On the latest episode of Mind Matters: Navigating Head Injuries and Concussions, we had the privilege of speaking with Jayme Severance—a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, speaker, author, and advocate.
Jayme joined Legal Nurse Consultant Kiley Como from Shane Smith Law to share his powerful story of survival, struggle, and transformation following a near-fatal crash during his senior year of high school.
A Life Changed in an Instant
In the fall of 2006, at just 17 years old, Jayme was a passenger in a devastating car crash that left him with a grade three diffuse axonal injury—one of the most severe forms of TBI.
The damage was bilateral, affecting the frontal lobes of his brain. He spent a month in a coma, and when he awoke, he was unable to walk, talk, or even remember basic things. His once-familiar body felt foreign. He couldn’t attend school, drive, or live the life he’d imagined.
This life-altering event became the foundation for his memoir, The Hayden Diary: Chasing the Prom from a Hospital Bed—a gripping account of his battle for recovery and a tool for raising awareness about brain injury.
The Odds Were Against Him
Jayme was given a 50/50 chance of survival—”flip-a-coin” odds, as he describes it. According to CDC statistics, over 90% of patients with severe TBIs never regain consciousness. Those who do often face lifelong challenges. For Jayme, this includes severe short-term memory loss, disinhibition, and executive dysfunction—all invisible to the eye but deeply impactful in day-to-day life.
As Jayme put it, “I have the attention span of an earthworm on espresso.” Yet despite these hurdles, he thrives.
An Invisible Disability With Very Real Challenges
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation came when Jayme explained the concept of disinhibition—a loss of social restraint caused by his brain injury. It’s led to unexpected or impulsive behaviors, like once dancing inappropriately at work after hearing a favorite song.
“Disinhibition is like airplane mode for your brain,” he explained. “When it kicks in, I can’t process social cues or consequences properly.”
Jayme also shared how executive dysfunction—difficulty with planning and decision-making—means he can’t drive. It’s a limitation that shapes his daily life and requires accommodation from employers and coworkers.
Redefining Success Through Adaptability
Today, Jayme works as a junior copywriter at Mesh Interactive Agency, a position that allows him to work remotely and thrive in a structured, creative environment. What began as a coping mechanism—writing poems during rehab—has become the very skill that supports his career.
“Being adaptable is key to transforming personal tragedy into success,” Jayme said. “Even Einstein said that in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
A Voice for the Voiceless
While Jayme may not remember everything, his voice is unforgettable. His tracheostomy has left him with a unique vocal quality, but his story and passion shine through loud and clear. From hospital bed to bookshelf, his mission is to raise awareness about the harsh realities of brain injury—and to remind people that even “minor” TBIs can have major consequences.
His book, The Hayden Diary, and his LinkedIn article, “Raising TBI Awareness: From Hospital Bed to Bookshelf,” both serve as platforms for education, empathy, and connection.
Final Thoughts
Jayme reminds us that brain injuries don’t just affect memory or movement—they impact identity, relationships, and everyday function. Yet through resilience, support, and purpose, recovery is possible.
As host Kiley Como closed out the episode, he reflected: “Your injury may not have been supposed to happen to you, but it’s clearly being used to lift others up.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Want to Hear More?
Catch the full episode on Mind Matters and subscribe to stay up-to-date on powerful conversations about brain injuries, recovery, and advocacy. And remember…
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