Traumatic Brain Injury Facts

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.

TBI's can range from mild, in which there is just a brief change in cognition or consciousness, to severe, in which there is an extended period of unconsciousness and memory loss.¹

Physical: headaches, sleep disturbance, dizziness, balance problems, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light, ringing in the ears

Cognitive: Concentration problems, temporary gaps in memory, attention problems, slowed thinking, difficulty finding words

Emotional: irritability, anxiety, depression, mood swings ²

In 2010, about 2.5 million emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, or deaths were associated with TBI—either alone or in combination with other injuries—in the United States.

TBI contributed to the deaths of more than 50,000 people.

TBI was a diagnosis in more than 280,000 hospitalizations and 2.2 million ED visits. These consisted of TBI alone or TBI in combination with other injuries.³

Affected more than 300,000 military personnel between 2000-2013 ⁴

35.2% of all TBI's are caused by a fall.

17.3% of all TBI's are caused by a motor accident.

16.5% of all TBI's are the result of being struck by an object.

10% of all TBI's are caused by an assault.

21% of TBI's have an unknown or other cause.³