Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a sudden impact on a person’s head or body, resulting in damage to brain functioning. Examples of TBI include concussion, brain contusion, and hematoma (bleeding inside or near the brain).
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 2.5 million cases of TBI were reported in the United States in 2010.
The most common form of TBI is a concussion. It is defined as a brief loss of normal brain function due to impact of the head.
Causes
Concussions frequently result from:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip/trip and fall injuries
- Physical assaults
- Sporting activities
Symptoms
Concussion symptoms include:
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Memory loss
- Problems with concentration, attention, focus
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness, loss of balance
- Confusion
Concussion symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the force of the impact, prior similar injuries, and other factors. Concussion injuries, particularly those resulting in any loss of consciousness, should be taken seriously and treated by medical personnel.