No two TBI events are the same. Every TBI experience is as unique as the person who is affected, symptoms can change day-to-day, symptoms can vary from person-to-person and over short or longer periods of time.
If you’re just starting your traumatic brain injury journey let’s start by answering the basics.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by physical trauma resulting from, but not limited to, incidents involving motor vehicles, sporting events, falls, and physical assaults. A TBI shall be of sufficient severity to result in impairments in one or more of the following areas: cognition; language memory; attention; reasoning; abstract thinking; judgment; problem solving; sensory, perceptual, and motor abilities; psychosocial behavior; physical functions; or information processing. The term does not apply to brain injuries that are congenital or degenerative, or to brain injuries induced by birth trauma. Acquired brain injury, stroke, or mental health issues with no TBI do not fall under this definition.
TBI can impact anyone, in any area, of the state. The planning, coordination, and delivery of services must consider diverse communities across the lifespan. Most common causes of TBI are falls, firearm injury, motor vehicle crash, or an assault.
What is Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI ? - YouTube
- Cognitive Behavior Changes with TBI (Informational Video)
- Management and Recovery
TBI Resources and Workbook | DSHS (wa.gov) - Filled with information, resources, journal prompts and more.
- Fatigue, Sleep Problems and Headaches
- Emotional Lability, Anger, and Impulsiveness
- Sensory Sensitivity and Overstimulation
- Attention and Memory
- Problem-Solving and Cognitive Flexibility
- Depression and Anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and Loss
- Self Care and Recovery
- Mindfulness
- Journaling
- Communications
- And much more
CALL 2-1-1 or (877) 211-9274 or online Wa211.org. Get support and connected to resources.
Where do you start? Traumatic Brain Injury: Let's Help You - Washington 211 (wa211.org)
Get Support | DSHS (wa.gov) for additional information