Traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as TBI, is usually an acute injury, but differs greatly from other types of acute injuries. TBI occurs when sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. Examples include when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and comes into contact with brain matter. Our brain defines who we are, so life can change drastically in an instant. The brain works in conjunction with the entire body, not just one particular area. Therefore, TBI lead to personality changes, forgetfulness, pain, numbness, or even loss of use of some body parts.

A TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the severity of the injury, and whether the injury results in prolonged unconsciousness or visible bleeding in the brain. Just because a TBI is classified as “mild” does not mean the effects are mild.  Rather, it refers to certain injury grading criteria, such whether the brain injury is visible on CT scan or MRI.

A person with a mild TBI may not lose consciousness at all or may just feel like they are “seeing stars”. Other symptoms of mild TBI include headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking. Many individuals with mild TBI do not realize that they have suffered a traumatic brain injury and therefore do not usually seek medical care immediately, if at all. A person with a moderate or severe TBI may show these same symptoms, but may also have a headache that gets worse or does not go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, an inability to awaken from sleep, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities, loss of coordination, and increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

Brain injuries do not heal like other injuries, and no two brain injuries are alike. Symptoms may appear right away or may not be present for days or weeks after the injury. It is important to know when a traumatic brain injury may have occurred and seek medical attention immediately.

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