Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
Types of brain injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force disrupts the brain’s normal functions. This can happen through a blow or a jolt or when something penetrates the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in TBI.
Types of TBI by severity:
- Mild: No loss or brief loss of consciousness
- Moderate: Loss of consciousness lasting up to 24 hours
- Severe: Loss of consciousness lasting more than 24 hours.
A non-traumatic brain injury happens when an internal factor, such as stroke, tumor, an infection, disrupts the normal function of the brain.
An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. Both traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries are considered acquired brain injuries.
An invisible injury
TBIs can profoundly affect a person’s life – physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Because many symptoms are internal and not immediately visible, TBI is often called an invisible injury.
Because it is considered an invisible injury, diagnosis can sometimes be difficult. Symptoms may appear days or weeks after the injury, making it hard to link them to the original event. This delay can complicate treatment and support.
Support after a TBI
Recovery from TBI is a journey—and supportive services play a vital role in helping individuals regain independence and quality of life. Below are some ways a person with a TBI may need support. The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance provides free resource facilitation to support people with traumatic brain injuries.
Medical and rehabilitation services
Physical, occupational, and speech therapists guide recovery of motor skills, coordination, and communication. These services can restore independence in daily activities like walking, dressing, or speaking. Resource facilitation can help with finding or re-connecting to rehabilitation services, finding where to be assessed for a brain injuring and connecting to a primary care physician.
Emotional support
TBI can affect emotional regulation. Resource facilitation can help with finding mental health supports and counselors that understand brain injury, connect people to substance use recovery services, and help solve problems with life barriers.
Social and community connection
TBI can disrupts relationships and social roles. Resource facilitation can help with finding a support group, educate the family and loved ones on how to support a person, support caregivers by connecting them to resources.
Navigating Complex Systems
Many people with TBI face challenges accessing disability benefits and navigating health care systems. Resource facilitation managers and advocates help navigate these systems and secure essential resources.
Empowering Families and Caregivers
Loved ones often struggle to understand and cope with the changes. Resource facilitation can help connect families to resources, supports, and education equip them with tools to support recovery and maintain their own wellbeing.