There is nothing magical about the Brain Injury Checklist -- it is simply a  self-assessment tool -- but a  very helpful one since it can be used to track and measure your impairments as well as your improvements over time. It can help you prepare for doctor visits by identifying neuropsychological difficulties that you wish to discuss with your doctor. Additionally, it can be used to track things that are not especially problematic, but you want to change in yourself. 

Important details to report concerning such problems include: when the problem began, or what caused you to notice it; what was going on at the time; what do you think may have brought it on; what did you do about it; what made it worse; what made it better; has it improved; has it remained the same; do you notice it all of the time, or is it intermittent, how much does it interfere with your ability to function. 

Everyone who decides to do something in this area basically wants things to be different (better) which means that in some way and to some degree the person is unhappy with him or herself, with life or with both. People can be roughly divided into those who experience emotional pain or upheaval with things the way they are and those who although not deeply unhappy or emotionally trapped have a desire for things to be better and for life to be more satisfying.

Developing an awareness of the problem is the first step in the process of change, the Brain Injury Checklist will increase your awareness of your neuropsychological impairments. The next step is to develop a plan that you will use as a road map for achieving your rehabilitation goals. Planning forms in subsequent sections of this site will provide additional guidance. 

The well crafted plan will include a description of  nature of the problem. Additionally, it should explore a few, well considered courses of action, along with your proposed destination, and what you intend to do to reach it. 

Brain Injury Check List

Below is a list of impairments that commonly result from brain injury. The number and type of items that you will check-off will depend on the type and scope of damage that you susstained. Some individuals will experience impairments that are spread over many sytems. While others will be limited to a few sytems. The Brain Injury Checklist was designed to prepare you to identify and track such impairments in yourself. The Brain Injury Checklist will help you to prepare for doctor visits by identifying problems or patterns that you wish to discuss with your doctor. Additionally, it can be used to track things that are not especially problematic, but you want to change in yourself. 

Important Note:  While the appearance of such symptoms can be worrisome, rest assured that they will get better over time.  You should notice progressive improvements especially if you actively work at getting better.  The forms in this section will help you increase your self awareness and help you chart your progress and set backs. 

     Non-credit, remedial course work in basic skills will help refresh your memory and  help restore you intellectual skills.  Telecourses can help you rebuild skills at your own pace in the privacy of your home.  Frequently, such telecourse are available from your public library, and can be ordered over the phone, and delivered to your home free of charge. 

    Working the brain in this way after a brain injury can involve a certain amount of discomfort, anxiety and dread.  Additionally, you might find that learning, thinking, or doing things takes more effort, and more energy than it did before your brain injury.  You might find that you feel overwhelming fatigue following any type of mental or physical exertion.  When such symptoms appear, don't despair, take a break, to refresh yourself and hit it again later. 

     This type of experience can be very discouraging, however, don't let it get you down, the rewards of such activities are well worth any negative emotions that you initially might feel.  Because you might be more susceptible to fatigue and depression, remember to pace yourself.   Be mindful of  your diet and water intake.  Hunger, thirst, and fatigue can tax your brain and cause your symptoms to worsen.   However appropriate rest and refreshment can restore your functioning. Use our Wellness Inventory to track your diet, exercise and water intake as erll as your feeling states.

Instructions:  The following is a partial list of neuropsychological impairments caused by brain injury. First, print this form.  Next, place a check mark beside each impairment that you noticed in your self in the past 24 hours.  Then, on a scale of  0 to 4 rate the effect of the impairment on you  during the past 24 hours.  For example:   0 = not present;  1 = minimal, present but does not interfere with activities;  2 = mild, some effect, interferes with activities but not disabling; 3 = moderate, greatly interferes with activities; and a score of 4 = extremely disabling, unable to function.

   Next, write down what you did about the impairments that you scored 2, 3 , or 4. For example, took a nap, practiced deep breathing or deep relaxation exercises;  stepped back from the situation to gain  perspective; confided in a trusted, knowledgeable friend or family member;  spoke with a health care professional, re-priortized or rearranged your schedule; scapegoated an innocent bystander; self medicated with drugs, alcohol, or other substances; acted on impulse. 

    Additionally, take note of what you were doing when you noticed your impairments.  For instance, you might have noticed them as you  were dealing an with especially stressful situation.  Then, at other times they might have gotten in the way of simple everyday obligations. 

   On some days you might experience a great number of the more troublesome impairments and find yourself totally dysfunctional as a result.  Then, on other days you might be symptom free, and highly functional. Such a pattern is a common feature of neuropsychological disorders due to brain injury. 

    This type of variation is all the more reason to utilize this check list to track and measure the impairments that are problematic for you.  If used properly,  it will increase your awareness of your difficulties as well as those things that make them better and those that make them worse.  In so doing you will become empowered to change your life for the better. 

(Review: "Check" each impairment that you noticed in the past 24-hours -- "Score" each impairment 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; -- Then record what you did about it in the "note " column.)