Lived Experience

10 Years on

Lucy Harrison shares a deeply personal reflection on loss, resilience, and recovery a decade after her brother's tragic death.

My journey to public speaking 

Brooke Trotter shares his journey from overcoming shyness and brain injury to becoming a confident public speaker through persistence and self-challenge.

Tips for family members and carers

Navigating brain injury recovery is challenging for both patients and carers. This post offers insights and practical tips to support loved ones during their journey back home.

My trip to Center Parcs

Lauren Doherty shares her challenges, joys, and special moments on her trip to Whinfell Forest, Center Parcs.

Navigating Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Discover Brooke's journey of living with a traumatic brain injury and the importance of fitness and purpose in recovery.

What is it like living with a brain injury? 

Discover the challenges and experiences of living with a brain injury in this insightful blog post. Explore the journey of acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity.

The power of lists in brain injury recovery

Discover the importance of structure in brain injury recovery through organisation and lists. Learn practical tips to improve memory and productivity in daily life.

Navigating Technology with Post-Concussion Syndrome: Challenges and Solutions

Discover how technology can aid those with PCS or mild brain injury in daily tasks. Learn about challenges and solutions to enhance your experience using technology.

Fueling Your Body after a TBI: Healthy Eating and Meal Planning

Learn how to plan your meals effectively to save money, reduce waste, and make healthier choices in this insightful blog post. Take the stress out of mealtime with simple tips and tricks.

Using my ventilator

Read about Lauren Doherty's journey with spinal cord injuries, overcoming fears of using a ventilator, and making empowering health decisions for a positive future.

The Importance of Structure in Brain Injury Recovery - Part 2

Struggling with life after a brain injury? Learn how to manage fatigue, plan your week effectively, and find purpose in your daily routine in part two of Brooke's Blog.

The Importance of Structure in Brain Injury Recovery - Part 1: Establishing a Daily Routine

Learn how adding structure to your day can help with recovery and combat fatigue after a brain injury. Discover the importance of regularity, creating routines, and the benefits of rest.

Reflections on my recovery from post-concussion syndrome, seven years post injury

Reflections on a seven-year concussion recovery journey, highlighting the progress made and ongoing challenges faced. Anna discusses the importance of gratitude, managing physical pain and fatigue, embracing personal quirks, and finding purpose in sharing their experience.

Caring for yourself if you care for someone with post-concussion syndrome (PCS)

Discover essential tips and advice for caring for someone with post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Learn how to balance your own needs, find support, and maintain your well-being while taking care of a loved one.

Things I know now that I wish I knew then

Learn valuable lessons from someone who has lived with a brain injury. Don't miss these insightful tips for living a fulfilling life after a brain injury.

Tips for talking to someone with a Brain Injury: Dos and Don'ts

Discover essential dos and don'ts when talking to someone with a brain injury. Gain insight into navigating conversations sensitively and supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.

Mary Todd's 13 Memory Tips

Living with a brain injury can be challenging, but here are 13 Mary Todd's techniques and habits that can help make life easier.

Caring for someone with post-concussion syndrome

If someone you know has had a concussion, then you may have found yourself in the role of caregiver. As a carer, you can look after and support them in many ways.

How animals can help with recovery from Post-Concussion Syndrome

In this blog post, Anna shares how animals have played a role in my recovery from Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) from a car crash in 2016.

Appointment problems when you have a brain injury

Learn about the challenges of managing appointments with a brain injury in this insightful blog post by Michelle Munt.

How to set goals for your recovery from Post-Concussion Syndrome

If you’re recovering from PCS then now is a good time to review how your recovery has gone so far and set recovery goals for the days, weeks and months ahead.

How to survive Christmas with Post-Concussion Syndrome

When struggling with post-concussion syndrome symptoms, you may dread this time of year. In this blog, Anna provides suggestions for navigating the Christmas season.

How working with a neuropsychologist helped my recovery from Post Concussion Syndrome

In this blog, Anna recounts how seeking professional help from a neuropsychologist aided her recovery from Post Concussion Syndrome.

Tips for going on holiday with post-concussion syndrome

In this blog, Anna Leggett shares her experience and tips for going on holiday with post-concussion syndrome.

Tic Tic Boom - Developing Tics after a traumatic brain injury

In this blog, Brooke Trotter shares their personal journey and offers insights into managing and understanding these post-injury tics.

Natural ways I treated my post-concussion headaches

In this blog, Anna provides the natural ways she used to treat her post-concussion headaches.

How to communicate well with medical professionals after a concussion

In this blog, Anna Leggett shares some help and advice on how to communicate better with medical professionals to make your path to recovery smoother.

Meet CFG Law’s latest guest writer: Wendy Bearton

In this blog, Wendy describes the events that led up to her leg amputation and how it made her a stronger and more determined person!

How to regain your identity if you have post-concussion syndrome

If you have post-concussion syndrome then you may feel that you’ve lost your identity. This happened to Anna after she sustained a concussion in a car crash.

Anxiety and Me

Explore Lauren Doherty's journey with anxiety, panic attacks, and the importance of seeking therapy for mental health struggles. Find support and inspiration in her story.

How stress can rob a brain injury survivor of their words

Discover how stress can hinder a brain injury survivor's ability to communicate effectively, impacting their daily interactions and emotional well-being. Explore ways to support and reduce stress for brain injury survivors.

How simple things can be difficult for a high functioning brain injury survivor

Experience the challenges faced by a high-functioning brain injury survivor when simple tasks become difficult. Learn the importance of asking for help and overcoming pride in seeking assistance.

Sleep problems after a brain injury

How’s your sleep? If your answer is ‘terrible’ then I know what you mean! In this blog, Brooke provides tips to help deal with sleep problems after a brain injury.

My experience with alcohol after my brain injury

In this blog, Brooke Trotter talks about his experience with alcohol after his brain injury in the hope that it might be of help to others.

Holding unrealistic expectations of others understanding of TBI

Struggling with unrealistic expectations of understanding post-TBI, Michelle Munt shares her experience navigating social situations and reevaluating relationships.

My experience of personal injury claim expert witnesses 

In this blog, Brooke recalls his experience of what it was like when making a personal injury claim.

My Experiences of Parenting After A Concussion – Part Two

I recently wrote a blog post about 'my experiences of parenting after a concussion'. It's a topic close to my heart, so I have quite a lot to say about it.

Why all doctors need to be aware of brain injury, not just the neurologists

In this blog, Michelle Munt shares her thoughts on why all doctors need to be aware of brain injury, not just the neurology department.

My relationship with friends and family after a spinal cord injury.

Explore Lauren Doherty's journey of resilience and gratitude after a spinal cord injury, highlighting the unwavering support of family, friends, and a newfound 'Team Lauren'.

How to deal with unsolicited advice on how to “heal” a brain injury.

In this blog, Michelle Munt provides her tips on how to deal with unsolicited advice on how to “heal” a brain injury.

Comparing yourself; the dangers of social media!

There is one thing I've found to be really toxic that has limited my progress after my brain injury, and that is when I've compared myself to others.

Brain injury can create emotional lability, which isn’t being a “drama queen”

In this blog, Michelle Munt talks about how a brain injury can create emotional lability, which isn’t being a “drama queen”.

You’re so lucky!

The one thing I have been told the most, is just how lucky I am, but I don’t think I or anyone with a brain injury are actually lucky at all.

My Experience of Parenting After a Concussion

In this blog, Anna talks about how parenting after a concussion has been one of the hardest things she's ever had to do.

14 bits of advice from 14 years of having a Traumatic Brain Injury

'What have I learned in the last 14 years then? What advice would have I given to myself?' Find out in Brooke's blog

Watch out for scammers after a brain injury!

Even though I have a serious TBI, I often feel pretty confident. However, I recently got scammed which knocked my self-esteem.

Techniques And Strategies To Develop Greater Self-Awareness

In this blog, Anna wants to share with you a few techniques and strategies you can try out for yourself to develop greater self-awareness

How To Develop Greater Self-Awareness After A Concussion

In this post, Anna talks about what self-awareness is and a bit about her own experiences of working to become more self-aware.

What a reduced processing speed means for a brain injury survivor

In this Blog post, Michelle Munt discusses what a reduced processing speed means for a brain injury survivor.

Can we do more to help the public understand brain injury survivors?

In this blog post, Michelle Munt looks to see if we can do more to help the general public understand brain injury.

6 steps to improve the conversational skills of someone with a TBI

Brain injuries can cause a wide range of challenges, but one that is particularly detrimental to a survivor’s well-being is when communication is affected.

How A Morning and Evening Routine Can Help Recovery After A Concussion

As a result of Anna's Concussion, many of her daily structure went out of the window. In this Blog, Anna discusses how a morning and evening routine helped with her recovery.

The ups and downs of social media for brain injury survivors.

Social media has become a big part of everyday life, helping when we want to chat & share photos. For brain injury survivors, things are more complicated.

After a brain injury, is the UK or the USA better for medical treatment?

In this blog, Michelle Munt discusses why she no longer believes that the US is superior for medical care after a serious injury.

My bladder problems: Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

Living with a spinal cord injury and managing bladder problems can be challenging. Read Lauren Doherty's personal journey and experiences, including coping with catheters, bladder stones, and emergency changes.

Why new symptoms can show up much later after sustaining a brain injury

Any type of injury can have a complicated recovery process. New symptoms of a brain injury can show up much later after sustaining a head injury.

My experience of speech therapy

In this blog post, Brooke wants to share some of the exercises that his therapist put into place to help with the problems he was facing.

My assessment and aims for speech therapy

In this blog post, Brooke wants to talk to you about his assessment and the therapist that came out to see him.

What is Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)

I have had quite a few therapies during my rehabilitation. The one that I most enjoyed and that I found surprising, though, was Speech and Language Therapy (SALT).

Ten ways to develop a mindset to help your concussion recovery

Having a concussion is a bewildering experience. In the blog, Anna lists 10 ways you can develop your mindset in order to help your recovery

Why remembering those we've lost matters

Meet Lucy Harrison, CFG Law’s latest guest writer. In this Blog, Lucy looks back and reflects over the challenging twelve months, and the tragic loss of her brother due to a road traffic collision.

How a brain injury can leave a survivor ashamed, leading to withdrawal from society

In this blog, Michelle talks about how she became self-conscious after her brain injury, which led her to withdraw from social situations.

Relationships and dating after a Spinal Cord Injury

Explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating relationships and dating after a Spinal Cord Injury. Gain insights from personal experiences and valuable advice shared in this insightful blog post.

5 additional pieces of advice from someone who lives with a brain injury

Those who have sustained a brain injury may have difficulty managing their injury. Read Brooke's list of 5 pieces of advice from someone who lives with a brain injury

FAQ: Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

Expert advice on living with a Spinal Cord Injury from Lauren Doherty, sharing insights on hospital essentials, social life, friendships, and support groups.

Five tools in a concussion recovery toolbox

Even a mild brain injury can cause wide-ranging symptoms. In this blog, Anna will share five tools you can put in your concussion recovery toolbox.

My experiences with pressure sores: Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

Learn from Lauren Doherty's personal experiences with pressure sores due to a spinal cord injury. Gain insights on prevention and management strategies for pressure ulcers.

5 more bits of advice from someone who’s been there, done it, forgotten it and done it again!

Brooke trotter continues his list of 5 more bits of advice from someone who’s been there, done it, forgotten it and done it again!

5 bits of advice from someone who’s been there, done it, forgotten it and done it again!

Do you have a brain injury? Here are 5 bits of advice from someone who’s been there, done it, forgotten it and done it again!

Dealing with a distorted sense of smell after a brain injury

In this article, Michelle Munt talks about Parosmia. A lesser-known condition of Tbi that distorts your sense of smell.

Why do brain injury survivors experience déjà vu?

In this blog post, Michelle Munt explores what déjà vu is and why it is more common with brain injury survivors.

My New Normal: Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

Discover how Lauren Doherty navigates her 'new normal' after a life-changing accident, finding purpose in educating others about road safety. Gain insight into resilience and adaptation.

How good nutrition sped up my brain injury recovery

You’ve no doubt heard the saying ‘Food is medicine’. In my experience, these are very applicable when it comes to healing from a concussion/brain injury.

Video calls create Zoom fatigue for this brain injury survivor

Video calls have helped people continue to work from home, but it can all get a bit too much sometimes, especially for brain injury survivors.

Having hope and staying positive

In this article, Brooke describes how people pulled together to provide his loved ones with hope and see the positive during a terrible time of uncertainty

How social distancing has changed the shopping experience for brain injury survivors

In this blog post, Michelle Munt looks at how social distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed shopping for brain injury survivors.

A brain injury isn't always invisible if you just take the time to notice

Brain injury is often referred to as an invisible disability because a stranger wouldn't necessarily know just by looking at you that something was wrong.

Tips on how to stay positive after a brain injury

A lot of the time, being positive after a brain injury is difficult, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Here are Brooke Trotter's tips on how to stay positive after a brain injury.

My typical day: Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

Discover a day in the life of Lauren Doherty, living with a Spinal Cord Injury. From morning routines to work and leisure activities, find out how she navigates daily challenges with a well-established routine.

Have things changed for wheelchair users? 

In this article, Jonathan Fogerty asks 'Have things improved for wheelchair users over the years or not?'

My experience of “accessible” hotel rooms!

In this blog post, Jonathan Fogerty shares his recent experience with wheelchair accessible hotel rooms.

The importance of mental and physical wellbeing after a brain injury

Michelle Munt talks about the importance of mental and physical wellbeing after sustaining a brain injury

Strategies for coping with a mild brain injury during COVID-19

Anna Leggett shares the things she has learnt and what you can do that may help to improve your quality of life during this difficult time.

Getting lost after a brain injury

Having difficulties finding your way around after a brain injury is common. In this blog post, Brooke Trotter recounts his experiences of getting lost after sustaining a brain injury.

Fashion, clothing and accessories: Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

Explore Lauren Doherty's journey in navigating fashion post-spinal cord injury. Discover her tips and insights on clothing choices, accessories, and maintaining confidence through style.

Helping a brain injury survivor with brain fog

Brain fog is a symptom that plagues lots of brain injury survivors. It’s not a medical term, but it’s a widely used description of when you are experiencing cognitive difficulties

What really happens when you wake up out of a coma

Brooke Trotter details the moments after he woke up from a coma. I can’t tell you much about what it’s like being in a coma, but the aftermath I can.

Accepting and living with a Spinal Cord Injury

Jonathan reflects on his time since his spinal cord injury, he talks about the research for a cure and the advice he gives to anyone newly spinal cord injured.

Meet CFG Law’s latest guest writer: Anna Leggett

Discover Anna Leggett's journey of overcoming a traumatic brain injury after a car accident. Learn how she navigates through symptoms, medical challenges, and the importance of finding support and resources.

Lauren Doherty: Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

Discover Lauren Doherty's journey of living with a spinal cord injury, sharing personal experiences, challenges, and insights on managing various aspects of daily life post-injury. Explore her story and learn about treatments and rehabilitation options available.

Home discharge and preparing for life after spinal cord injury

In the blog, Jonathan tells us about his time in a spinal injury centre, his discharge home and how he prepared himself for life after spinal cord injury

Battling aphasia following a brain injury.

It’s frustrating when you can’t think of the right word. In this article, Michelle talks about battling aphasia following a brain injury.

Meet Jonathan Fogerty: CFG Law’s latest guest writer

In the coming weeks and months, Jonathan will be sharing his experiences of living with a spinal cord injury through his blogs here on the CFG Law website.

The importance of sleep after a brain injury

In this article, Michelle highlights how important sleep is for someone who has suffered a brain injury.

Staying at Home, Saves Lives

In this blog, Lauren shares her experience of isolation, and how she is preparing herself for 12 weeks of not seeing her friends and family.

Goodbye hospital life, it’s time to go home

Discover the journey of a spinal cord injury survivor transitioning from hospital to home life. Learn about essential equipment, technology aids, and the importance of finding what works best for you.

Memory problems after a brain injury: Memory vs attention span

One of the most widely reported symptoms that most brain injury survivors suffer from is memory problems. Read Michelle's blog post on Memory problems after a brain injury: Memory vs attention span

Memory problems after a brain injury: What is a confabulation?

Our brain tries to make sense of the world, but that can be difficult if you suffer memory problems. In this post, Michelle answers 'what is a confabulation' & what to do when someone is having one.

Care at home: Which option is for you?

Discover Lauren Doherty's journey navigating through different care options after leaving the hospital post-accident. Explore the challenges faced and valuable advice shared on finding the right care solution.

The struggles of a high functioning brain injury survivor

People often mistake high functioning brain injury survivors as 'getting on well'. In this post, Michelle discusses the struggles of a high functioning brain injury survivor

Beware of charlatans after a Brain Injury

Visual problems fixed with a single injection! Brain injuries cured through pioneering treatments! Too good to be true?

Hormonal imbalances - Checking your hormones levels after a brain injury

In this article, Brooke Trotter talks about how the imbalance of hormones was contributing to his issues with fatigue.

Let's start at the beginning… a very good place to start!

Discover the inspiring journey of Lauren Doherty, who faced life-changing injuries with resilience and positivity. Learn how she adapted to a new way of living and found strength in her support system.

Tips to reduce sensory overload after a brain injury

To enable your brain to cope, you can help it filter out some of the unnecessary information by using some clever devices

Combat sports - Is the risk of a brain injury worth the financial gain?

Mixed Martial Arts and boxing are entertainment but that's not what I see. I see the start of a horrific ordeal that will last possibly for years.

Meet CFG Law’s latest guest writer: Lauren Doherty BCAv

Read about Lauren Doherty's inspiring journey of resilience after a life-changing spinal cord injury. Discover how she educates others on road safety and embraces new opportunities post-accident.

Life after a Brain Injury - Acknowledging your family and friends efforts

One of the biggest stressors that brain injury survivors talk about is how relations between them, their circle of friends and family starts to show cracks

Back behind the wheel: Relearning to drive after a brain injury

I really struggled with the driving lessons. After my head injury, I found that things in life that I didn’t even think about before became really quite difficult. Read Brooke Trotter's blog on Driving after a brain injury.

Don’t Panic! How I navigate my way out of a state of panic!

After my TBI, I would get myself into such a state of worry and anxiety quite often. Read Brooke Trotter's experience on navigating his way out of panic!

How to access specialist doctors faster after a brain injury

Read Michelle Munt's blog post on how to access specialist doctors faster after sustaining a brain injury.

Why don’t I feel like I’m making any progress recovering from my traumatic brain injury?

Having a brain injury was something that took me well over five years to come to terms with, but one thing I can say is that I made no improvement when I have been in a negative state of mind.

Life after a Brain Injury: three steps to increase your self-worth

In this article, Michelle Munt provides 3 key steps for increasing your self-worth following a brain injury.

How to cope with stubborn brain injury survivors

Today I want to talk to the friends and family members who are finding it a real struggle to deal with the brain injury survivor in their life.

What is it like to live with a brain injury?

Writing the above title caused me to stare at a blank screen for a few minutes because the truth is, it’s been 12 years and I can’t remember what it’s like to live without one!

Advice for family of a recent Traumatic Brain Injury survivor

One of the most distressing parts of this scenario is how the brain injury survivor can lash out so much at their loved ones. In this article, Michelle Munt provides advice for family members of a recent TBI survivor.

Managing and coping with fatigue after brain injury

Managing fatigue after a brain injury requires a variety of strategies. Read Brooke Trotter's blog on 'Managing and coping with fatigue after brain injury'.

Life after a Brain Injury - The breakdown of relationships

In this article, Michelle Munt discusses the break down of relationships after sustaining a brain injury. "Most brain injury survivors that I have spoken to have had relationships with friends and family breakdown after their injury"

How long will it be before I’m better from a traumatic brain injury?

Your recovery won’t happen fast, it will be a marathon, not a sprint. You are in it for the long haul, so you need to make the journey a more comfortable one.

Multivitamin Tablets: Do they really improve brain functionality after a brain injury?

In this article, Michelle Munt questions the use of high dose multivitamins tablets, which are marketed at improving brain functionality.

How to improve your memory after a brain injury PART 2

TBI has a huge effect on your ability to concentrate and focus on anything. Read part 2 of Brookes Trotter's article on "How to improve your memory after a brain injury"

How to improve your memory after a brain injury PART 1

TBI has a huge effect on your ability to concentrate. Read part 1 of Brooke's article on How to improve your memory after a brain injury.

Top 3 things that helped me during my brain injury recovery

There are a lot of things that have helped me during my recovery, but if I had to pick three then it would be these. Read Brookes blog on Top 3 Things That Helped Me During My Brain Injury Recovery.

The frustrating experience of trying to prove your brain injury

When you are trying to find the right support following a brain injury, it can be a bit like jumping through hoops. In this blog, Michelle Munt details her experience and frustration with trying to prove her brain injury.

Three tips to help navigate the NHS and Healthcare when you have suffered a brain injury

If you follow these three tips for every appointment you have, you will be able to better communicate with the NHS and Healthcare professionals what you need.

Meet CFG Law’s latest guest writer: Michelle Munt

Read Michelle Munt's inspiring journey of overcoming a brain injury and her mission to support others through coaching and advocacy. Join her in raising awareness and understanding of brain injuries.

Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury - A Poem From Brooke

Read Brooke Trotter's poem - Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury. Having a brain injury is having to say bye to the old you.

Denial after a Brain Injury - Struggling to come to terms with my Brain Injury

Accepting change in your life after a Brain Injury can be tough. In this blog, find out how Brook Trotter struggled to come to terms with his Brain Injury.

Ten things you should never say to a person with a brain injury

From the perspective of someone who lives with traumatic brain injury, read Brooke Trotter's blog on Ten things you should never say to a person with a brain injury.

Improving memory after a brain injury: Talk to yourself

The tendency to lose your focus & have your thoughts wander becomes worse after a brain injury. Read Brookes blog on improving memory after a brain injury

Brain Injuries and Socialising: The Art of Not Comparing

Are you comparing yourself to people without a head injury? Read Brookes story on how he managed to move away from this distraction after suffering from a traumatic brain injury.

Brain injury and depression: New life's resolution

After a brain injury, it is very easy to fall into depression. I stopped looking after myself, my hair was untidy, I put weight on and I stopped looking after my skin - Read how Brooke Trotter used exercise to combat the signs of depression.

The impact of Brain Injuries on relationships & socialising

Read how Brooke Trotter's ability to socialise had changed, and the difficulties he faced with his relationships with family members and loved ones.

Ten things you should expect after a brain injury

Brain Injuries can result in life-altering conditions. Read Brooke's list of Ten things you should expect after a brain injury.

Introducing Brooke Trotter

Learn about Brooke Trotter's journey of overcoming a severe traumatic brain injury and his passion for raising awareness through speaking engagements and fundraising efforts for brain injury charities.