Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury – or TBI – is the disruption of normal brain function caused by an external force, including a jolt or blow to the head. Not all blows or jolts to the head cause a TBI. A TBI may be classified as:

  • Mild (most common, also called a concussion)
  • Moderate
  • Severe
  • Penetrating

Possible Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling depressed, anxious or irritable
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Sleep problems
  • Trouble with memory and attention
  • Vision changes
  • Impulsivity

For more information, download the What You Should Know About Concussions and Concussion Signs and Symptoms fact sheets.

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Video
Mar 28, 2024

Headaches and TBI: A Journey of Treatment Over Time

Headaches and TBI: A Journey of Treatment Over Time

Dr. Joanne Gold, a pharmacist and neuroscience clinician with TBICoE, and experts from the National Museum of Health and Medicine discuss the treatment of headaches, past and present. Their conversation explores the museum's collections related to TBI and headache treatment, discusses ways to improve headache treatment, and highlights relevant TBICoE ...