Traumatic Brain Injury
What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. Different types of trauma can cause TBI:
- Auto accidents
- Falls
- Assault
- Sports Injuries
In addition, TBI can be caused by a blast injury.
How does a blast cause injury?
Blast injuries are injuries that result from the complex pressure wave generated by an explosion. The overpressurization wave dissipates quickly, causing the greatest risk of injury to those closest to the explosion.
In a blast, brain injuries can also occur by other means such as impact from blast-energized debris, the individual being physically thrown, burns and/or inhalation of gases and vapors.
What symptoms may indicate a closed head injury?
Difficulties experienced as a result of a closed-head blast injury include:
- decreased memory and attention/concentration
- headaches
- slower thinking
- irritability
- depression.
What are the symptoms of TBI?
Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. A person with a mild TBI may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes.
Mild TBI Symptoms
- headache
- confusion
- lightheadedness
- dizziness
- blurred vision or tired eyes
- ringing in the ears
- bad taste in the mouth
- fatigue or lethargy
- a change in sleep patterns
- behavioral or mood changes
- trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking
Moderate or Severe TBI Symptoms
A person may show the same symptoms listed for Mild TBI, but may also experience:
- a headache that gets worse or does not go away
- repeated vomiting or nausea
- convulsions or seizures
- inability to awaken from sleep
- dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
- slurred speech
- weakness or numbness in the extremities
- loss of coordination
- increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
Is there any treatment?
Anyone with signs of moderate or severe TBI should receive medical attention as soon as possible. Moderately to severely injured patients receive rehabilitation that involves individually tailored treatment programs in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, physiatry (physical medicine), psychology/psychiatry, and social support.
TBI Assistance
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
(800) 827-1000
TBI Assistance in Maryland
The Maryland Mental Hygiene Administration offers assistance to individuals between the ages of 22 and 64 who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. Read more about Maryland's Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Services 
, or contact the Mental Hygiene Administration at 410-402-8476, TTY 1-800-735-2258.
Brain Injury Association of Maryland
2200 Kernan Drive
Balitmore, MD 21207
Help Line: 410-448-2924
Toll Free (in Maryland only) 800-221-6443
Email the Brain Injury Association of Maryland