Mild / Concussion
Brief or no loss of consciousness. Headache, dizziness, brain fog. Most recover in weeks, though some develop persistent symptoms.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Written gently, for mothers and families. Anyone can experience a traumatic brain injury — and every person deserves to understand what is happening inside their loved one's brain.
How the Brain Works
Hover or tap to explore each lobe.
A lateral (side) view of the human brain. Every region has its own gift — and its own story after injury.
Selected Region
Frontal Lobe
Primary functions
Decision-making, planning, personality, movement, speech.
After injury, you may notice
Impulsivity, mood changes, difficulty planning, motor weakness.
Definition
A Traumatic Brain Injury, gently explained.
A Traumatic Brain Injury — or TBI — happens when a sudden bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating force disrupts the normal function of the brain.
Some brain injuries are visible on imaging. Many are not. Some heal quickly. Others require months, years, or a lifetime of care and adaptation.
No two brain injuries are alike. No two recoveries look the same.
Types of TBI
Every diagnosis matters.
Moderate
Loss of consciousness approximately 15 minutes to 4 hours. Significant confusion. Often abnormal imaging. Rehabilitation frequently required.
Severe
Loss of consciousness greater than 4 hours. Coma or disorders of consciousness. Significant bleeding or swelling. Long-term rehabilitation and support often required.
Penetrating
An object pierces the skull and enters the brain. Immediate emergency care is required.
Common Causes
Anyone can experience a TBI.
- FallsThe leading cause of TBI across all age groups.
- Motor Vehicle AccidentsSudden impact, whiplash, or airbag deployment can injure the brain.
- SportsFootball, soccer, cycling, and contact sports carry concussion risk.
- ViolencePhysical assault, gunshot wounds, and domestic violence.
- Military ServiceBlast injuries and combat-related trauma.
- AssaultAny blow to the head from another person.
- Work InjuriesConstruction, industrial, and workplace accidents.
- Intimate Bedroom AccidentsHead injuries can occur during intimacy when the head strikes a headboard, wall, floor, or another object. Any blow to the head should be taken seriously if symptoms develop.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary. Compassion should not.
No two brain injuries are exactly alike. A survivor may experience only a few of these symptoms — or many of them. Symptoms can also change from day to day.
Cognitive
- Memory
- Attention
- Executive Function
- Speech & Communication Difficulties
- Reasoning
- Decision-Making
- Slowed Cognitive Processing
- Difficulty Recognizing or Remembering Symptoms
Physical
- Balance
- Vision
- Hearing
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness / Vertigo
- Light & Sound Sensitivity
- Temperature Sensitivity
Emotional & Behavioral
- Mood Changes
- Anxiety & Depression
- Personality Changes
- Anger / Irritability
- Crying Spells
- PTSD / C-PTSD
- Sensory Overload
- Cognitive / Emotional Flooding
Autonomic & Hormonal
- Heart Rate Changes
- Blood Pressure Changes
- Hormonal Changes
- Blood Sugar Regulation Problems
- Sleep Disturbances
- Exercise Intolerance
- Temperature Regulation Problems
- Digestive Changes
Recovery
Healing takes time. Hope is not a timeline.
Recovery from a brain injury is rarely linear. There are days of leaping progress and weeks that feel unchanged. Both are part of the story.
"Celebrate every small victory. God is still writing this chapter."
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call 911 if you notice any of these signs.
- Loss of consciousness
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Unequal pupils
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Weakness or numbness on one side
- Severe or worsening headache
- Clear fluid from nose or ears
Trust your instincts, mama. When in doubt — go.
Resources
Trusted places to turn next.
TBI Nation™
Our parent ministry and recovery hub.
VisitCDC — TBI
Federal guidance and prevention.
VisitBrain Injury Association of America
Advocacy and education.
VisitNINDS
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
VisitLocal Support Groups
Ask your hospital case manager for options nearby.
VisitSocial Security & Medicare
Disability and healthcare coverage information.
Visit