TBI What Now?

06/19/2025

05/15/2025

PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Researchers believe that individuals suffering with TBI, have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Research suggests that just one traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness of more than one hour can be associated with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is a result of degeneration of dopamine in the brain’s neurons. This points to the importance of the role of dopamine to the human brain and how it improves body movement. Dopamine also plays a role in as far as it teaches the brain to distinguish between rewards (happiness) and punishment (unpleasant feelings). So, if you remember, in an earlier post, I talked about daily exercise, whether you are disabled or not, and the benefits due to the development of dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are responsible for communicating between brain cells (neurons). Some neurons are responsible for sending signals with specific neurotransmitters. Dopamine neurons are found in specific areas of the brain, including the substantia nigra and basal ganglia. These areas of the midbrain work together to control muscular and skeletal movements. The substantia nigra makes dopamine to send signals to the basal ganglia and other areas of the brain to cause movement.
Researchers believe that Parkinson’s is brought about both by genetics and environmental factors. Environmental factors include not only Traumatic Brain Injury, but also occupational exposure to PCBs, especially in women; A strong link has been shown between PD and exposure to pesticides and herbicides (one herbicide that has been linked to Parkinson’s is paraquat, a widely used commercial herbicide in the U.S. that is banned in 32 countries, including the European Union and China); Age is the largest risk factor for developing PD. About one percent of people over age 60 have PD; Gender: PD is more common in men than in women.
Potential Protective Factors
Scientists have also found certain factors that may reduce the risk of developing PD. As with risk factors, not enough is known about these and they should not be tried without the counsel of a doctor.
Caffeine: Consumption of caffeine in coffee or tea may lower risk of developing PD.
Uric acid or urate: This chemical occurs naturally in blood. High levels, associated with diets high in certain foods, like meats, can cause gout and kidney stones. However, researchers have found that men with uric acid levels in the high end of the normal range have a lower incidence of PD, though a similar effect was not observed in women.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Several studies have shown that people who regularly take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen have a lower risk of PD.
Smoking: Many studies have associated cigarette smoking with a decreased risk of PD perhaps due to the protective factor of ni****ne.
Cholesterol Levels: Some studies have suggested that the use of statins — drugs used to lower cholesterol levels — is associated with reduced PD risk.
Vitamin D: It has been suggested that those with higher vitamin D levels were at lower risk of developing PD, however additional studies are needed to support this.
Exercise: Increase physical activity early in life has been associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinson's later in life.

Symptoms
Tremor: Shaking usually begins in the hands or fingers. Sometimes there is a rubbing of the thumb and forefinger called pill-rolling tremor.
Slowed movement, also called bradykinesia: Parkinson's disease can slow down movements. This can make many tasks more difficult. Patients can have difficulty getting out of a chair, shower or get dressed. Movement can also be experienced in the face by having less expression or having difficulty blinking.
Rigid muscles: Stiff muscles in any part of the body are common. Muscles can feel tense and painful, and arm movements can be short and jerky.
Poor posture and balance: Often patients experience poor posture, and it becomes stooped. There is a high rate of balance problems creating risk of falling.
Loss of automatic movements: Movements that are typically performed without thinking can be become difficult to complete.
Speech changes: This disease can also affect speech and symptoms exhibited include soft or quick, slurred or hesitated talking. Speech may become flat or monotone, without typical speech patterns.
Writing changes: Sometimes patients have trouble writing, and writing may appear cramped and small.
Nonmotor symptoms: These may include depression, anxiety, constipation and sleep problems. They also may include acting out dreams, needing to urinate often, trouble smelling, problems with thinking and memory, and feeling very tired.

Diagnosis
When experiencing any symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, it is important to seek out a professional, most likely a neurologist, to diagnose any possibility of this illness. Doctors may use all or some of the methods discussed here in diagnosing the disease.
Physical and neurological exam: This includes taking your medical history and doing a neurological exam that tests your thinking and mental abilities, senses, coordination, and reflexes.
Blood and lab tests: These are used to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Imaging tests, such as an MRI, brain ultrasound and PET scan: These are used to rule out other conditions. They are not very helpful in diagnosing Parkinson's disease.
A specific single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan called a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan: This can help support the suspicion that you have Parkinson's disease and help identify different types of tremors. But it is your symptoms and the results of your neurological exam that determine your diagnosis. Most people do not require a DAT scan.
Genetic testing: This tests for gene changes if there is a known family history of Parkinson's disease or if you have early-onset disease.

Treatments
There is no cure for Parkinson’s. However, there are many medications and therapies that aid with specific benefits.
Managing symptoms with medication: Almost all patients with Parkinson’s disease eventually need to take medication to help with their motor symptoms. Several classes of medications are available. Treatment is highly individualized and adjusted over time based on symptoms and side effects.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound (FUS) : Some patients with Parkinson’s disease may benefit from deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical therapy that has been FDA approved for over a decade, or Focused ultrasound (FUS), a more recently-approved procedure.
Physical, occupational and speech therapy: As with all neurological conditions, physical, occupational and speech therapy can be important partners in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapy can improve gait. Occupational therapy can be helpful to maximize fine motor skills. Speech therapy can be useful to address speech and language barriers. It is never too early to consult PT, OT, and speech experts. It can be beneficial to have a baseline evaluation and set you up for success from the start.
Lifestyle changes: Research has shown that exercise is incredibly important for people with PD and can help alleviate and potentially slow the progression of symptoms. A proper exercise program can include cardio-respiratory exercise (fitness training), resistance exercises (strength training), flexibility exercises (stretching), and gait and balance training.

Want to know more?
Watch this video on YouTube called “Understanding Parkinson's disease” by nature video. It explains the brains disfunction with this disease.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckn9zybpYZ8
Also informative is the video called “What are the different stages of Parkinson's disease?” by the Parkinson's Foundation. Also available on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xW8A3dd5yg
The “Exercise Recommendations for Parkinson's Disease” video by the Parkinson's Foundation on YouTube gives a good understanding on what type of exercise program can help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MIFX0w7At8

Exercise is an important part of healthy living for everyone. For those with Parkinson’s disease (PD), exercise is more than healthy — it is a vital componen...

05/02/2025

BRAIN INJURY

So, what is a brain injury? Did you know there are a multitude of answers? Let’s explore. I will list them in alphabetical order.

ABI – Acquired Brain Injury – This term is used to describe injuries that may have occurred at birth, traumatic brain injury, as well as brain tumors, stroke, brain hemorrhage, and encephalitis to name a few. So this term is the “Broad Term” to describe brain injuries.

ALCOHOL RELATED INJURY – Drinking alcohol even in moderate amounts can lead to Brain atrophy. It can also interfere with brain cell function, creating long-term effects on the brain. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, Hepatic Encephalopathy, and Central Pontine Myelinolysis have all been identified as being linked to alcohol consumption. These are specific disorders can lead to vision impairment, muscular coordination conditions, and speech problems.

ANOXIC OR HYPOXIC INJURY – This occurs when the brain cells do not get enough oxygen. Left without oxygen for too long, neural cells begin to die through a process called apoptosis. This type of injury can occur during birth, and attack or assault, due to stroke, due to choking or anaphylactic shock, because of a drug overdose or a blow to the windpipe. It can also be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, dizziness, vomiting, tingling in limbs, and intense headaches.

BRAIN ANEURYSM – This is also called “Cerebral Aneurysm” and is caused by a swelling of a weakened blood vessel inside of the brain. Aneurysms can grow over time, putting pressure on the brain. Often this condition goes unrecognized. Symptoms include headaches and fatigue.

BRAIN HEMORRHAGE – A brain hemorrhage is bleeding in or around the brain caused by an aneurysm, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Hemorrhages are named according to where the bleeding occurs: Subdural Hemorrhage (Hematoma) – These are most common associated with TBI . A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood outside the brain. The bleeding and added pressure on the brain from this condition can be life-threatening. Blood collects between the layers of tissue that surround the brain; Extradural hemorrhage (Hematoma) - Is a collection of blood that forms between your skull and the dura mater, the outermost protective membrane covering your brain. The cause is usually an artery that gets torn by a skull fracture. Symptoms include severe headache and loss of consciousness. This can be a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery.; Subarachnoid hemorrhage - Is bleeding into the subarachnoid space, the area between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater surrounding the brain. Symptoms may include a severe headache of rapid onset, vomiting, decreased level of consciousness, fever, weakness, numbness, and sometimes seizures; and Intracerebral hemorrhage – This type of hemorrhage is the second most cause of stroke. It is caused by bleeding into the brain tissue. Blood can damage the brain tissue as well as the increased pressure cause damage to the brain. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fading in and out of consciousness, weakness or numbness in arms and legs, vision loss, seizures.

BRAIN INFECTION: Meningitis (inflammation of protective membranes), Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself, caused by a viral infection), and Brain Abscesses (localized collection of pus within the tissue) fall into this category. Symptoms include fever, headache, confusion, and seizures. For more information, you can follow this link: https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/types-of-brain-injury/

BRAIN TUMOR: A brain tumor is a growth of cells in the brain or near it. Brain tumors can happen in the brain tissue. Brain tumors also can happen near the brain tissue. Nearby locations include nerves, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, and the membranes that cover the surface of the brain. Brain tumors can begin in the brain. These are called primary brain tumors. Sometimes, cancer spreads to the brain from other parts of the body. These tumors are secondary brain tumors, also called metastatic brain tumors. There are too many types to mention here. For more information check out this link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-20350084. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, eye problems, loosing feeling or movement in an arm or leg, balance trouble, speech problems, fatigue, memory problems, behavior changes, dizziness, hearing problems, seizures.

CONCUSSION – This injury is often referred to as “Mild Head Injury” or “Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.” A concussion occurs when the brain is shaken back and forth inside the skull. Concussions often result due to a fall, road crashes, assaults, or sports accidents. Symptoms can include loss of consciousness (less than 30 minutes), and Post Traumatic Amnesia (PTA). The recovery period often involves dizziness, nausea, confusion, inability to process information, sensitivity to light, and vision distortion.

STROKE – Stroke is caused by a blood supply disruption to the brain. Blood supplies oxygen which is vital for the brain to function. There are two types of stroke; Ischemic Stroke, where a blood clot causes blockage; and Hemorrhagic Stroke, where a weakened blood vessel bursts, causing blood to leak into the brain. Symptoms of stroke are described by the acronym FAST; F – Face (Part of the face starts to droop, making smiling difficult); A – Arms (Person is unable to fully lift their arms); S – Speech (Person has difficulties with speech and slurs); T – Time (It’s time to call 911).

TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury – Describes brain injuries caused by trauma to the head and brain. Often caused by accidents, assaults, falls, and work accidents. Depending on the severity, this type of injury usually results in coma, loss of motor functions, and speech impairment. There can be a multitude of other conditions.

SUMMATION: Here is a great video explaining different types of brain damage, their causes, and their symptoms. It’s only 4 minutes long, but well worth watching.
Brain Damage Decoded: Breaking Down Types, Causes, and Symptoms by Medical Centric: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0Xec2C2rrg

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05/01/2025

NATIONAL SERVICE DOG AND THERAPY DOG DAY
Yesterday was National Service Dog and Therapy Dog Day. Have you ever watched a service dog in action and marveled at their behavior and training? This is because they go through a long process of training that starts at puppy-hood and not every dog qualifies. It is important to understand the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs, and support animals. Each have their own function and are governed by their own laws. The service dog is the only animal allowed by law to accompany their owner into stores, restaurants, and other public places. Some government agencies may restrict the use of service dogs within their walls for very specific reasons. So, Fido, who may have been trained to be loving and caring to support their owner, does not qualify for this distinction. Read on for the three types of support animals and what the function is of each.

THE THREE TYPES OF SUPPORT ANIMALS

1. SERVICE DOGS
• Dogs only!
• Highly trained and certified through a professional training
program and then certified.
• Trained to assist with physical disabilities or specific disorders.
• Wear a vest or tag with certification.
• Certified animals protected by ADA Standards. Allowed to
assist owner in stores, shops, restaurants, and other public
areas.
• Protected by the Fair Housing Act and allowed to live with
owner when pets may not be allowed.
• Protected by the Air Carrier Access Act and allowed to travel
with owner on planes.
• State and local governments require certification as well as
current vaccinations and dog licenses.

2. THERAPY DOGS
• Only dogs!
• Trained in a specialized professional training program.
• NOT a pet you keep at home.
• NOT a service dog.
• Trained to provide comfort and affection to people other than
their handlers or owners.
• Used in a therapy setting visiting a variety of places; hospitals,
schools, hospices, nursing homes, disaster areas, and more.
• Must have a friendly and warm disposition.
• Their purpose: Improving patients’ mental health through
socialization and engagement, aiding physical rehabilitation
by walking people through processes, helping with recovery of
certain physical skills.
• Not protected by ADA, the Fair Housing Act, or Carrier Access
Act, as the animal lives with the handler.

3. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL
• Can be any animal.
• NOT a service dog.
• NOT a therapy dog.
• A comfort animal only.
• Certified as an ESA by prescription from a doctor or mental
health professional.
• Registered as an ESA, must maintain vaccinations and license if
a dog.
• Minimal training.
• Animal must have a loving character.
• Assist their owner’s mental health.
• Are protected under the Federal Fair Housing Act.
• Are not protected by the ADA (cannot enter shops, stores,
restaurants).
• Are not protected by the Carrier Access Act and cannot enter
planes.

MISCONCEPTIONS

So, here is where many misconceptions arise: Emotional Support or Comfort Animals of any kind are NOT considered “Service Animals,” neither are Therapy Animals. ESA’s and therapy animals provide emotional support or comfort, and this is not a task related to a person’s disability or special disorder, but a matter of mental health. For this reason, the laws that the ADA has set forth for providing service for animals do not apply to ESA’s or therapy dogs (i.e., being allowed in a store, restaurants, shops, hospitals, schools, hotels, and housing).
You ask why are therapy and ESAs not treated like service dogs? Pretty simple:

1. Sanitation and Hygiene. Animals pose a risk of contaminating
open food or sensitive products (hair, dirt, saliva, urine, f***s).
2. Even friendly animals can be unpredictable when out of their
comfort zone. This creates a safety problem.
3. Larger animals obstruct aisles, cause tripping hazards, and knock
over displays. They pose a safety risk.
4. Some individuals suffer from animal allergies and should not be
unnecessarily exposed to animals.
5. Service dogs provide physical assistance. ESA’s and therapy dogs
do not.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

TO LEARN ABOUT SERVICE DOGS AND IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW CAN BENEFIT FROM ONE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW1-SbxTQiU The Puppies Go To The Farm by BuzzFeedVideo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia0MUPipw5I What is a Service Dog and Why Do People Need Them to Survive? | Operation Ouch | by Nugget.

LEARN ABOUT THERAPY DOGS AND HOW YOU CAN SHARE A QUALIFIED PET TO HELP OTHERS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmbrSZXqGGE How Is a Therapy Dog Different from a Service Dog? By Brainline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhFL1rJSCyE Therapy Dogs: Training, Teamwork, and Therapy by CESAR Canine Cuisine

LEARN ABOUT EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS AND IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW CAN BENEFIT FROM ONE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJbp9XqdKzk What Does an Emotional Support Animal Really Do? By Dr. Tracy Marks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xkuBv6ZpPg What is an ESA letter and how to get one?
(100% legitimate & FHA compliant) by Pettable.

To understand more about these types of animals, watch the following video by Phoenix Trauma Center and Dr. Scott Giacomucci: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foHIH9npZBM

Subscribe for more crazy, fun and exciting science facts: https://goo.gl/4XwBh113 year old Grace has cerebral palsy. Scooby is her professionally trained ass...

04/28/2025

Sensory Input: My last few posts have been about sensory input and how sensory stimulation can help with creating new pathways in the brain.

This weekend I came across an article by Neuroscience News that also discusses this and I was pleasantly surprised how helpful sensory input can truly be. While this article focuses on a study for Down Syndrome, it also mentions that researchers have found that sensory input can protect against aging and Alzheimer's-like degeneration.

If you like reading about these type of studies and the potential of further research that is warranted in these areas to aid the brain, then this article is for you!

New research shows that 40Hz sensory stimulation (GENUS) improves memory, enhances brain circuit connectivity, and increases new neuron growth in mice modeling Down syndrome.

04/27/2025

Just a little fun note: April 27th is National Gummy Bear Day.

04/27/2025

HAND THERAPY GLOVES (ALSO CALLED STROKE GLOVES)

Often individuals with serious TBI or those who have suffered a stroke, deal with Apraxia or Atrophy. Apraxia is a neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to plan and coordinate movements, leading to difficulties in performing tasks despite having the physical ability to do them. Muscle Atrophy is a common type of atrophy where muscle tissue decreases in size and strength. It can be caused by disuse, aging, malnutrition, or certain medical conditions where parts of the body are not used.

Apraxia and Atrophy in the fingers and hands can cause the hand to stiffen to the point where no rehabilitation is possible. To prevent this, a hand therapy glove can be used. Hand therapy gloves are specialized rehabilitation devices designed to assist with regaining hand function. These gloves are electronic and come in various forms. They are designed with cutting-edge technology, using sensors and small motors. They detect intended finger movements and provide the necessary assistance to complete them. This active support helps in performing daily tasks. They are also useful in retraining your brain’s pathways and enhancing neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. These gloves help to reinforce these new pathways by facilitating and encouraging the use of the affected hand. This can gradually improve motor function and independence, simply by performing daily tasks.

Especially helpful are those hand therapy gloves that allow mirroring. These gloves are also known as mirror gloves. They use the idea that mirror therapy will aid in rehabilitation, if only one hand is affected. These gloves work by mimicking the movements of the healthy hand with the affected hand, helping to retrain the brain and restore hand function. In this case the healthy hand wears a sensor glove that tracks movements and the affected hand is guided via an interface to mirror those movements.

When considering a hand therapy glove, the following is important:

1. Select the appropriate glove: Choose a glove that matches your specific rehabilitation needs.
2. Select the proper size: Follow manufacturers fitting instruction for proper sizing.
3. Prepare the hand: Make sure your hand is clean and in a relaxed state before putting on the glove to facilitate comfort and effectiveness.
4. Wearing the glove: Properly fit the glove on the hand. Make any necessary adjustments so it sits snugly without causing any discomfort.
5. Performing movements: Start with simple exercises such as squeezing a stress ball to enhance grip strength. Then, progress to finger extensions to improve agility and control. Gloves usually come with instructions for basic exercises.
6. Gradually increasing complexity: As your strength and dexterity improve, introduce more challenging exercises requiring fine motor skills and more endurance. Following these guidelines will help you regain functional use of your hands safely and effectively.

You can work with a therapist to get advise on special exercises. Hand therapy gloves can be prescribed by a doctor and can also be purchased online. The cost of purchasing a simple set up of this glove is currently around $75.00. The price increases with more advanced options currently going as high as $2,500. A patient may also be able to get assistance for this device if it is denied by insurance, if they are working with the Department of Rehabilitation. In most cases a simple model works just fine.

Check out this video “Robotic Stroke Glove: A Revolutionary Device for Hand Rehabilitation” by SKILLS AND WELLNES:

If you or someone you love suffers from hand impairment due to stroke, arthritis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or other conditions, you know ho...

04/25/2025

DIY TEXTURE SENSORY ACTIVITIES CAN HELP REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY

If you work with a person recovering from TBI, or a child on the Spectrum, then this type of sensory activity can provide a calming effect as well as it can help build concentration. Most people enjoy touching, feeling, and exploring texture. But for individuals with neurological conditions, activities that involve textures, the sense of touch, promote creativity and provide sensory input for learning about how things feel, and expanding spatial understanding of our world.

When exploring therapy for TBI, stroke, dementia, and order neurological disorders, many sensory activities can provide relief for anxiety and uneasiness, as well as stimulate brain activity and the re-learning process.

Have you ever sat on the beach and let sand glide through your fingers and toes? Do you like the feel of polished rocks? What about feeling the grass on your naked feet? These are the same types of experiences.

Other than exploring nature, here are some texture sensory activities you can prepare at home. Some of these can also be fun at birthday parties and get-togethers.

Sensory Bin
A sensory bin is a simple way of experiencing a variety of textures at the same time. You will need a small plastic tub with a lid, beans, small round rocks, rice, beads, marbles, buttons, anything that is small and be touched without getting hurt. Place all your items in the tub and mix them up. Textures can be explored but you can also explore in other ways (collect all the marbles, take a spoon and filter rice through a funnel… the ideas are endless). If you are teaching a theme, another way to use a sensory tub is to fill it with kinetic sand and fill it with items that represent the topic (ocean creatures, dinosaurs, etc.). This type of bin can be used to enhance any child’s curriculum. For making kinetic sand you will need; cornstarch, food coloring, vegetable oil, airtight container.
• Step 1: Mix 4 cups of cornstarch with desired color of food
coloring.
• Step 2: Mix ¾ cup of vegetable oil into the cornstarch mixture
one tablespoon at a time and mixing well before adding more
oil.
• Keep in an airtight container (zip lock bags work well) while
not in use.

Sensory Squares
Collect a variety of material with different textures. Textures that work well; netting, rough material from scrubbers, sponge material, felt, fleece, faux fur, packaging foam, sequence, and terrycloth. You will also need a key ring, and a hole punch.
• Step 1: Cut 3” by 3” squares from your collected material.
• Step 2: Hole punch a hole in one corner of each of the squares.
(You may need to cut small slits into some materials that are
too difficult to punch.)
• Step 3: Attach all of the squares to the key ring by inserting
the key ring through the holes.

Bubble Wrap Popping
Collect bubble wrap from packing. Especially for individuals with Autism or TBI, it’s more than just a fun activity. Popping bubble wrap is a stress-relieving sensory activity that offers both tactile input and auditory feedback, making it a satisfying way to reduce stress and self-regulate.
When you press down on a bubble, there’s a tactile sensation as it pops, followed by that familiar “pop” sound. These combined elements—touch and sound—provide a dual sensory experience that can help calm the mind and body. For younger children, if you have bubble wrap with the large bubbles, you can play a game of “Bubble Wrap Stomp.”

Touch Exploration Bags
Touch is a great way of exploring sensory input. Touch exploration bags can be created simply to explore shapes and textures, or to make a guessing game out of the activity. You will need: Paper bags, a pen, touch items (pompoms, noodles, buttons, small lids, etc.).
• Step 1: Decide how many bags you’d like to fill with some
items.
• Step 2: If you are playing the guessing game, label the bags
with 1 though how many bags you have for guessing.
• Step 3: The individual guessing sticks their hand in the bag
without looking into it and guesses what it might be.

Touch Sensory Bean Bags
Everyone loves the feel of bean bags, such as the ones used in games. An easy version of this sensory item only uses beans, a zipper baggie, and duct tape.
• Step 1: Fill the zippered baggie about ¾ full with beans.
• Step 2: Zipper the baggie.
• Step 3: Seal the baggie on all four sides with duct tape to last.
To play bean bag toss, you can set up a bucket, or several buckets in a row to see how far you can toss the bag.
Want more sensory items? Make different baggies filled with different items (rice, beans, sand, glitter, sugar, beads, pompoms, cotton balls, etc.).