What Are Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)?
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results from a sudden jolt, bump, or blow to the head, disrupting normal brain function. While loss of consciousness is often associated with concussions, many individuals experience long-term cognitive, emotional, or behavioral symptoms without ever passing out—or even receiving a formal diagnosis. Each year, roughly 1.7 million people in the U.S. visit emergency rooms due to TBIs, and an estimated 300,000 veterans have sustained brain injuries during military service. Countless other cases go unreported or undiagnosed, leaving many untreated and at risk for serious consequences.
Who Is at Risk for Head Injuries?
More than 2 million new head injuries occur annually in the United States. Concussion rates are rapidly rising, especially among children and teens. Between 2010 and 2015, general population diagnoses rose by 43%, while rates among youth ages 10–19 increased by a staggering 71%. In the military community, over 350,000 service members have been diagnosed with TBIs since 2000.
Key Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Research confirms that traumatic brain injuries can significantly increase the risk of mental health disorders. Unfortunately, traditional psychiatry often overlooks this connection because it rarely involves direct examination of the brain. At Amen Clinics, nearly 40% of our patients have a history of head trauma—many of whom don’t remember ever being injured.
Brain injuries can trigger a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Short- and long-term memory issues
- Confusion or mental fog
- Emotional instability, mood swings, and anger
- Anxiety, balance difficulties, and even suicidal thoughts
What Causes Concussions and TBIs?
Even without a direct hit, whiplash-like motions can cause brain trauma by forcing the brain to slam against the skull’s inner surface, which contains sharp bony ridges.
Head injuries can result from various incidents, such as:
- Contact sports (football, hockey, basketball, soccer, etc.)
- Physical altercations or assaults
- Falls or accidents around the home or workplace
- Motor vehicle collisions—even minor ones like fender benders
Mental Health Risks Linked to Concussions and TBIs
Sustaining a traumatic brain injury can raise the likelihood of developing several mental and behavioral health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety or panic disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- ADD/ADHD
- Substance abuse
- Psychosis
- Aggressive behavior
- Personality disorders
- Dementia
- Suicidal ideation
You Don’t Need to Hit Your Head to Injure Your Brain
The brain is a delicate organ, with a consistency similar to soft butter. Although the skull provides rigid protection, the sharp ridges inside can cause serious injury when the brain shifts or slams against them during sudden motion—such as in whiplash or falls. Not all symptoms show up immediately; many individuals begin to experience issues weeks or months after the injury, often unaware that a brain injury is the root cause. Because many medical professionals don’t inquire about head trauma or use brain imaging, symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as psychiatric disorders and treated solely with medication.
Common signs and symptoms of head trauma include:
Physical:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Visual disturbances
- Sleep disruptions
- Loss of balance
- Fatigue or low energy
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Cognitive:
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory lapses
- Difficulty recalling words
- Mental exhaustion
- Confusion
Behavioral:
- Impulsive decisions
- Outbursts of anger
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Substance use issues
Psychological:
- Increased irritability or mood swings
- Anxiety and depression
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide