ability and executive brain functions like organization, time management, etc. Honestly it made me smile to read that you tripped going up stairs because I did the same darn thing. Even with short term memory issues...tripping up the stairs is permanently etched in my brain probably from the embarrassment. I had proprioception issues which working properly it lets you know where you are in space - out of synch I closed doors on myself, tripped up stairs and earned a black eye walking into a stupid door. Massage, Shiatsu or any bodywork really helps proprioception issues.

I'm going to try and keep this short, but I doubt it will work...another similarity. I returned to school the week after my accident and it became clear I needed to take a medical leave of absence. Six months later I returned in better condition, but hindsight affords me the knowledge that I still wasn't ready - although I persevered and graduated with help.

Here are some tips:

• My neurologist stepped out of the box prescribing me Adderall (10 mg 2x/day), an ADD medication, to help me focus and most importantly stay awake. I still take this and it makes a HUGE difference in my functioning level.
• Being from the states I utilized the American's with Disabilities Act and talked to the administrative staff to find out what services they offered to help me succeed. It officially consisted of private rooms for testing without time limits, note taking service and adjusting physical requirements for classes. The unofficial help came from the instructors themselves and was a critical key to my success.
• I just checked what the UK offers for higher education students with disabilities and sadly it says to check with the individual university to find out what programs they offer for disabled students. I'd check into that, but don't know the university name. Either check their website or go to the office to inquire for assistance.
• I introduced myself to my instructor or scheduled an appointment 1st week of class to explain my brain injury and asked if they had any suggestions to help me succeed in their class. Knowing me as a person along with my weaknesses and strengths as a student with brain injury they seemed more receptive to helping me. Most gave real effort to keep talking in class to a minimum knowing it literally hurt me. Several offered to read my work ahead of time by email and returned to me with suggested changes.
• Due to class noise I had to leave many times because it made me dizzy and caused a headache - which then caused my speech to decline. Because my teachers knew about this issue they assisted by finding another student willing to help me by getting photocopies of their notes after class.
• I took advantage of teacher office hours to get personal assistance with course material.
• Wearing ear plugs helped filter ambient noise and teachers voices that hurt my brain (too shrill). I later had hearing tests diagnosing hyperacusis and prescribed professional hearing filters - wish I knew then.
• Tutors and/or teacher aids are a great resource to help overcome deficits like organization that make writing a challenge. There are also free and pay for online tools ranging from study aids to tutoring if your university doesn't offer much assistance.
• Know your limits and don't push yourself too much or it can increase symptoms.
• Sleep is crucial as its when your brain repairs and rewires those neural pathways.

After failing an exam my physiology teacher took the time to figure out what happened after class. The worst scored part was labeling the brain and listing the functions. Knowing about my brain injury and how much I knew about the brain she knew something was wrong. Together we discovered the course material pictured the brain stem on the left and the exam image was mirrored with the brain stem on the right - that simple alteration threw me off and my brain shut down. She allowed me to retake the exam and ended up with high marks. This was only possible because I made sure she knew me.

Not all instructors will take the time like the above one, but it doesn't hurt to give them personal insight into their student and make sure they know you want to succeed. Even my most bristly teacher helped me because she saw me making an effort to succeed and told me that's what every teacher wants to see. I passed her class by my teeth, but I passed.

Because I attended a small, private school they didn't offer much aid aside from the instructors themselves. However, larger institutions where my daughter attends have a whole resource center with evaluators that determine the level of assistance you need to succeed. If I can answer any questions you might have I'm happy to help.

I wish you all the best on your journey!

Kris