Brain Injury

An impact to the head that is forceful enough to disorder brain function causes a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). During an auto collision, a person's head can strike an object such as the headrest or steering wheel with enough force to cause TBI; even the rapid back-and-forth movement that causes whiplash can be violent enough to cause Traumatic Brain Injury. About 1.4 million people sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury every year.

The symptoms can range from headaches to coma and death. The symptoms depend upon the part of the brain that was injured. There could be permanent damage to the part that controls thinking, reasoning, speech, and memory. Behavioral and emotional changes are likely symptoms as well.

A doctor will not diagnose Traumatic Brain Injury when the patient does not relate the short-term memory loss, personality change, or other symptoms. It is important to relate your symptoms including what your family members have observed.