What Problems Emerge after a Mild TBI?
Mild TBI can be a problem for two reasons. First, the cognitive, physical, and emotional effects may not disappear and, in themselves, create problems. These consequences of mild injury are often similar to those described above with respect to moderate and severe injuries. Second, the psychological disruption created by these consequences can add to (or occasionally outlive) the original problems experienced after injury. One might ask, Why is this psychological disruption not also a problem for people with moderate or severe injuries? The difference with mild brain injuries is that neither the injured person nor his/her social network expects any negative effects of the whiplash or concussion. Medical experts have told them, “Go home, watch for problems, but really, you’ll be just fine.” Or, the injured person has written off the blow to the head as not even worth the effort of seeking medical help. On the other hand, with more severe injuries, expectations of negative consequences a
