Traumatic Brain Injury
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by an external force, such as a bump, blow, jolt to the head or body, or a penetrating injury like a skull fracture or gunshot wound. This sudden force disrupts normal brain function and can range from mild (often called a concussion) to moderate or severe, affecting how a person thinks, feels, moves, and behaves. TBIs can lead to short‑term symptoms, such as headache, confusion, or dizziness, or long‑term changes in memory, mood, attention, and physical abilities.
Not everyone who experiences a hit to the head will develop a TBI, but when the impact is strong enough, the brain can move inside the skull, causing bruising, bleeding, or stretching and tearing of nerve fibres. In more serious injuries, this damage can create lasting challenges with work, school, relationships, and daily activities, sometimes requiring ongoing rehabilitation and support.
Because TBI symptoms can appear right away or develop over hours or days, it is important to seek medical assessment after a significant head injury, especially if there is loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, confusion, weakness, or changes in behaviour. Early assessment and treatment help reduce complications and set the stage for a more effective recovery plan, including rehabilitation and mental health support where needed.
Common incidents that cause TBI
Traumatic brain injuries are most often caused by falls, such as slipping on wet surfaces, falling from ladders or stairs, or losing balance on ice. Falls are a leading cause of TBI‑related emergency visits and hospitalizations, especially among young children and older adults.
Motor vehicle and transport incidents are another major source of TBI, including car, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian collisions. Sports and recreational activities—such as hockey, soccer, cycling, skiing, or contact sports—also contribute significantly to concussion and other forms of brain injury.
TBIs can also result from acts of violence (for example, assaults, intimate partner violence, or gunshot wounds) and from blast or combat injuries in military contexts. Workplace accidents, being struck by falling objects, and other sudden impacts can further increase TBI risk in certain occupations.
Common mood and related disorders in this service
- Depressive disorders (such as major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder)
- Anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or specific phobias)
- Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder
- Cognitive disorders, including difficulties with memory, attention, processing speed, or executive functioning that affect work, school, and daily life
- Substance use and related conditions
- Other neurological and chronic conditions, such as seizure disorders and ongoing headaches, which may interact with mood and cognitive changes
Most common treatment modalities
- Psychological assessment and formulation
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma‑focused therapies
- Neuropsychological-informed interventions
- Supportive and psychoeducational therapy
- Mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches
Suicide Helpline Information
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, feeling like you might harm yourself, or are in immediate crisis, please reach out for urgent support right away. Call your local emergency number (911 in most of Canada and the U.S.) or go to the nearest emergency department.
In Canada, you can also contact 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7 by phone or text, to speak with a trained responder who can offer immediate support and help you stay safe. If you are outside Canada, please contact your country’s suicide prevention hotline or local crisis line for immediate assistance.
Recommended Practitioner(s)
- Farhat Shabbir RSW, MSW | fcounsellor4@gmail.com | Book an appointment
