BRAINLASH: Maximize Your Recovery from Mild Brain Injury

The author is a retired psychotherapist, massage therapist, ski patroller, fiber artist, publisher, mountaineer, educator, wife, mother and brain injury survivor. Brainlash offers support, information and insight into the daily challenges and triumphs of living with the consequences of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).

This book, written by Gail L. Denton, Ph.D., began as a rollerblading outing and concluded with a life-altering accident. A ruptured spleen and a twisting, jarring fall resulted in brain injury from loss of oxygen (anoxia) as well as closed head trauma.

BRAINLASH is the book which grew out of the journals and the professional frustration experienced by Gail, herself a psychotherapist in private practice at the time of the accident.

In 1993, Dr. Denton coined the word Brainlash, and defined it:

BRAINLASH: (brain-lash) n., (coined word, 1993, from the brain and whiplash), a condition which may result from whiplash type actions to the brain in which tissue may be bruised or torn by the forces of the brain being whipped around inside the skull, i.e. injuries which result from a sudden stop or blow. This force throws the neck and brain into hyperflexion (forward thrusting) and then hyperextension (pulling or rebounding) and/or lateral rotation. The consequential action translates powerful forces to the brain, skull and skeletal system resulting in unnatural, potentially destructive contact between these structures and the surrounding connective soft tissue. In approximately two thirds of those affected, physical, emotional and thinking skills will return to baseline within an average of two weeks to three months. Many of the other third will take an average of a year to achieve the majority of improvements. However, a smaller proportion will sustain residual deficits which will be permanent. As mild brain injury and many of its symptoms are not readily observable to the lay person, Brainlash has been dubbed "The Unseen Injury."

Brainlash is a big book. The type is bigger than usual, and the sentences are 1½ double spaced. The selected paper is not shiny and the text is in a single column, for reading ease. The format is clear and easy on the eyes. Chapters are short and to the point. Graphics are minimal. Index is exhaustive. The cover is laminated for long wear, and the spine is designed so the book lays open by itself.

Fieldguide to Brainlash is an audio tape that allows you to learn more about MTBI while you listen. This tape is an interview with Dr. Gail Denton discussing the life topics that matter most. Follow this link for more information.

Brainlash deals with a great variety of topics, especially those not handled by your health care providers. Sex, for instance, and money. Driving, relationships, support systems, work and play are all discussed. Strategies are proposed. Health-affirming actions are suggested. This book is loaded with thoughts, suggestions, advice and outright, down-to-earth ideas for dealing with life that includes a mild brain injury.

Learn the strategies and easy tricks to managing your new lifestyle. Involve and inform family members about the process of your new lifestyle requirements. Gain helpful information, encouragement, support and additional, appropriate referrals to keep your recovery on track. Receive informed, knowledgeable support for your necessary reorganizing steps and compassion for the struggle of rebuilding your lifestyle, relationships, occupation and overall health.

Dr. Denton has worked the last 15 years researching, experimenting, evaluating, experiencing and living a positive recovery strategy from a double mild brain injury. Ready to help smooth your journey building a positive recovery plan, Dr. Denton invites you to focus on constructive, supportive strategies designed for your situation, your relationships, your occupation and your pace. Add Dr. Denton to your team, and experience the difference a ‘fellow traveler’ can make to your results and successes.

Lifestyle Strategy sessions are available at Dr. Denton’s office and also by phone appointment. The fee is $90 per hour. An invoice is available for insurance reimbursement at your discretion.

To book your session, email Dr. Denton at gdenton@brainlash.com and inquire.