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A traumatic brain injury – or TBI – is the disruption of normal brain function caused by an external force, including a jolt or blow to the head. Not all blows or jolts to the head cause a TBI. A TBI may be classified as:
- Mild (most common, also called a concussion)
- Moderate
- Severe
- Penetrating
Possible Symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Fatigue
- Feeling depressed, anxious or irritable
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Sleep problems
- Trouble with memory and attention
- Vision changes
- Impulsivity
For more information, download the What You Should Know About Concussions and Concussion Signs and Symptoms fact sheets.
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How treatable is concussion? TBICoE's Clinical Affairs Section Chief, Dr. Stephanie Maxfield-Panker, explains. Although most patients with mild TBI recover with little to no intervention, sometimes symptoms of concussion last beyond the first three months after injury. To learn more, visit health.mil/TBIProviders.
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Last Updated: March 07, 2024