Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as a concussion, is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Falls, particularly in older adults and young children
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries, especially contact sports such as football, hockey, and soccer
• Bicycle accidents
• Assaults or domestic violence
• Blast injuries in military personnel

Symptoms

Symptoms of mTBI may be immediate or delayed, and can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Irritability or mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
• Memory problems or difficulty remembering new information
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or sleeping more than usual

Diagnosis

Diagnosing mTBI typically involves a combination of:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Neurological examination to assess cognitive function, balance, and coordination
• Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to rule out more severe injuries
• Cognitive and neuropsychological assessments to evaluate attention, memory, and processing speed

Treatment and Management

Treatment for mTBI typically focuses on relieving symptoms and promoting recovery:

• Rest and avoiding strenuous activities, including physical and cognitive exertion
• Pain management with over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Sleep hygiene practices to improve sleep quality
• Cognitive rehabilitation therapy to address attention, memory, and processing speed deficits
• Physical therapy to improve balance, coordination, and mobility
• Psychological support and counseling to address emotional and behavioral changes

Prognosis and Complications

Most people with mTBI recover fully within a few weeks to months, but some may experience persistent symptoms or develop complications, such as:

• Post-concussion syndrome (PCS), characterized by prolonged symptoms lasting more than 3 months
• Second-impact syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by a second concussion before the first has fully healed
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma

Prevention

To reduce the risk of mTBI, it is essential to:

• Wear protective gear, such as helmets and seatbelts, when engaging in high-risk activities
• Avoid distractions while driving or walking
• Improve home safety by removing tripping hazards and installing handrails
• Encourage safe sports practices, such as proper tackling techniques and concussion protocols