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Traumatic brain injury is an injury to the brain caused by an external physical force. This force may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, resulting in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning.

Cognitive effects: Short term memory loss Trouble concentrating Difficulty with communication Spatial disorientation Impaired judgment Unable to do more than one thing at a time Physical effects: Seizures Muscle spasticity Double vision or blindness Loss of smell or taste Speech impairments Headaches Fatigue Balance problems Pain Emotional effects: Difficulty completing tasks Increased anxiety Depression Mood swings Impulsive behavior

Anyone can incur a brain injury. However, statistics show that males are two times more likely than females to sustain a brain injury. The highest rates of brain injury typically occur in males ages 15-24. Individuals who have already sustained a brain injury are also at an increased risk of sustaining another brain injury.

A diagnoses can be made when there is evidence of gross damage to the brain, such as hemorrhaging, swelling or contusions. These physical findings are detected by CAT-scan (CT scan) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Where the damage is minimal, a diagnosis is made by obtaining history from the patient, the symptoms reported by the patient and the results of neuropsychological testing.

Cerebral contusions are bruises on the brain caused by the brain striking the wall of the skull. A severe contusion will involve swelling of the brain. If swelling is severe, these injuries can cause a severe headache, dizziness, and vomiting. One pupil may be larger than the other. Depending on which area of the brain is damaged, the ability to think, control emotions, move, feel, speak, see, hear, and remember may be impaired. The person may become irritable, restless, or agitated.