Traumatic Brain Injury Program

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often referred to as "a silent epidemic" or "the unseen injury" because victims generally look fine. However, they often say they "feel different" and experience difficulties in thinking, behavior, and emotions that prevent them from functioning day to day with the same success as before. If not diagnosed by professionals or understood by their families, people with TBI can suffer because there is frequently no visible cause for their symptoms. As a result, they often do not receive appropriate treatment or rehabilitation.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading killer and disabler of this country's children and young adults. More people are affected by brain injury than breast cancer or multiple sclerosis.

High-Risk Groups

• Males 15-24
• Substance abusers
• Infants (64 percent are due to child abuse)
• The elderly
• Those who have received a prior brain injury

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Physical Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

• Attention impairment
• Bladder and bowel problems
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Vertigo
• Vomiting

Symptoms may also include a loss of or decreased:

• Coordination
• Muscle control
• Sight
• Smell
• Speaking ability
• Swallowing ability
• Taste

Behavioral Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

• Aggression and irritability
• Restlessness
• Sexual disinhibition
• Impulsive behavior
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Lack of desire
• Difficulty controlling emotions
• Behavioral problems and frustration
• Decreased ability to cope with stress
• Self-centeredness
• Loss of self-esteem