TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)

What is TBI?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by an external force—such as a fall, car accident, sports injury, or blast exposure. TBI ranges from mild (concussion) to severe and can disrupt cognition, mood, balance, and sensory processing. 

Even a “mild” TBI can affect daily life, especially when symptoms persist (post-concussion syndrome). Early, targeted treatment at Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care supports safe recovery and return to normal activity.

What are the symptoms of TBI?

TBI symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours to days. Common signs include:

• Headache or head pressure
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
• Fatigue
• Confusion, memory, or concentration issues
• Slowed thinking or speech
• Mood or behavior changes (irritability, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of consciousness, amnesia, or seizures (severe injuries)

Seek urgent care for worsening headache, repeated vomiting, unequal pupils, weakness, slurred speech, seizures, or increasing confusion.

What are the causes and risk factors of TBI?

TBI can result from falls, motor-vehicle collisions, sports impacts, workplace accidents, assaults, or military blast exposure.

Higher complication risk occurs with older age, blood thinners, substance use, or pre-existing neurological or mental health conditions. Untreated TBI may lead to post-traumatic headaches, mood disorders, or, in severe cases, long-term disability.

How is TBI diagnosed?

Your clinician at Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care reviews your injury details, medical history, and symptoms, followed by a neurological exam. Testing may include:

• CT or MRI scans to check for bleeding or swelling
• Neurocognitive testing for attention and memory
• Balance, vision, and vestibular assessments
• Blood work to rule out contributing factors

They also screen for co-occurring issues, such as headaches, neck strain, and mood changes, that may slow recovery.

How is TBI treated?

Your personalized care plan focuses on symptom relief, safe resumption of activity, and preventing reinjury. Treatment options may include:

• Education & pacing: guided return-to-learn/work/sport
• Headache management: medication and lifestyle support
• Vestibular therapy: rehab for dizziness and balance
• Vision therapy: eye-tracking and focus exercises
• Physical therapy: for neck pain and posture
• Cognitive rehab: strategies for focus and memory
• Mood support: counseling, medication, and healthy habits
• Nutrition and hydration guidance
• Work or school accommodations
• Advanced therapies: neurostimulation or specialty referrals

Most patients recover with a structured plan and consistent follow-up.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth TBI evaluation today at Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care by calling the office or booking online.