Northeast Iowa Brain Injury Group

10/21/2026

Twitch streamer Adam Wolke, known for Skyline TV, dies at age 36 from brain hemorrhage

The content creator was known by over 265,000 followers on Twitch and 120,000 more on Instagram, where he shared travel content

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

Brain Injury and Depersonalization
When your brain feels disconnected from your own body.
Depersonalization can be one of the most frightening and misunderstood experiences someone faces after a brain injury. You may look normal on the outside, hold a conversation, drive a car, or go about your daily routine, yet internally feel as though something fundamental has changed.
What does depersonalization feel like?
People may describe it as:
Feeling disconnected from your body — as if you are living inside your body but not fully connected to it.
Feeling unreal or unfamiliar to yourself — your body, voice, or movements may not feel like your own.
Feeling like an observer — as if you are watching yourself live rather than fully experiencing life.
Brain fog and altered awareness — feeling mentally distant, numb, or detached from your surroundings.
Emotional disconnection — knowing you love your family but feeling unable to experience emotions in the same way as before.
A constant sense that something is wrong — even when nothing visibly appears wrong to other people.
For some people, these feelings come and go. For others, they can persist for months or years.
Can a brain injury cause depersonalization?
It is possible for depersonalization-like symptoms to occur after a brain injury, but the relationship is complex. Brain injuries can affect cognition, emotion, sensory processing, and the integration of bodily sensations. Depersonalization can also occur alongside migraine, seizures, depression, medication effects, or other conditions. Research has not established one single mechanism that explains every case. 
That distinction matters: feeling disconnected after a brain injury does not automatically mean you have a primary depersonalization-derealization disorder, and the symptom should not automatically be attributed to anxiety.
What can help?
Get the cause assessed: A neurologist can review the brain injury, symptoms, medications, sleep, and any relevant seizure or migraine concerns.
Reduce sensory overload: Try quieter environments, softer lighting, and breaks when your symptoms intensify.
Use gentle grounding: Notice your feet against the floor, name a few objects around you, or hold a familiar textured object. These techniques may help you feel more present, although they do not treat every underlying cause.
Review treatment options individually: There is no medication proven to reliably eliminate depersonalization itself. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and associated symptoms. 
If the disconnection suddenly becomes much worse, or occurs with new weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of awareness, or a sudden severe headache, seek urgent medical attention.

10/15/2026

People living with neurological disorders may experience depression, but the signs can sometimes be overlooked.

Depression comes in different forms and often accompanies neurological conditions like epilepsy, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Recognizing the signs and getting help is crucial.

10/15/2026

📢 Have a voice in the future of Iowa’s aging services.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeking input from older Iowans, caregivers, advocates, service providers, volunteers, and representatives of rural and underserved communities through the Invitation to participate in Iowa’s Aging System House File 2707 Input Survey.

The survey will help identify needs, improve access to services, and inform potential changes to Iowa’s aging system. 

🗓️ Survey open: October 6 through October 16 at 8:00 a.m.⏱️ Takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. 

Your feedback can help shape services and supports for older Iowans across the state. Please consider participating and sharing with your networks. 

10/15/2026

📣 Call for Presenters: Annual Conference 2027

Do you have experience, insights, or strategies that can strengthen the brain injury community?

The 35th Annual Best Practices in Brain Injury Services Conference is now accepting presentation proposals! This is your opportunity to share knowledge, build skills, and inspire professionals and advocates across Iowa and beyond.

Your voice matters—help shape the future of brain injury services.

👉 Submit your proposal today: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=uDBI_57Lukit8lvPpzBh8kb_S8X6a-1GkmtNrTR_UCdUNFREQ0dZMzNSR1g2NzQ5UDk1TFpSVTU4Ry4u&route=shorturl

10/15/2026

Rock band frontman announces brain tumour and will be awake during surgery

'No it is not in my hippocampus'

10/12/2026

Our Tuesday, October 27th meeting will be a potluck!! Chicken, table service and drinks will be provided, please bring a dish to share. Meeting starts at 6pm at Westminster Presb Church-Waterloo IA. If you have been thinking about attending one of our meetings, this would be a great one to start with!

10/12/2026

Indiana man dies from head injury after falling from golf cart

An Indiana man is dead after police say he fell from a golf cart, causing severe injuries.

10/12/2026

26-year-old boxer dies a week after suffering brain bleed

Mexican boxer Arturo Torres has died aged 26, a week after suffering a brain bleed following his final bout in Mexico.