What is a TBI?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is defined as damage to brain tissue caused by an external mechanical force as evidenced by: loss of consciousness due to brain trauma, or post traumatic amnesia (PTA), or skull fracture, or objective neurological findings that can be reasonably attributed to TBI on the initial physical examination or mental status examination.

Penetrating wounds fitting the definition listed above are included. Lacerations and/or bruises of the scalp or forehead without other criteria listed above are excluded. Primary anoxic encephalopathy (loss of oxygen) is excluded.