Acquired Brain Disorder - Community Crossroads

Acquired Brain Disorder

An Acquired Brain Disorder is:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an insult to the brain, not of a degenerative or congenital nature but caused by an external physical force, that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in an impairment of cognitive abilities and/or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment. Some causes of a TBI are motor vehicle crash, fall, gunshot wound, sports injury, shaken baby syndrome, military action and other injuries caused by trauma.

OR

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain that has occurred after birth and is not hereditary, congenital or degenerative. The injury commonly results in a change in neuronal activity, which affects the physical integrity, the metabolic activity, or the functional ability of the cell. The term does not refer to brain injuries induced by birth trauma. Some causes of a Acquired Brain Injury are: a TBI, tumor, blood clot, stroke, seizure, toxic exposures (substance abuse), infections (encephalitis, meningitis), metabolic disorder (insulin shock, diabetic coma, liver & kidney disease), neurotoxic poisoning and lack of oxygen.

An acquired brain disorder must have occurred prior to the age of 60 and is attributable to one or more of the following: an external trauma to the brain as a result of a motor vehicle accident, a fall, an assault or other traumatic incident or occurrence. It may be an anoxic or hypoxic injury resulting from cardiopulmonary arrest, carbon monoxide poisoning, airway obstruction, hemorrhage or near-drowning. It can also be attributable to an infectious disease like encephalitis or meningitis or other neurological disorders such as Huntington’s disease or multiple sclerosis. The acquired brain disorder must be manifested by a significant decline in cognitive functioning and ability and/or deterioration in personality, impulse control, judgment, modulation of mood or awareness of deficits.

Some of the services that are available through Acquired Brain Disorder Supports at Community Crossroads are Service Coordination, information & referral, personal care assistance and employment supports. Anyone with a documented TBI or ABD is eligible to apply for these services. In order to receive Acquired Brain Disorder Supports, you must also be eligible for Medicaid. If you would like to apply for these supports, you will need to complete an application, sign releases of information for us to obtain information (medical reports, assessments, evaluations, etc) regarding your needs. This information will assist us with making an eligibility determination. To apply or inquire about TBI or ABD Services, please contact Samantha Martin at Community Crossroads at 603-893-1299, ext 343 or smartin@communitycrossroadsnh.org.

Greater Salem/Derry Brain Injury Support Group

Do you, or someone you care for, have a traumatic brain injury or acquired brain disorder? The Greater Salem/Derry Brain Injury Support Group for Survivors, Families & Caregivers (which is sponsored by the Brain Injury association of NH) meets the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 PM via ZOOM. This group is comprised of survivors of brain injuries, their families & caregivers. This gives everyone an opportunity to share experiences with each other. We welcome newcomers!

For further information, or if you are interested in coming to a meeting, please call Community Crossroads, 603-893-1299 and ask for Samantha (ext. 343) or email her at smartin@communitycrossroadsnh.org.

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