Traumatic brain injury is a type of acquired injury that occurs when an accident or trauma causes damage to the brain. A trauma that results from the head suddenly hitting an object, an object hitting the head, or an object piercing the skull and entering the brain tissue can cause traumatic brain injury. Situations in which the brain slams against the skull, such as car accidents, can also cause traumatic brain injury. Visit our causes of brain injury section for a complete and detailed explanation of causes.

Depending upon the injury, symptoms of traumatic brain injury can be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms will vary depending upon which area of the brain was injured. As a general rule of thumb, the severity of symptoms, as well as how long initial symptoms persist, are good indicators of the long-term prognosis.

If your child has sustained a trauma and is exhibiting signs of traumatic brain injury, he should be taken to the emergency room right away. Doctors will use the Glasgow Coma Scale and will run a battery of imaging tests to diagnose the type, location, and severity of the injury. There are two main treatment phases—the initial phase of treatment will focus on stabilizing your child to ensure that further damage doesn’t occur, while long-term treatment will focus on rehabilitation designed to return your child to the maximum amount of function. There are a wide variety of traditional and alternative therapies that can help your child live the best life possible.