A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction. TBIs usually result from a violent blow or a jolt to the head or body. TBI can also occur when an object penetrates the skull; for example, when a bullet or blunt object pierces the skull.

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While a mild traumatic brain injury can cause a temporary loss of consciousness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbances, a severe brain injury can cause:

• Loss of consciousness

• Repeated nausea or vomiting

• Inability to waken from sleep

• Profound confusion

• Slurred speech

• Coma

• Agitation or combativeness

• Numbness in extremities

• Loss of coordination

• Nerve damage

• Vegetative state

• Brain death

 

Aside from sport injuries and acts of violence, other common causes of traumatic brain injuries include: falls, car accidents, and explosive blasts. In addition to the physical signs and symptoms, brain injuries can also cause a series of intellectual problems that can affect memory, learning, judgment, reasoning, and much more.