Types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Key TBI Statistics

  • 75% mild (concussions)
  • 90% closed injuries
  • 50% higher mortality in penetrating TBI

Primary Classifications

1. Closed TBI

Non-penetrating injury (most common)

  • Blunt force trauma
  • Intact skull
  • Includes concussions

2. Penetrating TBI

Open head injury (high mortality)

  • Infection risk
  • Focal damage
  • Combat injuries

3. Diffuse Axonal Injury

White matter shearing

  • Car accidents
  • Coma risk
  • Microscopic damage

Severity Levels (Glasgow Coma Scale)

Classification GCS Score Characteristics Recovery Timeline
Mild TBI 13-15 Brief consciousness loss Weeks to months
Moderate TBI 9-12 Neurological deficits 6-12 months
Severe TBI 3-8 Extended unconsciousness Years/lifelong

Special TBI Categories

Secondary TBI

Progressive damage from:

  • Brain edema
  • Hypoxia
  • Intracranial pressure
Understand Secondary Damage

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Degenerative condition:

  • Repeated trauma
  • Athletes at risk
  • Late-onset symptoms

Diagnostic Process

  1. Neurological examination
  2. CT/MRI imaging
  3. Cognitive testing
  4. Glasgow Coma Scale assessment

Prevention Strategies

  • Closed TBI: Helmets & seatbelts
  • Penetrating TBI: Workplace safety
  • CTE: Limit head impacts