A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction, ranging from mild concussions to severe, life-altering trauma.
annual TBI-related emergency visits in the US
— CDCleading cause of death and disability for adults under 40
of all TBIs are caused by falls
— CDCWhat experts say about TBI
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
How traumatic brain injuries typically occur
The leading cause of TBI, especially in young children and adults over 65.
40% of all TBIsLeading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations for young adults ages 15-44.
~20% of TBIsIncludes physical assaults, gunshot wounds, and shaken baby syndrome.
~10% of TBIsCommon in contact sports like football, soccer, hockey, and boxing.
~15% of TBIsWhat happens to the brain during and after trauma
The initial physical damage occurring at the moment of impact — bruising, tearing, or bleeding of brain tissue.
A cascade of biochemical processes triggered by the initial trauma — swelling, inflammation, and cell death.
The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections to compensate for damaged areas.
How TBI differs from other brain injuries
| Condition | Cause | Brain Involvement | Typical Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBI | External force | Always | Mild to Severe |
| Concussion | Blow to head / whiplash | Yes (mild form of TBI) | Mild |
| Stroke | Blood clot or bleed | Yes | Variable |
| Anoxic Brain Injury | Oxygen deprivation | Yes | Severe |
Emergency signs after head trauma
Worsening headache
Repeated vomiting
Unequal pupil size
Seizures
Cannot be awakened
Slurred speech