After completing a Master’s Degree in English at the University of Chicago, Laura Bruno spent two years in the corporate world. Just before her return to graduate school, she suffered a brain injury and could no longer read without debilitating migraine headaches. Years of misdiagnoses forced her to find alternative means of getting well. Now a writer and Intuitive Life Coach, Laura enjoys a full practice. From a woman once considered “permanently disabled,” If I Only Had a Brain Injury is itself testament to the incredible resilience of human brain and spirit.

Words from the Author

If I Only Had a Brain Injury Cover

Hi, my name is Laura Bruno, and I spent six years recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). One bump on the head destroyed my successful sales career and plans to begin doctoral studies in English Literature. Healthy and energetic one day, I could suddenly no longer function.

I looked exactly the same, but inside everything had become a terrifying and confusing mess. Until I encountered other survivors, I felt like a freak. Because no one could "see" my injury, and my brain short-circuited all the time, I did not know how to explain what was wrong. I felt embarrassed and alone.

Only much later did I learn that MANY people with brain injuries suffer from oversensitivity, visual problems, and difficulty making decisions. I was not, as my insurance company claimed, "A Medical Mystery." Just knowing that someone else shared the same struggles relieved a great deal of anxiety.

In 2003, author and teacher Sally Kempton interviewed me (under my maiden name) for an article in Yoga Journal. She presented my TBI recovery as an illustration of "resilience" or "bouncing back." To my surprise, after the article appeared, Sally began forwarding me emails from people all over the world, thanking me for letting them know they were not alone. People with brain injury, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and MS shared their stories with me and I noticed patterns. In 2004, my husband caught Lyme Disease and his symptoms and misdiagnoses echoed all of our experiences.

I did some research and you know what? WE ARE NOT ALONE!

Twenty million other Americans struggle with debilitating effects of TBI, brain cancer, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, migraines, MS and stroke. Though different diagnoses, each produces neurological side effects-creating a wild and painful ride that changes one's sense of Self.

Every year, another 2.5 million survivors join their ranks. But where do they go from there? How do they find their way through uncertain prognoses, perceptual problems and depression?

That's why I wrote this book. If I Only Had a Brain Injury will help you and your loved ones navigate the confusing journey of "Medical Mystery." In addition to my own inspirational story and 52 Healing Hints, in this book 13 other survivors, caregivers and treatment providers share their experiences and expertise.