TBI is physical damage to the brain
Your skull may be hard, but your brain isn’t. Which makes it easier to damage than you think. Quick, intense head movements, like in car accidents, sports impacts or shaken baby syndrome. Or even something as simple as bumping your head good and hard. Any one of these can bruise and tear brain tissue, causing permanent, irreversible damage.
While doctors can tell where the injured brain cells are, what they can’t tell is whether other parts of the brain will be able to take over and compensate for the damage. And because the brain is command central for our bodies, the consequences of even a small amount of damage can be significant.
Featured Contributors: Brain Injury Association of Illinois, Rush University Medical Center, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
Topic Videos: Traumatic Brain Injury
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What Is It? Brain injuries can happen any time, to any age group. We're all at risk; we all need to be aware. Watch -
Amy’s Story Amy recovered from her brain injury, but it was a long road back. Watch -
Why Does It Matter? Some brain injuries seem minor and effects aren’t obvious right away. But TBI can impact a person for life. Watch -
Jerry’s Story Jerry has a hidden injury. You can’t see it, but it affects everything he does. Watch -
What Can I Do About It? What’s the most important organ in your body? Use your head; protect it. Wear a helmet. Watch -
Josh’s Story A drunken-driving accident nearly killed Josh. His broken bones healed, but his brain injury changed him forever. Watch