OverviewTraumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury. Show
Mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death. SymptomsTraumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later. Mild traumatic brain injuryThe signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include: Physical symptoms
Sensory symptoms
Cognitive, behavioral or mental symptoms
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuriesModerate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury: Physical symptoms
Cognitive or mental symptoms
Children's symptomsInfants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:
When to see a doctorAlways see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head. The terms "mild," "moderate" and "severe" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on
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information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesTraumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head or body. The degree of damage can depend on several factors, including the nature of the injury and the force of impact. Common events causing traumatic brain injury include the following:
Risk factorsThe people most at risk of traumatic brain injury include:
ComplicationsSeveral complications can occur immediately or soon after a traumatic brain injury. Severe injuries increase the risk of a greater number of and more-severe complications. Altered consciousnessModerate to severe traumatic brain injury can result in prolonged or permanent changes in a person's state of consciousness, awareness or responsiveness. Different states of consciousness include:
Physical complications
Sometimes, any or several of these symptoms might linger for a few weeks to a few months after a traumatic brain injury. When a combination of these symptoms lasts for an extended period of time, this is generally referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries at the base of the skull can cause nerve damage to the nerves that emerge directly from the brain (cranial nerves). Cranial nerve damage may result in:
Intellectual problemsMany people who have had a significant brain injury will experience changes in their thinking (cognitive) skills. It may be more difficult to focus and take longer to process your thoughts. Traumatic brain injury can result in problems with many skills, including: Cognitive problems
Executive functioning problems
Communication problemsLanguage and communications problems are common following traumatic brain injuries. These problems can cause frustration, conflict and misunderstanding for people with a traumatic brain injury, as well as family members, friends and care providers. Communication problems may include:
Communication problems that affect social skills may include:
Behavioral changesPeople who've experienced brain injury may experience changes in behaviors. These may include:
Emotional changesEmotional changes may include:
Sensory problemsProblems involving senses may include:
Degenerative brain diseasesThe relationship between degenerative brain diseases and brain injuries is still unclear. But some research suggests that repeated or severe traumatic brain injuries might increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases. But this risk can't be predicted for an individual — and researchers are still investigating if, why and how traumatic brain injuries might be related to degenerative brain diseases. A degenerative brain disorder can cause gradual loss of brain functions, including:
PreventionFollow these tips to reduce the risk of brain injury:
Preventing fallsThe following tips can help older adults avoid falls around the house:
Preventing head injuries in childrenThe following tips can help children avoid head injuries:
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