What Gets Missed: The Hidden Tension Between Brain Injury and Mental Health (with Dr. Edie Zusman)
LISTEN HERE:
or download on your mobile device via your favorite podcast app —
In this episode…
Navigating life after brain injury often means managing a complex overlap of symptoms where the lines between neurological changes and mental health can become blurred. Too often, individuals find their very real neurological symptoms misdiagnosed as purely psychological issues, leaving them without the comprehensive care they need. Or there can be mental health needs that go overlooked due to the brain injury, leading to things getting missed.
In this episode, we sit down with trauma neurosurgeon Dr. Edie Zusman to discuss the often-overlooked mental health aspects of brain injury and the necessity of a holistic approach that integrates both neurological and psychological support. Dr. Zusman is also the Founder and CEO of Safe Living Space, a nonprofit organization dedicated to brain injury awareness, education, and advancing brain injury research where it is most frequently overlooked.
🧠 In this episode:
Understanding both the cognitive and emotional aspects of an injury is vital for effective recovery.
Many neurological symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as psychological issues, highlighting the need for specialized expertise.
Brain injury symptoms can create barriers in interpersonal relationships that require patience and understanding.
Recognizing the neurological basis of symptoms can lead to more validated experiences and better treatment outcomes.
The path to wellness is unique for everyone and requires a high degree of patience with the process.
Prioritizing safety and preventing further brain injuries is essential for long-term health and stability.
Meet Our Guest
Edie E. Zusman, MD, MBA, FAANS
Dr. Zusman is a nationally respected trauma neurosurgeon known for her clinical research on brain injury resulting from domestic/intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual assault and trafficking. Dr. Zusman started Northwestern University Medical School at the age of 19, did general surgery internship and neurosurgery residency at the UCDavis level 1 trauma center in Sacramento, CA. She served as Chief of Neurosurgery at the Mayo Clinic Network Affiliated NorthBay in Solano County where she lead the TBI and Concussion Clinic and is currently Director of the Neuroscience Partners leading an interdisciplinary care team for TBI and Concussion from ALL causes. An Adjunct Full Professor, Dr. Zusman has been invited to present her research findings on Brain Injury at Stanford University, Palo Alto VA, Northwestern University Neuroscience, UCDavis Law School, the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons/World Health Organization meeting in Cape Town, South Africa and the North American Brain Injury Society. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Family Violence Appelate Project in CA. Dr. Zusman is CEO and Executive Director of Safe Living Space (501c3), an educational philanthropy to address the incredible gap in brain injury evaluation and care.
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more: thefnc.com
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
