What is a Traumatic Brain Injury? 

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are physical injuries to the brain. There are two main TBI categories: 

Mild TBIs 

A mild TBI, also called a concussion, occurs when a blow to the head or body causes your brain to move inside your skull. While many people recover fully, concussions can be serious. Among adults who seek hospital care, about half have lingering symptoms six months after their injury. 

Having multiple concussions also increases your risk of long-term problems such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a progressive neurological disorder that causes mood and behavior changes, memory problems and loss of coordination. Over time, CTE can lead to dementia.  

Moderate and Severe TBIs  

Moderate and severe TBIs are sudden and intense injuries from blunt force trauma or something that penetrates the skull. Falls, gunshots, motor vehicle accidents and assaults are common causes.

Moderate and severe TBIs often inflict permanent damage in the brain and cause lifelong disability. They may also increase the risk of: 

• Alzheimer’s disease  
• Anxiety and depression 
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) 
• Movement disorders 
• Seizures 

Moderate and Severe TBI Symptoms

Moderate and severe TBIs typically cause a loss of consciousness, confusion and temporary memory loss. They can also affect nearly anything your brain controls.

What is a Concussion? 

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when there is a jolting or strong impact to the head or body causing the brain to shake inside the skull. The concussion is a loss of brain function, that is usually short-term.   

Concussion Prevention 

Not all concussions are preventable, but lowering your risk of falls can help. Tips to decrease your fall risk include: 

• Ask your doctor to review your medications that may cause dizziness. 
• Exercise to improve your balance and strength. 
• Have your vision checked. 
• Make your home safe. Remove trip hazards, install handrails and grab bars, and ensure you have enough light to see your way around. 
• Wear shoes that fit and have good support.

Sports safety is also important. Sports-related concussions are more common in children. But anyone involved in a contact sport should know concussion basics:

• Wear a proper and well-fitting helmet and avoid hits to the head.
• Know the signs of concussions and when to seek care.
• Stop playing immediately if you suspect a concussion.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussion symptoms vary widely and can be physical, mental or emotional. Some show up instantly, while others may not appear until days after the injury. Sometimes, you may not even recognize you have a concussion.

Common symptoms include:

• Balance problems and dizziness
• Changes in sleep (sleeping less or more than usual) and trouble sleeping
• Difficulty thinking clearly and remembering
• Emotional changes, including anxiety, irritability and sadness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Short-term memory loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Vision changes

When to Seek Medical Care 

Call your primary care provider if your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks or if they worsen. They can determine if you need to see a neurologist.