Traumatic Brain Injury Program

Symptoms of a TBI

Traumatic brain injury, also refereed to as TBI, is a complex brain injury that occurs from a sudden trauma that causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when your head suddenly hits an object or if an object pierces the skull.  These injuries typically occur from falls, traffic accidents, interpersonal violence, or participation in sports.

TBI is manifested by either loss of consciousness, alteration of consciousness or mental status, or focal neurologic deficits, which may or may not be transient. TBI is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It remains the leading cause of death and disability among young people in developed countries.

Mild Symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness for a few seconds
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision or tired eyes
• Change in sleep patterns
• Trouble with memory
• Sleep disturbances

Severe Symptoms:

• Headaches that worsen or won't go away
• Vomiting or nausea
• Seizures
• Weakness of numbness in extremities
• Loss of coordination

Q & A With TBI Specialists

TBI Support Group

Treatments

Patients with mild to moderate injuries may receive skull and neck X-rays to check for bone fractures or spinal instability. For moderate to severe cases, the imaging test is a computed tomography (CT) scan.

Most symptoms which produce disability after TBI can be effectively managed through tailored pharmacological and non-pharmacologic treatments.  Choosing the correct treatments requires expert neurological evaluations, in addition to appropriate imaging and diagnostic testing. Inappropriate treatments can delay recovery or even exacerbate symptoms. Counseling and education about the nature and consequences of injury is an important component of recovery.