About TBIs

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden hit, jolt, or blow to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain.

TBIs range from mild to moderate and severe, and effects can show up physically, mentally, and emotionally. The majority of head injuries are cataloged as concussions and mild TBIs.

The best way to detect a TBI is with an MRI, because they are much better at delecting solf tissue damage. While a CT scan can be great at seeing immediate, acute bleeding, MRIs are much better at evaluating persistent symptoms or chronic issues.

Anything that causes a strong impact can result in a TBI. People aged 75 years and older had the highest numbers and rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths, usually as a result of a fall. Falls have been the most common cause of TBIs, with nearly half of all reported TBIs in the last few years being blamed on a fall.

While a fall might be the most common cause, sports also have high rates of TBI, most notably in American football, with the NFL reporting roughly 200 concussions each season.

TBIs have a large range of residual side effects that can last for several years after the actual event.

The list of side effects includes, but is not limited to, personality changes, anxiety and depression, Parkinson's disease, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

CTE and Parkinson's disease are usually the result of multiple TBIs. CTE was originally only detectable by autopsy, as it develops slowly over several years. It is caused by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain, which destroy cells.