Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious
public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic
brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and
cases of permanent disability. Recent data shows that, on
average, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic
brain injury annually.1 A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt
to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the
normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head
result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,”
i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to
“severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia
after the injury. The majority of TBIs that occur each year are
concussions or other forms of mild TBI.2. Severe Traumatic Brain
Injury Each year, TBIs contribute to a substantial number of
deaths and cases of permanent disability. In fact, TBI is a
contributing factor to a third (30.5%) of all injury-related
deaths in the United State