I Have a What?! A Guide for Coping with Mild TBI

This guide was created by Margaret A. Struchen; Tresa M. Roebuck; Monique R. Pappadis; and Jason E. Ferguson. Download the full PDF to find the following content:

• What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
• How does injury to the brain happen?
• Why is my brain important?
• How serious was my injury?
• What problems may I have after a mild TBI? What can I do?
• When should I seek medical help?
• Common Misconceptions
• Where can I go to get help?

Here is an excerpt of this guide:

Introduction

What is a head injury?

Most of the time, a head injury does not cause lasting problems. This is because the brain is well protected. The brain is surrounded by fluid. This fluid protects and nourishes the brain. There are also several coverings around the brain. These coverings include the hair, the scalp, and the skull. Layers of tissue, called meninges, cover the brain. These protective layers will often keep the brain from getting hurt. Often, a bruise, swelling of the scalp or a cut to the scalp may be the only injury.

Sometimes the force of the hit to the head is greater. The skull is like a “helmet” that protects the brain. The skull can fracture or break. When the skull breaks, it lessens the force of the hit. This may help keep the brain from getting hurt. However, the brain may be injured whether the skull breaks or not.

Sometimes the head injury can affect the way the brain works. Doctors call this kind of injury a “traumatic brain injury.”

To read the rest of I Have a What?! A Guide for Coping with Mild TBI, click here.