Frequently Asked Questions

The Brain Clinic is for individuals 16 years of age and older who have sustained an acquired brain injury. Our goal is to restore hope, improve function, and empower those impacted by brain injury.

An acquired brain injury, or ABI, is any injury to your brain that occurred after your birth and is not degenerative. An ABI can be traumatic or non-traumatic.

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury resulting from a blow to the head or an external force that has caused rapid movement of the brain within the skull. TBIs are commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents, contact sports, domestic violence, falls, or military combat. 

A non-traumatic brain injury is caused by internal factors, such as a stroke, lack of oxygen to the brain from events like near-drowning or an overdose, or a tumour.

Absolutely. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury, often abbreviated as mTBI or mild traumatic brain injury.

And, there is no just a concussion. There can be some serious life changes after a concussion.

The Brain Clinic was created to assist those living with the long-term impact of brain injury. Even mild brain injuries can have long-term effects. If you've had a brain injury and the changes are lasting more than three months, that is considered a long-term impact.

The only definitive way to know if you have a brain injury is through a physician. However, up to 80% of concussions go unreported — unless there's a period of unconsciousness, concussions are easily dismissed as a simple knock to the head. So, here are some things to be aware of.

Signs to look for in the 24-72 hours following the event:

• Headache and/or nausea 
• Confusion
• Slow or slurred speech
• Sensitivity to light and/or sound
• Visual disturbances
• Feeling sluggish or foggy
• Inability to concentrate 
• Difficulty with balance or unusual clumsiness

Chronic/long-term signs and symptoms are unique to the individual and can vary widely. Some of the common ones we see are:

• Fatigue that does not go away
• Out-of-proportion anger or frustration
• Emotional difficulties
• Impulsivity
• Headaches
• Executive functioning difficulties

If you believe you have a brain injury, please see a doctor for diagnosis. If you don't have access to a doctor and these signs sound like you, please reach out for the programming we provide.

We require that all clients are able to function entirely independently or with mild limitation. While moderate-to-severe TBIs can result in permanently reduced levels of functioning, there are many TBI survivors who are able to live independently.

Part of our program focuses on helping those living with brain injury reintegrate themselves into their community in the form of work, school, or volunteering. We know that this type of social connection is crucial in long-term life enjoyment and at this time, we are not able to offer inpatient services or the level of 1-on-1 care that an individual with high support needs requires.

Independent functioning is the ability to manage essential daily life activities and responsibilities without constant supervision and/or hands-on assistance. 

A mild impairment in independent functioning means an individual's ability to live, manage tasks, and care for themselves without assistance is fair. Intermittent help or supervision is needed, as well as other accommodations to function effectively.

We understand that living with brain injury often comes with mild impairment and that's ok. The Brain Clinic is here to help.

Yes. We understand the complexities of caring for and loving someone that lives with traumatic brain injury. Our program offers support, direction, guidance, and more for caregivers and family members.

Our services include counselling therapy; we collaborate with community physical and occupational therapists to achieve the best results. Most private health insurance plans typically cover these services. Please contact your provider for details regarding your coverage.

If you are a veteran, an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces, or a current or former RCMP member, you may be eligible for coverage through VAC. 

If you were injured on the job, you may qualify for coverage through Workers' Compensation. 

If your brain injury has resulted in significant, long-term impairment, you may qualify for disability benefits through the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or provincial assistance programs. 

Other organizations, such as intimate partner violence, you may be eligible through Victim Services.

Other organizations, such as Brain Injury Canada, provide possible funding streams.