What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

In very general terms, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by external forces impacting the brain, which includes injuries with and without skull fractures, that disrupt normal brain functioning. TBI is usually accompanied by a loss of consciousness at the point of injury. Impairments related to the injury may be apparent immediately, or may emerge slowly as increasing demands are placed on the individual.

For more information on TBI, visit the Ontario Brain Injury Association.

What are some common symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Although symptoms vary from one person to the next, the following are key functions that are commonly affected by a brain injury.

Motor Changes: The person may have difficulties with balance, co-ordination or strength. There may be little or no movement on one side of the body or reduced mobility of one or more limbs.

Sensory Changes: The person may experience an alteration in their sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste.

Cognitive Changes: The person may experience memory loss and find they have difficulty paying attention and thinking clearly. Processing thoughts may be difficult and slow. There may also be problems with such "executive functions" as insight, problem-solving, decision-making, organizing, reasoning, and planning.

Language Changes: These functions include understanding what is said or written and expressing oneself clearly. The person may have difficulty listening, for example, or expressing what they mean to say adequately.

Psychological/Behavioural Changes: Sometimes the person’s whole range of psychological, emotional, behavioural, and social abilities may be affected. For example, the individual may not be able to function in a social setting, or control their day-to-day emotions. These changes may also affect their ability to cope with their injury.