Definite diagnosis of new damage to brain tissue caused by traumatic injury, anoxia or encephalitis, resulting in signs and symptoms of neurological impairment that:
- are present and verifiable on clinical examination or neuro-psychological testing;
- are corroborated by imaging studies of the brain such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computerized Tomography (CT) showing changes that are consistent in character, location and timing with the new damage; and
- persist for more than 180 days following the date of diagnosis.
The diagnosis of acquired brain injury must be made by a specialist.
Exclusions
No benefit will be payable under the definition of "acquired brain injury" for:
- an abnormality seen on brain or other scans without definite related clinical impairment;
- post-concussion symptoms;
- neurological signs occurring without symptoms of abnormality.
