TBI stands for Traumatic Brain Injury, which is an injury that affects how the brain works. It can be caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, or from an object that pierces the skull. TBI-related damage can be confined to one area of the brain, known as a focal injury, or it can occur over a more widespread area, known as a diffuse injury. The severity of a brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury that results in coma or even death.

The main causes of TBI depend on the type of head injury, and they include falls, motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, being struck by an object, child abuse, and blast injuries due to explosions. TBI can lead to permanent or temporary impairment of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions, with an associated diminished or altered state of consciousness.

Computed tomography (CT) is the most commonly used imaging technology to assess people with suspected moderate to severe TBI. CT creates a two-dimensional image of organs, bones, and tissues and can show a skull fracture or any brain bruising, bleeding, or swelling. Immediate treatment for someone who has suffered a severe TBI focuses on preventing death, stabilizing the persons spinal cord, heart, lung, and other vital organ functions, ensuring proper oxygen delivery and breathing, controlling blood pressure, and preventing further brain damage.

In summary, TBI is a sudden injury that causes damage to the brain, and it can be caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. The severity of a brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury that results in coma or even death. CT is the most commonly used imaging technology to assess people with suspected moderate to severe TBI, and immediate treatment for someone who has suffered a severe TBI focuses on preventing death and preventing further brain damage.