A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that causes harm to thebrain.
Falling, car accidents, sports injuries, and physical attacks can all cause a TBI.
Some TBIs are mild, causing headaches or dizziness that resolve within days.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Other TBIs cause serious, long-term complications likeparalysis,tremors, or personality changes.
TBIs are diagnosed with a physical exam, brain imaging, and concussion testing.
What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
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A variety of symptoms can occur with a TBI.
You might notice symptoms immediately after the trauma or several weeks or months later.
The effects of a minor TBI can sometimes resolve within a few hours.
Severe TBIs may cause prolonged effects lasting for weeks, months, or even a lifetime.
This is common with an injury likesubdural hematomain which blood pools on the surface of the brain.
Symptoms may only develop days, weeks, or months later when ample pressure is exerted on the brain.
What Are Common Causes of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The brain is usually well protected by the skull, three layers of tissues calledmeninges, and the scalp.
The physical exam will include an assessment of your hearing and hearing (including a check ofpupil dilation).
You may need a combination of treatments, including medications, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Recovery may take days, weeks, or months, or require ongoing care.
This often requires emergency surgery in which a portion of the skull is temporarily removed to ease intracranial pressure.
Rehabilitation strategies may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, and counseling.
Symptoms can range from headaches, nausea, and drowsiness to seizures, loss of consciousness, and paralysis.
A TBI may be due to a concussive, acceleration/deceleration, or penetrating injury.
The diagnosis may involve a physical exam, neuropsychological testing, concussion testing, and imagining studies.
The treatment can vary but may include medications, rehabilitation, or surgery.
