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Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) Definition:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines concussion as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.

There may be signs of injury to the head or there may not be visible injuries. A person does not necessarily pass out after a concussion. Signs & symptoms may not show up for hours or days. For example, your child or teen might be a little confused or dazed, but an hour later your child might not be able to remember how he or she got hurt. If symptoms get worse, take them to the ER right away.

Medical professionals often refer to concussions as “mild” TBIs (mTBI) because they are not usually life threatening. However, there is nothing mild about mTBI because it can seriously disrupt one’s ability to continue working, attend school, cause emotional and relationship issues, and the results can be life changing.

Symptoms of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury may include:

  • Headaches
  • Vision problems
  • Sleep disturbances and extreme fatigue
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Inability to organize thoughts and activities
  • Disorientation
  • Concentration and attention problems
  • Slowed thinking and forgetfulness
  • Language and spelling difficulty
  • Loss of sense of self

Examples of MTBI symptoms showing up in daily life:

Trouble handling money, bouncing checks, sudden desire to gamble.

Repeating questions or even saying the same phrase or sentence over several times.

Not being able to follow simple directions, or recipes.

Getting lost while walking or driving.

Not bathing or routine hygiene.

Mood changes, anger lash outs, crying often.

Missing appointments repeatedly.

Not able to follow conversation and forgetting entire conversations.

Not able to keep up with job responsibilities after returning too soon.

Eating becomes an issue, especially when there is no desire or signal from the brain to eat.