Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Quick Facts

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), commonly known as concussion, is one of the most common neurologic disorders.   Characteristics may include loss of consciousness (although not required), confusion and disorientation for periods less than 30 minutes.  Long term problems may include headaches, confusion, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, memory problems, attention deficits, mood swings and irritability.  A MTBI can be present even though an MRI and/or CAT scan of the brain appear normal.

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (STBI) usually results in a state of unconsciousness generally lasting up to 2 weeks. When they do not result in death, STBI injuries are catastrophically disabling. There are 3 generally accepted categories of unconsciousness defined by the Brain Injury Association of America:

• Coma - The person is unresponsive and unaware, typically with eyes closed. Generally, a coma does not last longer than four weeks.



• Vegetative state - The person is unaware of their environment but typically displays "vegetative functions," including normal digestive and sleep/wake cycles.



• Minimally conscious state: The person shows minimal but definite behavioral evidence of being aware of the environment, including responses to simple commands, making yes/no gestures and speaking intelligible words.