Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury is defined as any physical injury to the brain that causes a disruption of normal functioning. Traumatic brain injuries are categorized into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. About 70%-90% of traumatic brain injuries are classified as “mild.”

The disruption of normal functioning seen in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) cases can include:

• Any period of lost consciousness
• Any loss of memory for events immediately before or after the accident
• Any alteration in mental state (e.g., disorientation, confusion, dizziness, etc.)

An mTBI is serious and can result in lasting symptoms if not treated.

A concussion is an injury that can have lasting effects on the injured person’s life. In most cases, people recover from mild traumatic brain injuries without difficulty. However, if symptoms persist or become worse, it can mean the mTBI will become a long-term challenge.

Symptoms can fall into three main categories:

1. Physical – e.g., headache, ringing of ears, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, blurred vision, etc.
2. Cognitive – e.g., difficulty with attention, concentration, memory, information processing, reasoning, planning, etc.
3. Emotional – e.g., irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, etc.

If you have been in an accident and are experiencing any symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) – even if you did not lose consciousness – you should seek treatment for a brain injury.

You can also help your loved one with daily living. Help them set realistic goals and make strategies for reaching them. Separate activities into smaller tasks. Develop routines and structure the day using external cues, such as alarms, as reminders. Make sure you have their full attention before you tell them something important to minimize the chances that they will miss your message.

The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) and the Brain Injury Association of Peel & Halton (BIAPH) are good resources. They provide information and guidance for people living with brain injuries in Ontario.

Your rehabilitation team can include:

• Your family doctor
• An occupational therapist
• A physiotherapist
• A neuropsychologist
• A speech language pathologist
• A rehabilitation support worker
• A personal support worker
• A case manager
• A lawyer

It can be overwhelming. Start with a professional who is experienced in mTBI, whether that is your family physician, a case manager, or even your lawyer. This knowledgeable person should be able to recommend and coordinate the right set of practitioners for your recovery team.

Every person’s situation is different. We recommend you seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer who specializes in mild traumatic brain injuries. Contact Us Today.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any injury to the brain. According to the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and other sources, a TBI does not necessarily require a direct blow to the head. In fact, a TBI, including mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)

More specifically, the Concussion Guidelines by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation outline that concussions can result from mechanical energy applied to the head, neck, or body, not just direct blows to the skull. This underscores the importance of evaluating the mechanism of injury rather than relying solely on visible head trauma to diagnose a TBI

TBIs are diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests (like CT scans or MRIs), and neurological assessments. For more subtle injuries, like mTBIs, imaging may not show visible damage, so diagnosis relies heavily on symptom history and cognitive assessments conducted by neurologists, neuropsychologists, or physiatrists with acquired brain injury (ABI) expertise.

According to the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, approximately 15% or more of individuals with mTBI experience prolonged symptoms, which can persist well beyond the typical recovery period of a few weeks. These lasting effects, often referred to as Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), include cognitive difficulties, headaches, dizziness, and emotional challenges. Early intervention and consistent monitoring are essential to ensure that those with ongoing symptoms receive proper care and rehabilitation to manage these long-term challenges.

Recovery from a TBI varies widely. The Neurotrauma Foundation has concluded that mild TBIs often resolve within weeks or months with rest and treatment, but recovery from moderate to severe TBIs can take much longer and may not be complete. Even with rehabilitation, some individuals may experience ongoing challenges in their physical, cognitive, or emotional functioning.

The Neurotrauma Foundation emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to TBI rehabilitation, advocating for the involvement of neurologists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, and rehabilitation support workers. This policy promotes comprehensive care tailored to the individual’s specific needs, including cognitive retraining, physical therapy, and emotional support, to maximize recovery potential.

An mTBI, commonly referred to as a concussion, is the most common type of brain injury and occurs when a blow or jolt to the head causes temporary disruption in brain function. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, tinnitus, vision issues, fatigue, and emotional issues. Despite being labelled “mild,” mTBIs can have significant, long-lasting effects if not treated properly.

mTBIs are often difficult to diagnose because they don’t always show up on standard imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs. Diagnosis relies heavily on the patient’s reported symptoms, making it a more subjective process. Additionally, symptoms can be delayed or subtle, leading to underreporting or misdiagnosis.

Family members can provide essential support by understanding the challenges associated with mTBI and being patient with their loved one. They can assist with daily tasks, help create structured routines, and monitor for changes in behaviour or symptoms. Encouraging rest and rehabilitation, as well as ensuring medical follow-ups, is also crucial in the recovery process.

The Neurotrauma Foundation advocates for early intervention in mTBI cases, emphasizing that even mild injuries can have lasting effects if not treated promptly. Their policy supports the use of cognitive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and psychological support to address the wide-ranging impact of mTBIs, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.

If symptoms of an mTBI persist beyond a few weeks, it’s critical to seek specialized medical care. Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome (PPCS) can cause ongoing difficulties with memory, concentration, and emotional regulation. Treatment may involve cognitive rehabilitation, therapy for mood-related symptoms, and interventions to improve concentration and memory function.

Yes, mTBIs can affect work performance, especially if they result in difficulty concentrating, fatigue, or memory problems. Depending on the severity of symptoms, you may need accommodations in the workplace, such as reduced hours, more frequent breaks, or lighter tasks. In more severe cases, a temporary or even long-term leave may be necessary to allow for recovery.