“MILD” HEAD INJURY

Did you know that half of adults and older teens with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) have symptoms 1 year later? They will experience 4+ post-concussion symptoms at one year, and almost 10% will have very low levels of cognitive function.

What is mild TBI? Defined as loss of consciousness < 30 minutes and disorientation < 24 hrs, it is often described as having your “bell rung”. It is often NOT a benign event. Persisting symptoms can interfere with daily function and include headaches, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, noise sensitivity, fatigue, irritability, memory problems, decreased job performance, poor sleep and even trouble balancing your checkbook!

Theadom A, Parag V, Dowell T, et al, for the BIONIC Research Group. Persistent problems 1 year after mild traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal population study in New Zealand. Br J Gen Pract 2016;66(642):e16-e2