A traumatic brain injury, sometimes called a TBI or intracranial injury, occurs when your head is hit with enough force to disrupt the brain’s normal functions. The leading causes of traumatic brain injury are falls, traffic accidents and violence.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, about 1.4 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury each year in the United States, of whom approximately 50,000 die and 1.1 million are treated and released from the emergency room. About 5.3 million Americans have a long-term or lifelong need for help in daily living as a result of traumatic brain injury.

Depending on how serious the brain trauma is, symptoms can be short- or long-term. Mild TBI may cause:

• Bad taste in the mouth

• Behavioral or mood changes

• Blurred vision, confusion or dizziness

• Change in sleep patterns

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Ringing in the ears

• Trouble with memory, concentration, attention or thinking

Severe traumatic brain injury can cause:

• A headache that gets worse or does not go away

• Confusion, restlessness or agitation

• Convulsions or seizures

• Dilation of one or both pupils 

• Loss of consciousness or coordination

• Slurred speech

• Vomiting or nausea

• Weakness or numbness in the extremities

Long-term, traumatic brain injury can cause epilepsy and can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain disorders. Timely evaluation and treatment can lower your risk of developing these disorders.  

You should see a doctor any time you believe you may have experienced a brain injury. They will examine you, evaluate symptoms and determine what type of treatment you need. Mild brain injuries may need minimal treatment, requiring only a few days of rest.

You may need emergency treatment to prevent complications of TBI. Our expert Neurosurgeons may operate to treat brain bleeding or to relieve pressure from brain swelling. After stabilization you may need neurorehabilitation. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy to help you return to full function after a TBI.