what is tbi medical term

21 hours ago 2
Nature

TBI stands for Traumatic Brain Injury , a medical term referring to brain damage caused by an external mechanical force such as a sudden blow, bump, jolt to the head, or penetration by an object

. It can range in severity from mild (like a concussion) to severe injuries that may cause coma or death

. Key points about TBI include:

  • It results from an external physical assault that damages brain tissue, either in a localized area or diffusely across the brain
  • Symptoms can affect physical, cognitive, sensory, social, emotional, and behavioral functions
  • Causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and sports injuries
  • Severity ranges from mild (brief or no loss of consciousness, no CT abnormalities) to severe (longer unconsciousness, brain swelling, and possible permanent impairment)
  • Treatment focuses on stabilizing vital functions, preventing further brain damage, and often involves surgery and rehabilitation

In summary, TBI is a broad term for brain injuries caused by external forces that impair brain function temporarily or permanently