Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Why You Don’t Need To Hit Your Head To Suffer One

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most misunderstood catastrophic injuries. Many people assume a TBI only occurs when someone suffers a direct blow to the head—but that’s not always the case. Modern research, emergency medicine, and injury litigation all confirm one important truth: TBIs can happen without any head impact at all. Sudden motion alone can cause serious, life-altering brain damage.

Below, our friends at KBD Attorneys break down what TBIs are, how they happen, and why recognizing the signs early is essential for protecting your health and legal rights.

What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury? A Clear Medical Definition

A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force disrupts the brain’s normal function. This may involve bruising, bleeding, stretching of brain tissue, or chemical changes inside the brain.

TBIs are typically classified into three categories:

• Mild TBI (mTBI) – Often referred to as a concussion; symptoms can still be long-lasting and debilitating.
• Moderate TBI – May involve extended unconsciousness or significant cognitive changes.
• Severe TBI – Causes major impairment, often requiring long-term medical care.

Even “mild” TBIs can result in chronic headaches, sleep issues, emotional changes, memory loss, or concentration problems. They can significantly impair someone’s ability to work, drive, or manage daily life.

You Don’t Need A Direct Head Impact To Suffer A TBI

A personal injury lawyer knows that one of the biggest myths about brain injuries is that they only happen when a person hits their head. In reality, the brain can be injured purely from rapid acceleration and deceleration.

Common non-impact causes include:

• Whiplash-type motion

• Sudden jolting or violent shaking

• Explosions or blast pressure waves

• Falls where the body stops abruptly, but the head does not strike anything

• High-speed collisions that cause the brain to shift inside the skull

The brain floats in cerebrospinal fluid. When the head moves suddenly—forward, backward, or rotationally—the brain can slam against the inside of the skull. This can cause:

• Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)
• Microbleeds
• Cellular damage too small to appear on early imaging
• Functional disruptions that lead to chronic symptoms

These injuries are real, serious, and often overlooked.

Common Symptoms Of TBIs That Are Often Ignored

Whether or not head impact occurred, TBIs can produce a wide range of symptoms. Some show up immediately, while others appear days or weeks later.

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches or pressure in the skull
• Dizziness, balance issues, or light sensitivity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or sleep disturbances

Cognitive Symptoms

• Memory lapses
• Trouble concentrating
• Slowed thinking
• Difficulty multitasking or making decisions

Emotional And Behavioral Symptoms

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings

These symptoms shouldn’t be dismissed as “normal soreness” after a crash or fall. They may be signs of a serious neurological issue.

Why TBIs Are Frequently Missed Or Misdiagnosed

Non-impact TBIs are often misunderstood. Many victims walk away from an accident believing they’re fine because they didn’t hit their head. Even medical professionals may miss early signs, especially when CT or MRI scans look normal.

However, normal imaging does not rule out a TBI. Many forms of brain trauma occur at the microscopic or functional level—detectable only through advanced imaging or neuropsychological testing.

When To Seek Medical And Legal Guidance

Anyone experiencing symptoms after an accident—regardless of whether the head was struck—should consult a medical professional. Early documentation and diagnosis can make a major difference in treatment and recovery.

Those dealing with a TBI caused by someone else’s negligence may also need legal support to cover medical care, long-term therapy, and lost income.