Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
About Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by a physical external force to the head or skull resulting in a disruption of mental, cognitive, behavioral, or physical functions.
A brain injury can cause changes in:
- Thinking and memory
- Tasting, smelling, touching, and feeling
- Speech and understanding of language
- Personality, behavior, emotions
- Control of your body
To find out more, visit the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, or call 602-508-8024 or 1-888-500-9165 (toll-free).
For additional information, visit the Traumatic Brain Injury Page at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
National Brain Injury Awareness Month
MARCH IS NATIONAL BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH.
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. It may be caused by a:
- Bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or
- Penetrating injury
There are three (3) main types of TBI:
- Mild traumatic brain injury or concussion
- Moderate TBI
- Severe TBI
People most commonly get TBIs from a fall, firearm-related injury, motor vehicle crash, or an assault
Research shows that:
- Falls lead to nearly half of the TBI-related hospitalizations
- Firearm-related suicide is the most common cause of TBI-related deaths in the United States5,
- Motor vehicle crashes and assaults are other common ways a person may get a TBI
For more information, references, data and statistics please visit the CDC Website.
If you are in need of assistance please reach out to the United States Brain Injury Alliance or the Brain Injury Association of America to find a local chapter and resources.
Traumatic Brain Injury Information
Military – TBI and PTSD: Navigating the Perfect Storm
TBI and PTS often go hand in hand and have similar signs and symptoms. It can create “the perfect storm” for individuals. This article has resources, information on signs and symptoms and what the survivor and families can do to help.
ODVN: Brain Injury & Domestic Violence Checklist
Ohio Domestic Violence Network has a brain injury and domestic violence checklist for individuals and professionals.
Invisible Injuries: When Your Head is Hurt While Experiencing Domestic Violence
Violence can cause a head injury, which happens when there is a change in how your brain normally works. This article covers signs, symptoms and has resources if you’ve experienced a brain injury, especially while in an intimate partner relationship.
Understanding Brain Injury – A Guide for the Family
Mayo Clinic’s patient education booklet for family members to better understand brain injury and the journey of the survivor.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
The impact of a recent TBI on family members and what they can do to help with recovery.
Returning to School After TBI
Article on how to support student’s with brain injuries as they transition back to school.
Understanding Irritability, Anger and Aggression After TBI
Information on how to understand and cope with irritability, anger and aggression after a traumatic brain injury.
Understanding Behavior Changes After TBI
Understanding how behavior changes after a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury.
Couple’s Relationships After TBI
A factsheet to help couples understand the common changes that may happen in their relationship after brain injury.
Sleep and Traumatic Brain Injury
A fact sheet on the most common sleep issues and disorders someone may experience after a brain injury.
Social Skills After Traumatic Brain Injury
A fact sheet that explains what social skills are, how a TBI may affect them, and some tips to improve them after TBI.
Emotional Problems After Traumatic Brain Injury
A fact sheet on the possible emotional problems someone may experience after a brain injury.
Additional Resources
There are national and statewide resources and events listed below. Please take a look and see how you can support your communities, schools, organizations, and families and bring awareness to the forefront on brain injury and neuro-impairment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
TBI Publications
Brainline
All About Brain Injury & PTSD
Ohio Domestic Violence Network
The Center on Partner – Inflicted Brain Injury
Brain Injury Association of America
Brain Injury Information, Resources, Tips, Tools
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC)
Living With Traumatic Brain Injury
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Polytrauma/TBI System of Care
Learn About Concussions
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