What’s the Difference between TBI and a Concussion?
You’ve been in a car accident, had a slip and fall or were playing a contact sport. You had an accident and sustained a bump or blow to the head. Is it a concussion? Is it a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? What’s the difference?
Concussion vs. TBI—A Basic Understanding
Any type of bump or blow to the head will be considered a traumatic brain injury, regardless of how insignificant or how serious. When that injury is diagnosed to be mild or moderate, it is typically referred to as a concussion. When it’s more serious, it’s commonly referred to as a traumatic brain injury.
Concussion vs TBI—The Symptoms
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries share many of the same symptoms. With both, you can expect to experience:
- Headaches or neck pain
- Dizziness, vertigo or other problems with balance
- Confusion, disorientation or memory problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Ringing in the ears
While a person may lose consciousness with either a concussion or a traumatic brain injury, it’s atypical for that loss of consciousness to last more than a few seconds or minutes with a concussion. If the loss of consciousness lasts more than 30 minutes, it’s likely that you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Concussion vs. Traumatic Brain Injury—Diagnosis
As a general rule, imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs, will not definitively diagnose a concussion or a TBI, but can provide evidence of bleeding on the brain, inflammation or a skull fracture. The treating physician will typically perform a physical examination, assessing balance, reflexes, vision and coordination, as well as cognitive function. With loss of consciousness, medical personnel may use the Glasgow Coma Scale to determine the severity of the injury.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.