What is Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of such an injury may range from "mild," i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to "severe," i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. A TBI can result in short or long-term problems with independent function.

What are the primary causes of brain injury?

• Falls
• Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes
• Being struck by or against a car
• Assaults

Who is most at risk for brain injury?

Anyone can get a brain injury. However, statistics show that males are two times more likely than females to sustain a brain injury. The highest rates of brain injury typically occur in males ages 15-24. Individuals who have already sustained a brain injury are also at an increased risk of sustaining another brain injury.

What is the difference between a traumatic brain injury and an acquired brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury is an insult to the brain, not of a degenerative or congenital nature, caused by an external physical force. An acquired brain injury is an injury to the brain which is not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative. Causes of acquired brain injuries include traumatic brain injuries, aneurysms, infections of the brain, lack of oxygen (anoxic brain injury) and stroke.

What are the long-term consequences of a TBI?

The impact and consequences of brain injury are different for each individual depending on the location and severity of the injury. Brain injuries often impact multiple systems. Persons who have sustained a brain injury may experience impaired thinking, memory, concentration and/or ability to learn new tasks or information. Behavioral and personality changes also may occur after a serious brain injury. These may be changes in mood; depression; angry, unpredictable outbursts; or excessive laughing or crying. Physical effects may include loss of muscle control; paralysis; and impaired hearing and/or vision, speech, smell and swallowing.

Not everyone who sustains a brain injury experiences each of these symptoms. There is no way to accurately predict which functions will be affected. Results vary based on the age of the person and the number of brain structures affected. Recovery takes time and patience. With the proper treatment, the impact of the injury can be reduced or controlled. Significant progress and improvements can be made months and years after the injury.