A traumatic brain injury (or, “TBI”) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a traumatic brain injury.
The severity of such an injury may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. A traumatic brain injury can result in short or long-term problems with independent function.