Medically reviewed by the Rice Emergency Room Medical Team

Dr. Amir Zegar, DO

Medically reviewed byDr. Amir Zegar, DOBoard-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician | Medical Director

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a very real risk for both children and adults. Whether someone falls on the job, during a bike ride, or gets hit in the head during a baseball game, they can suffer a traumatic brain injury.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden blow to the head causes damage to the brain. It’s a severe injury that can lead to physical, cognitive, or emotional symptoms, depending on its severity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, there were more than 223,000 TBI-related hospitalizations, and about 15% of all U.S. high-school students self-reported one or more sports or recreation-related concussions within the preceding 12 months. (CDC, 2022)

The most common cause of TBI is falling; every year, millions of people fall and suffer from TBI. Other common causes include

  • vehicular accidents
  • being hit by an object
  • blows to the body that causes the head to jolt violently.
  • falling or slipping
  • any type of violent trauma or shaking puts the brain at risk.

For some a mild concussion can be considered TBI if it leads to neurological change. No matter how mild the symptoms may seem at first, it’s worth getting a medical professionals diagnosis before assuming everything is fine.

Signs and Symptoms Of A Traumatic Brain Injury

The signs and symptoms of TBI can range in severity from mild confusion and headache to memory loss and coma.

  • Common physical signs include headaches, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, blurry vision, fatigue, problems with speech, loss of balance, sensitivity to light or sound, numbness in extremities, and seizure activity.
  • Cognitively speaking, one may experience difficulty concentrating, confusion or disorientation, mood swings or changes in behavior, difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual, and slower reaction times.
  • In some cases, infants or young children may be unable to communicate headaches, confusion, sensory problems, and similar symptoms. Some common symptoms that may be observed are unusual or easy irritability, change in eating or sleeping habits, loss of interest in favorite activities or toys, persistent crying, drowsiness, or seizures. (Mayo Clinic, 2021)

It’s important to note that different people will have different combinations of these signs and symptoms after a TBI depending on their age and overall health. Iit is vital to seek medical attention immediately.

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury, also known as acquired brain injury, is often overlooked and misunderstood but can still significantly impact someone’s life. A non-traumatic brain injury causes damage to the brain by internal factors, such as exposure to toxins, lack of oxygen, pressure from a tumor, etc.

Some other examples include near-drowning, aneurysms, stroke, or infectious diseases that affect the brain, such as meningitis (Brain Injury Association of America, 2022). These types of injuries can occur suddenly or evolve over some time and can manifest in physical and cognitive impairments.

A person that is affected may struggle with motor control, sensation issues, impaired thinking skills, and changes in personality or behavior. The severity of the condition varies significantly from person to person.

Rice Emergency Room Can Help

Rice Emergency Room has 24/7 Radiology with diagnostic equipment such as X-Ray and CAT Scans to diagnose head or brain injury. We’re here for your family 24/7, 365 days a year, and conveniently located in Rice Village.

Works Cited

CDC. “Traumatic Brain Injury / Concussion.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Dec. 2022,

www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html.

Mayo Clinic. “Traumatic Brain Injury.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Feb. 2021,

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557.

Brain Injury Association of America. “Abi vs. TBI: What Is the Difference?” Brain Injury Association of America, 5 Oct. 2022,

www.biausa.org/brain-injury/about-brain-injury/nbiic/what-is-the-difference-between-an-acquired-brain-injury-and-a-traumatic-brain-injury.