Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Recovery

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from an external mechanical force disrupting normal brain function. Severity ranges from mild (concussion) to severe (prolonged unconsciousness).

Causes

• Falls (leading cause overall)
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports/recreational injuries
• Assaults
• Blast injuries (military)

Classification

• Concussion: Mild TBI with transient functional disturbance.
• Contusion: Bruising of brain tissue.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury: Widespread white matter shearing.
• Penetrating Injury: Object breaches skull.

Symptoms

Headache, nausea, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, seizures, mood/behavior changes, sensory deficits.

Diagnosis

Clinical assessment (Glasgow Coma Scale), CT (acute hemorrhage), MRI (subacute/chronic, DAI).

Treatment

• Mild: Rest, gradual return to activity, symptom management.
• Moderate/Severe: ICU monitoring, surgery (hematoma evacuation, decompression), rehabilitation (PT, OT, speech, cognitive).

Prognosis & Prevention

Outcomes vary widely. Prevention: helmets, seat belts, fall-proofing homes, concussion protocols in sports.