Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a sudden injury that causes damage to the brain. It can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, or from an object that pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. TBI can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage. Some of the common causes of TBI include:
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Falls: Falls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls are the most common cause of TBI overall, particularly in older adults and young children.
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Vehicle-related collisions: Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles, and pedestrians involved in such accidents, are a common cause of TBI.
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Violence: TBI can result from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body, or from an object that penetrates the skull and enters the brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull.
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Sports injuries: Concussions are a type of mild TBI that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, sports injury or fall, motor vehicle accident, weapons blast, or a rapid acceleration or deceleration of the brain within the skull.
Symptoms of TBI can be wide-ranging and may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later. Some of the common symptoms of TBI include:
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Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours
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Persistent headache or headache that worsens
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Repeated vomiting or nausea
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Convulsions or seizures
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Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
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Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
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Inability to awaken from sleep
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Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
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Loss of coordination
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Profound confusion
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Agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
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Slurred speech
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Coma
Diagnosis of TBI requires immediate assessment by a professional who has experience evaluating head injuries. A neurological exam will judge motor and sensory skills and test hearing and speech, coordination and balance, mental status, and changes in mood or behavior, among other abilities. Treatment and outcome depend on the severity of the injury. Mild TBI may affect brain cells temporarily, but most people completely recover in time. More serious TBI can result in long-term complications or death.
