Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a change in brain function or brain pathology. TBI usually results from an external blow or jolt to the head, or from an object piercing the skull and entering the brain.  

When to see a provider:

Immediately see a provider if you, your child or a loved one has a hit to the head that concerns you or surfaces clear behavioral and cognitive changes, especially within the first 24 hours.

Symptoms of traumatic brain injury 

Physical

• headache
• seizures or convulsions 
• nausea or vomiting 
• blurred vision, double vision
• clear fluids draining from ears or nose
• slurred speech
• dizziness, unbalanced
• fatigue

 Cognitive or Behavioral

• anxiousness
• depression
• mood swings
• trouble concentration, decision-making, or with memory
• confusion, disorientation 
• frustration, irritability