What is Considered a Traumatic Brain Injury? TBI Explained
What is Considered a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any disruption of normal brain function caused by an external force. That includes bumps, blows, jolts, or penetrating injuries to the head. A concussion is the mildest form of TBI, but even mild TBIs can cause symptoms that last months or years if they are not properly managed.
The Three Severity Levels of TBI
Mild TBI (Concussion)
- Loss of consciousness of 30 minutes or less (or none at all)
- Memory loss around the event less than 24 hours
- Normal imaging in most cases
- Symptoms often include headache, dizziness, brain fog, sleep changes, and mood shifts
Moderate TBI
- Loss of consciousness between 30 minutes and 24 hours
- Memory loss between 1 and 7 days
- Abnormalities on CT or MRI are common
- Requires medical monitoring and structured rehabilitation
Severe TBI
- Loss of consciousness longer than 24 hours
- Memory loss longer than 7 days
- Visible injury on imaging
- Often requires intensive care, surgery, and long-term rehab
Common Causes of TBI
- Falls, the leading cause across all ages
- Motor vehicle collisions and personal injury events
- Sports and recreation impacts
- Assaults or blast injuries
- Being struck by or against an object
How is TBI Diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines a detailed history, a neurological exam, and, when indicated, imaging such as CT or MRI. Cognitive testing and specialized oculomotor and vestibular testing help identify subtle deficits that standard imaging misses. Learn more about how to tell if you have a TBI.
Why Even Mild TBI Deserves Real Care
The old idea that a concussion just needs a few days of rest is outdated. Persistent post-concussion symptoms, autonomic dysregulation, and vestibular or visual dysfunction respond best when they are identified early and rehabilitated actively. Read about the long-term effects of TBI to see why early care matters.
How SDCN Approaches TBI
Our concussion and TBI program combines a functional neurological exam with neuro-visual rehabilitation, vestibular therapy, cognitive therapy, and autonomic training. Schedule a consultation to build a plan specific to your injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a concussion the same as a TBI?
Yes. A concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury. It is on the same spectrum as moderate and severe TBI.
Can you have a TBI without hitting your head?
Yes. Whiplash-type forces can accelerate and decelerate the brain inside the skull, producing a TBI even without direct impact.
Do I need a CT scan for every TBI?
No. Imaging decisions are based on symptoms, exam findings, and standardized clinical rules. Many mild TBIs do not require imaging.
How long does a TBI last?
Most concussions resolve in two to four weeks. Persistent symptoms beyond that window often indicate visual, vestibular, autonomic, or cervical involvement that benefits from targeted rehab.