I was referred to the state TBI agency for some assistance.

Unfortunately the nice local agency that referred me to the state agency defines TBI differently from the state agency. My TBI was from brain surgery that went wrong. For the state people, that doesn't qualify as a traumatic brain injury, so I don't qualify for help.

They only accept people with sports injuries - not anyone with traffic accidents, or anyone with congenital brain injuries.

I've been in therapy with folks with all sorts of brain injuries.

So I'm curious - is there an official definition of TBI? I'd love to have some assistance, but mainly, I'm confused, and I want to clear up the confusion?

Gosh, that seems very messy and confusing doesn't it.

They only accept people with sports injuries? What sort of agency are they?

Others here can probably help you better as I'm not in your country, but I wondered...

Do they call it Acquired Brain Injury and do they offer support for people with ABI?

The BIAA have definitions.
http://www.biausa.org/about-brain-injury.htm

http://bianj.org/about-brain-injury
Brain Injury Alliance of NJ

Mayo Clinic Definition - TBI

Someone else here was talking yesterday on another thread about not getting support because their condition wasn't classified as TBI.

the worst parts by far of my brain injury are acquired and they still seem to jibe pretty well with the symptoms on this board. I might not get the cognitive issues since there was not much frontal lobe damage from what I've understood.

but I have plenty of other symptoms to make up for it

The best answer I found so far is from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Check out the concussion definition as well as the traumatic brain injury definition.

I had a similar experience and was referred to a hospital where their primary brain injury patients were teenagers having difficulty with their lives. No treatment for accident victims like me.

Here in Ontario Canada, in my experience, family physicians have very little knowledge when it comes to brain injury treatment or rehab. I've had to do my own research. I'm sure that the very prospect of educating yourself after TBI/concussion can seem daunting, but for me it was my only option. I can't wait to bring my new doctor up to speed.

Jamie

Hi Jamie, I agree with you wholeheartedly. I am in Ontario, Canada as well and am only now getting OT and SLP treatment as a result of my car accident -- 1 year later. Even though my family doctor diagnosed me with PCS, she still did not seem to know enough that I needed A LOT more support and education on just how much this would change my families life and mine. I am now looking into some local support groups.

SLG1, thank you for the comments, I wish you the best of luck with your struggles. Have you contacted the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA)? They advocate for TBI/concussion patients, you need only to ask. You may need a brain scan so if you've had one done, get a copy for yourself if you haven't already. The hospital in Oshawa did my scan and gave me a complimentary copy when I asked for it.

Are you a fan of Hockey Night In Canada? The doctor I was referred to has appeared on the show to discuss the prevention and treatment of concussion in sport. Dr Jha is a Neurosurgeon who sees patients like us from all over the world. When I contacted the OBIA they got me an appointment in three weeks!

HIS UNDERSTANDING OF MY SITUATION WAS INFERRED! That one thing alone was very liberating for me.

Jamie

Thanks so much Jamie. I will check into this. I have been advocating for a second opinion in terms of a neurologist. I did find a local support group in my area and plan to go and see what it's all about. Is Dr. Jha in Toronto?