Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a form of acquired brain injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain.  A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.  Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain.  A person with a mild TBI may have a brief change in mental status of consciousness.  A severe TBI may experience an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.

In most aspects a traumatic brain injury is very different.  Since our brain defines who we are, the consequences of a brain injury can affect all aspects of our lives, including our personality.  A brain injury is different from a broken limb or punctured lung.  An injury in these areas limit the use of a specific part of your body, but your personality and mental abilities remain unchanged.  Most often, these body structures heal and regain their previous function.

Brain injuries do not heal like other injuries.  Recovery is a functional recovery, based on mechanisms that remain uncertain.  No two brain injuries are alike and the consequence of two similar injuries may be very different.  Symptoms may appear right away or may not be present for days or weeks after the injury.

Some other symptoms of mild TBI include headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking.  A person with a moderate or severe TBI may show these symptoms, but may also have a headache that gets worse or does not go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, an inability to awaken from sleep, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities, loss of coordination, and increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

Prevention measures include use of technology to protect those who are in accidents, such as seat belts and sports or motorcycle helmets, as well as efforts to reduce the number of accidents, such as safety education programs and enforcement of traffic laws.

TBI is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, especially in children and young adults. The most common causes of TBI in the U.S. include violence, transportation and car accidents, construction, and sports.  Bicycles and motor bikes are major causes, with the latter increasing in frequency in developing countries. The estimates that between 1.6 and 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries each year are a result of sports and recreation activities in the US. In children aged two to four, falls are the most common cause of TBI, while in older children bicycle and auto accidents compete with falls for this position. TBI is the third most common injury to result from child abuse. Abuse causes 19% of cases of pediatric brain trauma, and the death rate is higher among these cases. Domestic violence is another cause of TBI, as are work-related and industrial accidents. Firearms and blast injuries from explosions are other causes of TBI, which is the leading cause of death and disability in war zones. According to Representative Bill Pascrell (Democrat, NJ), TBI is “the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Prevention measures include use of technology to protect those who are in accidents, such as seat belts and sports or motorcycle helmets, as well as efforts to reduce the number of accidents, such as safety education programs and enforcement of traffic laws.  In addition, changes to public policy and safety laws can be made; these include speed limits, seat belt and helmet laws, and road engineering practices.