Our Blog
Sleep and the Injured Brain
By Lisa Hanning We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep. William Shakespeare’s Prospero in the Tempest, Act 4, Scene 1. The average human spends 200,000 hours of their life sleeping which is about 8000...
Brain Injury and Caregiver Fatigue
By Darian Colpitts How brain injury affects family & friends When a member of one's family or social circle acquires a brain injury it can come with a host of new dynamics within this space. Some common changes include frustration between...
Concussion Awareness Week
September 22-28By Shaylen Hardy Did you know that September 22nd marks the beginning of National Concussion Awareness Week inCanada? The goal for this week is to raise awareness about the impact of concussions and bring attention to theimportance...
Brain Health: Part 1
By: Kianna Csolle Although there isn’t one agreed-upon definition for brain health, most definitions include having optimal brain function for your age. Since our brains control our movements, social cognitions, senses, emotions, and behaviour,...
What research is being done on concussions?
By: Angela Bowers According to medicinie.iu.edu, recent research is revealing that genetics may influence how susceptible a person is to brain injuries. Dr. Thomas McAllister, who is the Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at Indiana University...
A short guide to the types of support after brain injury available in Victoria
By Darian Colpitts Seeking help and support after experiencing a brain injury can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you do not know what you are looking for in your specific needs and goals. You may have never heard of some of these care...
Music Makes It Better
By Shaylen Hardy Traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents difficult challenges that individuals must overcome everyday. Working to manage symptoms and improve quality of life can be tiring for individuals living withTBI. Music therapy is gaining...
Navigating Challenges and Triumphs: My Journey as Executive Director of the Victoria Brain Injury Society
By: Pam Prewett Taking on the role of Executive Director at the Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS) has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. The journey has been filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and...
The Future Is Bright in Traumatic Brain Injury Research
By Kianna Csolle Research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is expanding in Canada. This year, three innovative research projects have been funded through grants from the Canada Brain Research Fund, Health Canada, Brain Changes Initiative and Brain...
Survivor Stories: Show Curiosity over Judgement
With Remembrance Day so recently passed, it’s crucial to acknowledge the hidden struggles of veterans, which can persist long after their service. This story briefly highlights the journey of a veteran whose military experience led to a challenging battle with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Brain Injury Basics: Homelessness, Poverty, and TBI
This sixth segment focuses on the intersection with TBI and Intimate Partner Violence, and possible practices to support IPV survivors.
Survivor Stories: An Unseen Battle
With Remembrance Day so recently passed, it’s crucial to acknowledge the hidden struggles of veterans, which can persist long after their service. This story briefly highlights the journey of a veteran whose military experience led to a challenging battle with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Survivor Stories: From Brain Tumor Survivor to a Source of Inspiration
In the quiet, reflective moments of life, we often find ourselves pondering the twists and turns that have shaped our journey. Catlin's story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the unwavering human spirit. Looking back, Catlin had a...
Brain Injury Basics: TBI & Intimate Partner Violence
This sixth segment focuses on the intersection with TBI and Intimate Partner Violence, and possible practices to support IPV survivors.
Survivor Stories: Resilience and Renewal
At many of the VBIS’ community awareness booths at various farmers markets, individuals often open about their personal experiences with brain injuries. During one of these heartfelt exchanges, Debbie, an active VBIS volunteer found herself...
Brain Injury Basics: TBI & Indigenous Peoples
This fifth segment focuses on the intersection with TBI and Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and addresses factors that influence this complex issue.
Brain Injury Basics: Overdose
This is the fourth segment of the Brain Injury Basics, on the topic of Overdose and Drug Use. International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31.
Survivor Stories: A Brain’s Battle for Healing and Sobriety
Meet Chris, a remarkable client who has been an integral part of VBIS for over 12 years. His incredible journey with brain injury began like many others, with a lack of understanding about how it would impact his life. In fact, before discovering...
Survivor Stories: Striving for Answers
There are so many people who experience abuse at the hands of those closest to them. And 92% of the time, that abuse involves strangulation or a blow to the head. Sara* is one of the 92%. Donations are helping VBIS shed light on this very issue so...
Survivor Stories: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Bruises, broken bones or black eyes are easy to see, and the pain that radiates from them is understandable. But when it comes to brain injuries, they often go unnoticed. That’s why they are known as an invisible injury. This is often the case for...
Survivor Stories: You gave Krista the Gift of Compassion
Managing day-to-day tasks has allowed Krista to regain independence. On a mid-November day, things unfolded like every other day for Krista. After a long day of university classes, she packed up her stuff, hopped on her bike, and started her...
Brain Injury Basics: TBI Infections
This is the third segment of our new blog series, “Brain Injury Basics”, written & researched by UVic neuroscientist, Kamal Narayana.
Survivor Stories: Eric’s Journey of Hope
Thanks to VBIS, the biggest thing for me was learning that I’m not the only one. Eric, VBIS client Donations make it possible for VBIS to help over 600 people every year. Thanks to your generosity, Eric has been able to change his life. Here’s...
Brain Injury Basics: Overstimulation
This is the second segment of our new blog series, “Brain Injury Basics”, written & researched by UVic neuroscientist, Kamal Narayana.
There’s no place like home for the holidays
Victoria Brain Injury Society launches fundraiser to support new housing program for brain injury survivors.
Brain Injury Basics: Stroke 101
This is the first segment of our new blog series, “Brain Injury Basics”, written & researched by UVic neuroscientist, Kamal Narayana.
Can a Video Game Improve Your Brain?
Victoria Brain Injury Society launches new cognitive training program for brain injury survivors.
Faces of Brain Injury: Full Length Film
Faces of Brain Injury is a film showcasing the unique stories of five VBIS clients, each an inspiring retelling of a life impacted by brain injury.
Dozens of BC Leaders “Get Tossed” for VBIS Annual Fundraiser
Business executives, university professors, and local politicians all joined together on September 23rd to support the 2nd annual Toss The Boss
Nanaimo City Councillor Prepares for Toss The Boss
Councillor Ben Geselbracht gets ready to be tossed off bridge for VBIS’ annual fundraising event.