AdventHealth Littleton occupational therapist Lisa Hackett is using her personal experience with concussion to help others. Decades ago, Hackett suffered a concussion in a car accident that went undiagnosed for over a year. She initially believed her symptoms were due to sleep deprivation and the stress of caring for a newborn while starting a new job.
“It wasn’t until about a year later that I realized something wasn’t right,” Hackett said. “I finally went to see a neurologist, and after testing, that’s when I knew this was real. I was finally able to get the help I needed.”
Hackett’s experience led her to raise awareness about concussion diagnosis and care. Last month, she set up an educational booth at AdventHealth Littleton for National Concussion Awareness Day. On September 19, she spoke with staff and visitors about recognizing concussion symptoms and accessing treatment. She highlighted resources such as the REAP (Remove/Reduce, Educate, Adjust/Accommodate, Pace) Manual, which supports coordinated care among medical professionals, families, and schools. Many visitors to her booth were unaware of local resources available for concussion care.
“Education is huge. Knowledge is power,” Hackett said. “Both of my daughters have also faced their own head injuries. With my second daughter, we recognized it right away and got her the support she needed. The difference was night and day compared to what my first daughter went through.”
In her role at AdventHealth Littleton, Hackett applies both personal and professional knowledge to patient care. She noted that concussions are sometimes overlooked when patients present with other injuries.
“People come in with a fall or a broken bone, and the focus is on that injury, so concussions can get missed,” she said. “That’s where I can step in and make sure the patient gets screened for a traumatic brain injury.”
Hackett aims to help patients regain independence and daily function by connecting them with appropriate specialists such as speech therapists, physical therapists, or concussion clinics.
“It’s powerful hearing people’s stories,” she said. “So many just try to push through it, but when you don’t give yourself time to heal, you can do more damage. Concussions are brain injuries and need to be taken seriously. Just because you can’t see a brain injury, doesn’t mean it’s not there.”
AdventHealth Orlando, located in Orlando, Florida, has served the community since 1908. The hospital is led by President Terry Shaw and includes specialized services such as a pediatric ward. It also serves as a training hospital. More information can be found at https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-orlando.
