What is mild TBI?
“Mild TBI” is defined by lesser levels of brain damage, as indicated by only brief or no loss of consciousness. Nevertheless, mild injury is important to discuss for four reasons: • Although the negative consequences of mild TBI tend to disappear more or less quickly for most people who have mild injuries, some research suggests that about 15 percent continue to suffer symptoms that can be severely debilitating. Thus, “mild” injury may be anything but mild. • Those who receive a blow to the head with brief (or no) LOC are often sent home from the hospital with assurances that they are just fine. However, this may or may not be the case, and when not the case, this misinformation about no long-term problems may have devastating effects, as the person remains unaware of the basis for his or her altered ability to function. • Some individuals who have experienced a concussion or whiplash, or a brain injury with brief LOC, do not enter the health care system at all. In effect, they assure
