Types of Traumatic Brain Injury

Learn about some of the most common types of traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are the most common variety of brain injuries, affecting as many as 1.7 million people and claiming 52,000 lives annually. The trauma in this term refers to the physical trauma of a blow to the head, but not all blows to the head produce the same level of damage. Some TBIs are relatively minor, causing only short-term symptoms. Others produce massive brain damage that can permanently undermine a survivor's ability to function.

No matter how serious an injury seems, it is impossible to diagnose a TBI based on symptoms or the severity of the blow alone. If you or someone you love suffers a blow to the head, seek prompt medical assistance. Doing so could save your life, and may also prevent many of the devastating long-term effects of brain injuries.

It's important to note that traumatic brain injuries aren't the only way the brain can be injured. Non-traumatic brain injuries can be equally devastating. To learn more about non-traumatic brain injuries, see "Types of Acquired Brain Injuries."

Concussion is the most common type of brain injury